Riding my bicycle gave me the chance to help others, and to shine a light of remembrance for those who passed away or currently not able to ride a bicycle. It was the least that I could do for those who would love to pedal a bicycle riding two wheels on a highway and feel the cool breeze flowing in the air. If I have the opportunity to wake up refreshed from a good night’s sleep possibly alive from active living I can pursue a short bike ride for someone else.
I was given the idea of memorial riding by my friend Ken right before one of our group rides in Middlesbrough, Ky. Just before taking off on the bike, Ken said that today we could ride for his cousin who was sick. I was very attentive to the idea of memorial riding and wanted to know more. It felt sort of somber thinking that we were riding for a purpose, and the ride meant more than just a workout.
Sometimes weight loss and fitness can become mundane sort of boring. The foods can become less refreshing. Maybe fruit needs a little low carb sweetener. Protein shake needs a banana, and bran cereal needs raisins. Don’t get me wrong I love my healthy food, but it helps to change up every now and then.
Sometimes we just need a little help to give us strength to push forward with weight loss and fitness. It’s inspiration and purpose that keeps us going when we want to give up. Riding for meaning is what increases willpower when we want to quit. Don’t quit
I can remember well when I signed up to ride my first century (100) mile ride on my bicycle . It was called the tour de cure in Knoxville Tennessee. I was all ready to go for this lengthy bike ride with lots of water food and hydration. My bike was all clean and lubed up with bike oil and new air in my tires. But most of all, I had a picture of my dad tucked away inside my bike jersey. I thought about my dad who wanted me to ride his bicycle on the greenway back in Harrogate, Tn. I was all ready to go to accomplish my goal of riding a century ride on my bicycle. Unfortunately, it was really hot and my body was not quite prepared for the weather and the heat filled ride.
I really wanted to complete this ride for my dad but had to stop at mile 82 because of extreme cramping. I found myself lying on the ground in someone else’s yard unable to ride the remaining distance of 18 miles. I did not give up on my quest of riding 100 miles for my dad. It just made me more motivated to ride 100 miles. Eventually, I made the long ride and have now completed several century rides in honor of my dad.
If you’re needing inspiration for weight loss and fitness, just ride for those who can’t inspire those who can 🚴♀️
Memorial Fitness 