What Do You Think About When Riding?

Great question and to a large degree it depends upon the day, what sort of training plan I have that day, am I riding solo or a group, and of course the weather and wind. Note: all bicycle rides are uphill and into the wind both ways!

Most rides have plenty of time to let one’s mind drift into deep thought. I certainly do a great deal of mental planning for things on the horizon with my family and friends. Of course one has to be careful not to get so absorbed in thought, especially when doing mental imaging as this can prevent you from being ready for any changes in the road, trail, other riders, etc. I have had my share of incidents from not being 100% in the moment.

For me, every bike ride regardless of the training effort, distance, or weather is a wonderful experience that I look forward to repeating as often as possible. It isn’t very often that we ‘grownups’ can go out and act / feel like a kid again.

When training I think about the current effort, how it will transpire across the road / trail ahead of me as I generally know what’s in store as fas as terrain, elevation, wind, turns, overpasses, etc. and how my body is feeling. Is it a good day to push a bit longer or harder? Should I just stick to the plan and make it work? Or is this a day where I toss the training plan out and just ride? All are fine.

As this is RAAM2CC I assure you hardly a day or ride goes by where I don’t think about the 3,000 miles and 45 days on the road coming in 2026. Many of my thoughts are on how fortunate I am to be my age with the fitness to even consider such an epic ride.

My true blessings are to have a loving wife who understands me, my passion for cycling, and my burning desire to help those in need who are struggling with cancer. Either personally or supporting a loved one battling cancer.

Bike rides can be long. They give us time to reflect on our life experiences, friends, family, pets, loved ones no longer with us, and to make great plans for the future.

I hope you enjoy your rides as much as I do mine.

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