Tweedle Beetle Tri-Atheletle

Some of us ride to train.
Some of us ride for general health.
Some of us ride to get from home to work and/or from work to home..
Some of us ride for our significant others, fathers, mothers or brothers.
Some of us ride because we can't drive, for one reason or another.
Some of us ride because it is hard... really hard, depending on how hard you want it be.

Others, a lucky few, ride because every once and a while - it allows us the capacity to capture an experience which is worth remembering.  Experiences like these can take place any-day, anytime, anywhere or with anyone.  My experience today though, took place on a beautiful February Day, about 60 degrees and sunny.  Cold enough to wear a sweatshirt but not cold enough for a jacket.

My riding partner for the day saddled up on his bike looking particular fast - a red skateboarding helmet, partially sliding off the back of his head because of the stocking cap being worn underneath, his Velcro-shoes, strapped stylishly in a "X".   I donned my more "stylish" Old Navy jeans, tucked strategically into my socks.  Instead of my Specialized bike shoes, I elected to go with a less common high top converse (old school style).

They ride was typical.  We covered rolling terrain, made especially tricky by the allowance of driveways gently greeting the pavement of the street.  For a bit it was stop and go, as we checked both ways before moving from one side walk to the other.  Our stats were also typical - 1 mile covered, 40 min of ride time, Average Speed of 4.2 mph... oh and a stop at the slides and a loop around the basketball court.

This ride was not special because of the sights seen, the weather, the speed or distance.  It wasn't special because my heart rate was in the "target range" for 80% of the ride or that I lead the pack for more than my fair share.  It was incredibly special because it was with my son - my very first ride with my 4 year old son.  In a life which is so unpredictable, so fleeting - these experiences are gifts, and these gifts are the reason why I ride.  Today's gift was unexpected, this experience was one to remember and document.  Today was certainly a ride of a lifetime - and I am grateful.

Why do you ride?