CYCLIST

I started cycling in 2007 as way to spend some time with my wife. The first 20 km ride we went on I couldn't keep up with her.  But I quickly realized that this was for me.  One day that year I was riding on the back roads of southern Ontario by myself in the pouring rain and for a brief time - it felt like I was a child again.  I have come to cherish the solitude, discipline and challenge of riding. I have been fortunate to combine passions, strengths and values in my cycling, education and travel.

There are also many life lessons that I continue to learn from my cycling.  Here are just a few of them:

1. First and foremost is the quote that has been attributed to the former American Professional cyclist Greg LeMond that "it doesn't get easier, you just go faster".
2. When my legs are burning, and my heart is in my throat - I realize that it is just a sensastion and that I need to stay calm and carry on.
3. When riding in a group, the temptation is to look at the rear wheel of the rider in front of you.  In reality, the safest place to look is to the horizon.
4. Riding in a group is all about keeping a steady pace, don't surge ahead and whatever you do, don't fall off the back of the group.
5. Cycling is really a team sport.  The sum of the team is way stronger than any individual.
6. Cycling in a group requires skill, discipline and trust.
7. You will never know your breaking point - or what you are capable of doing - unless you occasionaly "break" or hit a wall.
8. The best way to be fast and efficient is keep your momentum (don’t slow down if you don’t have to) and minimize your resistance (wind is the enemy).
9. Riding fast on two 23 mm thin rubber tires can be precarious business.  Even with managing risk, at some point one will crash (which I have), hurt themselves (which I have) but be a smarter rider afterwards (which I am).