Sunday, I was in Huntsville for the day and without a car. I bummed a bike from a friend and hit the road with my friend Eric. My favorite part of the day is when Eric looked up and asked, “Where to?”
I’ve been missing my Huntsville cycling friends something awful this season, and lately, just plain missing Huntsville. As I headed back to Nashville, I was so heartsick. I realized, it’s the familiarity of what was once home that makes me so sad sometimes.
As much as I love Nashville, it’s not yet familiar. I can’t leave my home on a bike and navigate anywhere in the county comfortably. In Huntsville, I knew the county like the back of my hand. I was a reporter for most of my time there, and I navigated those roads as a cyclist for years. It’s familiar and comfortable. It’s safe. And no matter what route I take, I’m likely to know the other cyclists I pass along the way.
All of these things will come with Nashville, too. I’ll become comfortable with random hills. I’ll navigate residential routes and learn what roads to avoid. And I may never know most of the cyclists here, but I’ll make new friends and cycling buddies.
For now though, I’m planning another ride on my old turf at the end of the month. A day of unplanned, unmapped, wherever-the-wind-takes-me riding. A day of long miles, a familiar mountain or two and maybe, if I’m feeling crazy, a climb up Cecil Ashburn. Man, it’s going to be great. If you want to join me for part of it, you know how to find me.