EMBRACING IT ALL
Embracing the Wind, the Cold, and the Journey
There’s something special about cycling just outside of Amsterdam. The roads are smoother, the views are endless, and every ride feels like you're discovering something new. Today was one of those days. As soon as I hit the open road, I could feel the change in the air – fall has definitely arrived. The crisp, cool breeze brushing against my face made me realize that it’s officially time to break out the layers.
Riding in this season is different. There’s a calmness to it, but at the same time, there’s a raw challenge that wasn’t there in the warmer months. The temperature’s dropping, and the wind... well, the wind is brutal. It’s funny because you think you’re ready for it – that headwind that seems to come out of nowhere. One second, you're flying, feeling unstoppable, and the next, you're fighting just to keep going. But it’s humbling. And somehow, I like that. I like how it forces you to be present, to focus on each pedal stroke, and to push through when all you want to do is slow down.
But as tough as it can be, there’s something so rewarding about learning to ride with the wind instead of against it. I keep telling myself, in a year’s time, I'll have this wind mastered. It’s all about adapting, finding that rhythm, and letting go of the frustration. And honestly, there's beauty in that challenge. I’m not just cycling anymore – I’m growing stronger, both mentally and physically, with every ride.
What really hit me today, though, was how much this ride felt like a journey – not just through the beautiful countryside but through my own thoughts and feelings. There’s something about cycling that brings clarity. The rhythm, the sound of the tires on the road, the quiet moments when it’s just you and the landscape. It’s like therapy on two wheels.
Even with the cold creeping in, the layers piling on, and the wind pushing back, these rides are becoming more meaningful. They remind me why I love cycling so much – it’s the freedom, the escape, the quiet moments of reflection, and yes, even the challenges.
Today wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It was about embracing the journey, the beauty, and the struggle, all wrapped up in one. I know I’ll keep coming back for more, no matter what the weather throws my way. Because in the end, every ride teaches me something – about cycling, about myself, and about the road ahead.