Funny how as we get older our tastes and interests change and the things we used to love to do evolve into something new and exciting.
I never used to be a big road trip person, in fact, I preferred flying because it gets me to my destination quicker, allowing for more time spent there.
While I still do sometimes prefer to fly for just that reason, having the right travel companion on a road trip makes all the difference.
It's nice to see new places together and not have to abide by a rigid schedule. In the past few years, I've driven across 10 different states I'd never been to before…places I wouldn't have had the luxury of seeing had I been on a plane.
Another thing that is a 'road trip bonus' is being able to take whatever you can fit in the car…once all the necessities are packed, all you really need is some good tunes, a cooler full of healthy foods and oh…did I mention the bikes?
How cool is it to be able to park the car, change into your bike gear and just ride…
I used to be a marathon runner and while I still love to run, you just can't cover as much ground when you run as you can cover on the bike.
This is one of the MANY reasons I love to ride. Sure, I can run in new places too but there are places I can get to on my bike that I just can't go while running because it's too far.
I love the triumphant feeling after climbing a few thousand feet to the top of a mountain, looking down and knowing my body, my legs, my strength got me to the top…
And then…the exhilaration of flying down that mountain at 45 mph. There is no comparison.
Of course, there is the 'runner's high' which I also love but until you're a cyclist, you don't understand the unbelievable FREE feeling you have while you're on the bike.
…being able to ride to places you wouldn't even consider driving because there's simply not as much reason if you're not on the bike.
I never knew when I bought my first bike (5 bikes ago, mind you - it becomes an obsession) that I'd be so completely fulfilled by it that I'd rather go shopping for new bike gear or something new for my bike instead of shopping for a new pair of jeans.
In fact, just as I'd now prefer to drive across the country instead of fly, I'd rather be on my bike than do almost anything else. You might say I'm 'sitting around'... sitting around the world, that is.
I never thought running wouldn't be my exercise of choice, never thought I'd evolve into the cyclist I am today.
Biking has changed my life. Not that my life was bad before, it's just richer and more well-traveled than before.
Try it…maybe it will do for you what it has done for me...