Chasing Shadows

I’ve been chasing my shadow on a bicycle for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a time where my bicycle offered the freedom to explore, the rush of adrenaline and community, i believe was a gift. It shaped my life in ways I would have never imagined. When I look back on my life on two wheels, I’ve realized that while my relationship with riding has changed, I still have share the same joy as the 5 year old me riding with my friends to the creek.

I still take my hands off the bars and coast no handed. I still stare at my shadow as I’m climbing a long hill, and laugh that this simple act of riding a bicycle brings me so much joy at 50. this week I was thinking a lot about that relationship with cycling, and why especially over the last few years I’ve been looking back with so much gratitude for finding a lifelong passion. Is it the freedom, the time to be introspective, or the fitness aspect and that rush of Endorphins and dopamine? Is it the solitude and happiness? Maybe it’s just fun?

Thinking on this lately, I can tell you I don’t have an answer. I don’t think it’s one thing, or always all the things, but I know I’m grateful for finding a passion, that for me, has made my life better. If you don’t have a “shadow” to chase in your life, I suggest you do, in whatever form that inspires you. So I’m just gonna stop thinking about it and keep chasing my shadow, and hope you keep chasing yours.