“find what works for you.”
A few weeks back, I left for a bike ride amidst tall, looming clouds. Call me crazy, but I enjoy the drama of weathers imminent unfolding. I pedaled down the cane-lined coast of the Atlantic, across a single-laned road paved on tombolo, splitting sand beaches. Leaning into heavy gusts as the storm approached, the pavement turned to cobblestone and canted steeply. I made it to the tip of Baleal — a rocky, grass and flower covered peninsula jutting West into the ocean — just as it started to sprinkle. I sprinted around the bend in the road and downhill, bouncing on cobbles as the sky opened up. Ocean weather is powerful — like turning on a hose just to shut it off two minutes later. The deluge quickly turned the cobbled street to a river and I sought refuge under the canopy of a closed cafe.
True to habit, the cell passed after a few minutes and I started pedaling once again. I soon crossed paths with a couple on touring bicycles and figured anyone out biking in such rain must have some good stories. If you don’t know, I really like bikes. Bikes are fun, I like fun, yadda, yadda, yadda. As I am currently building a bike to bikepack (think backpacking but by bicycle), I excitedly asked particulars of their builds like I was playing twenty questions. Andrew and Helen (the lovely English duo) happily answered and provided all the knowledge I hadn’t found online.
We chatted and laughed for a bit, enjoying the comfort of sharing space with a fellow gear-nerd. Andrew kept insisting the build process continually changes and that I’ve just got to figure out what works for me. They noted that having a bike is only half the battle and that bringing a mechanic along for long rides is almost necessary. I joked that I could easily find a mechanic bf to bring along for the journey. To this, Andrew shared stories of his daughter who pedals solo and how empowering it’s been for her. They were both full of insights and inspiration. As we parted ways, yelling goodbyes, thanks, and last-minute jabs, Andrew yelled back, “just find what works for you!” Wise words.
