My bike is my happy place. When I ride, I feel like all is ok with the world and with my life. Regardless of how tired I am, or how bad my day has been, jumping on my bike and pedalling seems to calm my nerves and stress.

I remember when my son, Craig, passed away in 1995, the only way I could think to get away from the sadness and grief for a couple of hours was to pedal…and pedal…and pedal. Looking back now, it was like I was on a mission to click up as many kilometres as possible, as quickly as possible. Regardless of weather conditions, I would be out there and loving it.

A feeling of peace seemed to come over me when riding.  It may sound silly but I remember feeling that Craig was on my shoulder while I was riding, spurring me on. Craig did share my love of cycling, so of course he would be riding with me, even after he had left me.  That was my reasoning at the time anyway.

I’m not sure if that experience is the reason that even now, almost 20 years later, I have a sense of calm and peace when riding.

Whatever the reason though, doesn’t really matter. My bike is my happy place! Long may my health be such that the pedalling can continue.

What or where is your happy place? ue.

 

 

 

What’s your happy place?