A ride with friends

It wasn’t long ago that a bicycle rally for me was an athletic event. Training, preparing my equipment, spending time with and on the bike. While my routines associated with a rally have changed, one thing hasn’t.

It still is just a bike ride.

The last 7 or so years have been, at times, intense. That was driven mostly by the company I kept and the equipment I collected. Whether your passion is duck hunting, grilling, cars, fishing or what have you, it usually is a mix of “stuff” and buddies. And an immersion into something.

As I’ve aged and relocated, my relationship with my bikes and cycling has changed. This was most evident yesterday when I rode in the Tour de Tucson. This was my 8th Tour. Over the years I’ve ridden everything from steel-framed “beer bikes” to light road bikes with skinny tires to a camping bike. All of the distances have been covered.

This year was about riding with friends. No speed goals, just wanting to ride with and finish with friends. And that’s what I did. The beer tasted just as sweet at the end. Along the way I talked with people and shared laughs and stories.

While I’m tired from the ride as I always am, this is a more relaxed kind of tired. While each ride is different, this was a kinder, gentler spin through the desert.

Thanks, Bob, for a renewed interest and a most enjoyable day. And to the 10,000 other “friends” who rode with us.

See you on the trail soon.