"It's just like riding a bike"

"It's just like riding a bike."

That's the phrase they always use to insinuate that something will be easy, and come back naturally. Like when you get on a bike and recall instantaneously all the old muscle memory that it takes to balance yourself and go for a spin.

So, naturally, I thought that riding a bike again would be just like riding a bike.
Let me just walk you through my week of adventures and mishaps with this bicycling concept...

Attempt 1: Monday, February 27. I borrowed an old Schwind from a really good friend of mine--we even got new tires on it so it was all set and ready. I was a bit hesitant that my first time back on the road was a mere 6 days before the race. No big deal, though, right? Shouldn't be that bad. I hop confidently on the bike, push off, and I'm like, Yeah, I got this! Ooh, lil' fast... better slow down. And that's when I realized the brakes didn't work. Luckily, my Nikes caught my fall and not my entire body. And yes, I had on a helmet. Thankfully.

Attempt 2: Tuesday, February 28. Borrowed another bike, a Diamondback, from another friend. I left for school with 30 minutes to get about two miles. Piece of cake, right? WRONG. I couldn't get up the first hill. I was mortified as I walked my bike up Riverbend Parkway past people waiting for the bus. I couldn't bike up one. single. hill. Walked every single one of them. 45 minutes later, thighs throbbing, sweating profusely, I meandered late into my math class.

Attempt 3: Later that day. Feeling re-inspired my sheer will power, I took on the bike thing again. Wasn't so bad. But something was wrong. The back tire... sounded funny. Started slipping out behind me. Almost wiped out. Got off and noticed the tube (the rubber part of the tire, I later learned) was practically hanging off the wheel. Walked halfway home, and tearfully waited for a bus. Red-faced and heavy-hearted, I put the bike on the front of the bus and rode home.


Attempt 4: Thursday, March 1. Took the bike into Sunshine Cycles in downtown Athens. These guys are seriously amazing. Got a tune up and new tube on the bike in just a few hours. Rode the bike back to my car with much more ease. About a half a mile. Realized a part of the previous problem was probably low air in my tires. Mental note.


Attempt 5. Later that day (today). I geared up, hair in pigtails and Nikes laced tight--and set out. My goal was pretty much to see how far I could go. So what did I do?

I biked 9 miles.

Yeah. 9 miles. And I was smiling and laughing most of the time. I felt electric, alive, on fire. A stunning sunset bike ride, and I felt strong, the air containing a palpable energy. I biked Sunday's race route, and then some. When I got to the East Side Kroger, I glanced to my right and was completely taken aback by the sight of the sun setting over the pasture, birds soaring, horses grazing, the sky smiling down on me. 

OH. And might I mention, readjusting where my seat was--was C R I T I C A L. It's totally why I couldn't get up hills. Once I raised the seat, it changed the entire feel of the ride... and my demeanor! Amazing how little tricks of the trade can change the entire experience. So I guess, after all has been said and done this week, riding a bike really did end up being "just like riding a bike."

I was telling a good friend of mine earlier this week about how I couldn't even bike a mile, much less any hills. "I just can't believe that," he protested. "As much as you run and stuff--you've gotta be in better shape than that." I'd thought so too. When I got home, I called him and shared the news of my 9 mile journey. Inwardly I thanked him for doubting me. Even though I didn't straight out say it, I'm sure he knew. Sometimes, hearing someone believe that you have more to give than what you've already given is just what you need for that extra push.


So what I'm telling YOU right now is that YOU CAN DO ANYTHING. Because in a week, after not riding a bike for almost a year and a half--I biked 9 miles. And on Sunday, I'm doing a triathlon. I promise.... You think you know yourself, but you're wrong. We're always underestimating our own potential. I dare you to set some goals. Then demolish them.

Stay tuned, friends. Have a happy weekend!