The Surprising Lessons I’ve Learned from Cycling

I have always loved cycling.

I started cycling on a mountain bike then switched to a proper road bike about a year later.

If I am not hiking on my weekend mornings, I go cycling.

I avoid cycling on our busy streets as I’m afraid of being run over by a bus or any other vehicle.

I am not kidding! We have some crazy drivers here in South Africa. Haha!

I pack my bicycle and drive off to a place 20 minutes away from home. It is quieter and more scenic. There are lots of other cyclists on this route as well.

Cycling helps me with my fitness. It brings me a great sense of joy. The feeling of conquering those steep hills compares to the ups and downs I go through in life.

Just as in cycling the uphill and hard times do not last forever. I always remind myself when I go through troubled or stressful times, I can conquer all my fears like I conquer those steep and winding hills while cycling.

One of the biggest tests in my cycling journey was when I fell off my bicycle. Well, it was more like when I flew like Superman.

Well, Superman lands on his feet! I did not!

Let me tell you what happened…

I entered a cycling race. It was a 58-kilometer race.

I spent months training for the race, and I wanted to finish in a good time. The race was going great! I was feeling great!

I was going downhill at a fast speed. Out of nowhere, a cyclist cuts in front of me.

When changing lanes, you need to check if it is safe. This cyclist didn’t check, he just changed lanes!

My heart must have stopped as I knew I was in trouble. While trying to avoid him, I lost control of my bike.

This cyclist clipped my front wheel.

I was airborne! The worst feeling is when you are moving in a direction that you do not want to go in and you cannot do anything to stop but go through the motions.

When I landed on the ground, I skidded on the tar of the road.

This left me bleeding. I cannot stand to see blood! I normally pass out.

This time I did not pass out. Instead, I quickly got up. Thankfully, there were no bones broken.

The other cyclist did not wake up immediately. The medical team attended to him and his race was over. I did not wait for the medical team. Instead, I continued my race.

There were only 5km to go! I did not want to quit! Not when I was so close to the finish line.

A few meters down the road the medical team suggested I stop racing and attend to my wounds.

However, I was stubborn, I refused to stop!

I told them, I would finish this race and attend to my injuries at the finish line.

The last 5 kilometers of that race was a testing one for me. I was in pain for the last 3 kilometers of the race as the aftereffects of that fall were getting to me, but I chose to push on.

That race made me realize the strength and power of my mind.

I was determined to complete that race even though I should have stopped racing.

When I crossed that finish line, I broke down in tears. The tears were not about my aching and bruised body.

Those tears signified the importance of believing I can get through life’s challenges.

I was going through a stressful time in my life at that time.

So, remember my dear friends, no matter how big your problems may be at this point in your life, always believe that you will get through them. Believe that life will work out for the best.

It will work out for your best!

Most importantly never give up on your ability to overcome your problems.

I believe in you!

Please believe in you too!

Take care and keep well.

Sending lots of love and good energy your way.

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