Join me. No really, join me.

I’m an avid cyclist. I own the expensive gear and have the fancy bike. But that wasn’t always the case. Four years ago, I hadn’t been on a bike in 15 years. I didn’t even know padded shorts existed or that people clipped into their bikes. And the only thing I knew about the Tour de France involved Lance Armstrong.

I was a newbie to cycling. My first ride was on a mountain bike around my apartment complex, and I barely made it two miles before feeling exhausted. I would wear running shorts on top of my cycling shorts because I wasn’t comfortable being seen publicly in Spandex. (Technically, that comfort level hasn’t changed; I just don’t care anymore.) 😉

When I left for Death Valley for my first JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes in the fall of 2012, I didn’t know what to expect. I had a 25-year-old road bike I paid $50 for used, and I felt completely out-of-place in this Spandex-clad desert. But man did I have fun. So much fun. I had such a wonderful experience, I haven’t climbed off my bike since.

I laughed and I cried. I shared stories and talked about my connection to type 1 diabetes. I bonded with strangers and felt a camaraderie with people I’d met a day before. It was an unbelievable feeling, and I knew it was something I wanted to continue to be a part of for years to come.

My progression to becoming an avid cyclist is a result of how much I love being on two wheels. There’s something wonderful about the wind in your hair and no cell phone in your hand. The world slows down and you notice things you miss otherwise. Nature has a beautiful sound if you slow down long enough to listen. It’s a wonderful form of exercise, and it’s easy to enjoy.

I talk about riding my bike all the time because of the joy it brings me. This is a community full of happy, welcoming people, almost all of whom support wonderful causes through cycling. I want you to experience the same kind of joy and happiness. So, please, come join me for a ride. I’m most passionate about JDRF Rides for obvious reasons, but I’ll join you anywhere for a ride. What are you waiting for?

Here are some great Nashville opportunities to ride:

• My local JDRF chapter hosts several training rides throughout the Spring and Summer, and anyone is welcome to join us! I’m even leading a few of these.
• Walk/Bike Nashville is a wonderful local advocacy group hosting fantastic events in May (National Bike Month) including the Tour de Nash! I’ll be there, so sign up and join me!
• Walk/Bike Nashville also has wonderful beginner cycling classes, too. You don’t have to have any experience to come out and join us!
• Nashville Slow Ride is a great group of local cycling fans. Join them on Wednesdays for easy rides around the city!
• Eastside Rides is a friendly group that rides every Sunday. They post the routes and averages ahead of time.
• My amazing team, the Tennessee Women’s Cycling Project, hosts Monday Night Ladies Ride every week! The routes vary and it’s a no drop ride. I’ll be at most of these and would love for you to join us.
• There are several clubs you could join, too. There’s the Veloteers, the Harpeth Bike Club, the Fogbees just to name three.
• And don’t forget about Nashville B-cycle! You don’t even have to own a bike to ride with me. We can just rent you one.

So if you’re on the fence, or you used to ride and want to pick it up again, there are plenty of opportunities. I’m easy to find, and I’d love to encourage you and ride alongside you. All you have to do is ask!

Happy National Bike Month, friends!

In three months, I’ll head to Burlington, Vt., for my fifth JDRF Ride! (You can join me on this ride for a guaranteed good time! These are some of my very favorite cyclists in the world!)