Sometimes, I have to remember to give myself props for my progress since learning to ride a bicycle two years ago. I went from a recreational and casual rider who used to think 10 miles was far to riding with a slightly faster group and completing my first metric century.
With progress comes growing pains, especially as I continue to challenge myself. Sometimes, I have setbacks, like when I fall. This happened when I first learned to ride, and now that I’m learning how to ride with cleats — something I avoided for a long time out of fear of falling. After getting a new aero bike and a bike fitting, it seemed like the appropriate and next logical progression in my cycling journey. It also makes for more efficient pedaling. That said, I’ve fallen more times than I can count. My falls were embarrassing and, at times, disheartening, but luckily not serious.
There is some consolation in knowing that many riders faced similar challenges, and more experienced riders still fall. While I’d rather forget about the falls (or crawl under a rock), it helps to assess and learn from what happened. In time and with practice, I’ll keep getting better, and if I fall, I’ll get up and try again.
My friend eloquently reminded me that there is beauty in the journey — falls included. As I continue to set and meet personal goals, whether to ride faster or farther, use cleats without falling, or some other objective, I’ll do my best to appreciate all that comes with my cycling journey, growing pains and all.
