July 5, 2009 at 6:32am was my first bike ride over 10 miles. I clocked 10.42 miles at Lake Hefner [Garmin data]. Riding the bike has turned into cycling over the last 2 years…and it has been a blast. Thanks Randy Coleman for constantly pushing me to get a bike…and finally I did. For those just thinking about getting started, I simply started on a used mountain bike. I needed to prove to myself that I would be consistent, and check out if I really liked riding. $150 bucks later and I was riding. Now it looks a lot different than that (shaved legs and all), but it has been a 2 year journey to where I am today. With cycling, and an overall healthy lifestyle I am in the best shape of my life at 37. Some cool facts…in the last 24 months I have riden over 5,600 miles, and burned over 284,000 calories! Cycling has been an awesome addition and discipline to my life…I am so thankful for it. Seeing the 60 year old guys I sometimes ride with, that totally hammer me, also lets me know I can cycle for many years to come.
Link: OKC Velo Crit Garmin results #cycling
40:32 min, 182 avg bpm/197 max bpm, 139 max cadence, 23.6 avg MPH.
For those who have been asking, here are my upcoming events and races for the rest of the summer.
July 13th – After Work Crit
July 16th – Norman Conquest (66 miles)
July 30th – The Dehydrator (56 mile race or 62 mile ride)
August 10th – After Work Crit
August 13th – Spin your Wheels (62 or 85 miles)
August 21st – Owasso Crit (more info to come)
August 27th – Hotter than Hell (100 miles, The Century!)
Sept 2/3rd – Tour de Trykes (Friday Crit, Sat 58 miles)
Sept 11th – OBS Streak (62 miles)
Sept 11th – 9/11 Memorial Circuit Race / Lake Draper (more info to come)
Sept 24th – Oklahoma State Championship Road Race
As a cyclist in Oklahoma there is something that is unavoidable…Wind! For those unfamiliar with the Oklahoma winds, it is common to have constant 10-20 mph winds, and often we experience gusts of 30-45mph winds. What this means is with the same level of effort, having the wind at your back could equate to riding 30+mph faster while the wind in your face can feel like an riding on an incline…backwards.
As a beginner or rookie cyclist it is common to try and avoid the big winds. To sit them out, or adjust a ride east and west to avoid the massive winds out of the south. However, when turning north, you get that south wind at your back and the “Lance-like feeling” comes on, and wow…a rookie turns semi-pro within seconds. It’s a feeling like none other, you want to ride north for hours had have someone come pick you up.
The core problem or mistake with avoiding the wind is you are missing a key opportunity to develop and grow as a cyclist. It is understandable to not be a fan of the wind, however, it’s important to embrace the fact that the wind is a perfect training tool to improve as a cyclist. As you mature as a rider, you start to craft rides with the purpose of hitting the wind head on…embracing the pain, and learning how to attack it head on. Training in the wind not only strengthens your legs it also improves your core strength, balance, and mental strenghth. Riding in the wind makes you a better, and stronger rider! So what does all this cycling talk have to do with God’s Will?
Well, let me start by saying I am no theologian or seminary scholar. But in years past I found myself personally thinking being in God’s will should be like riding north with a big south wind at your back. Being in God’s will is suppose to feel like you have “Lance Armstrong’s legs”. However, I just don’t believe this, and can not find support for this thinking in the Bible. Fact is, cycling in the wind is a lot Like God’s will. Yes it feels really good heading north…it builds your confidence, is encouraging, and often you will have these seasons. But, being in God’s will also includes heading south, into a 45mph headwind, uphill and in the heat. It’s really tough, it burns, it hurts and it is flat out hard. And the key to learning is embracing that in those seasons it is when we are growing the most, being developed. It makes us better, stronger, and more Christlike.
Finally, it is my continual prayer to approach head winds in this manner as I lead others. For us to embrace, accept, and actually appreciate the challenging times in the middle of God’s will. It is a great reminder that God truly does love us.
Now off for a bike ride in the wind!
