As a youngster I spent a lot of time riding my spyder bike with my brother and close friends on trails we built in the woods behind our home in Winston-Salem. This first "real" bicycle was under the Christmas tree when I awoke Christmas morning. I was around eight years old. I guess in the manner that I used my bicycle I could easily lay claim that I had a part in the "creation" of off-road or mountain biking. Just kidding. I was just one of millions of kids (young and old) who have enjoyed riding their bicycles anywhere they could find a place to pedal. And, I sure wish I knew the miles I put on that bicycle riding between trees, over roots and sliding in the dirt. Then spending a day polishing it up as if it were a prized automobile. I still recall those times with a great deal of fondness. What wonderful memories I have of those days.

Into A Higher Gear

When I was thirteen years old I received my first road bike. This was a 10 speed Sears Free Spirit "racer". At that point I became a road cyclist. This bike was also a gift from Santa Clause left under our Christmas tree. How did Santa Clause know to keep bringing me bicycles? The love of road cycling I now have is founded on that 10 speed bicycle. That Sears Free Spirit bicycle "freed" my spirit in ways that would still play a part in my cycling life today. I rode that bike literally till it was worn out. But what fun I had.

I was inseparable from my bicycle. My brother, friends and I rode our bikes everywhere. We rode all over the whole world it seemed. For us, the "southside" neighborhood of Winston-Salem was our world. We were constantly riding somewhere. Wheter to a frind's house, the local shopping center or another neighborhood, we were on the go. Then it all came to an end.

No More For Me, I'm A Big Boy Now

In two words- driver's license. My bicycle was set aside. Its place was taken by a '67 Mustang. Cycling was over for me for a number of years. The gas pedal was a lot easier to push than pedals on a crankset. And, it was a lot more convenient to carry a female in a car than on my 10 speed. Yep, no longer was I a cyclist. I was a driver now. In addition, I became more interested in tennis (which I still love). I played constantly and, to this day, wish I could devote more time to the game. I did occasionally get on my bicycle but it was a "back-burner" activity. And, unfortunately, I finally quit cycling completely.

Rediscovery Of An Old Love

About age 33 or so, I rediscovered my love for the bicycle. It was as if a switch came on. I missed riding my bike. I bought a new road bike and started cycling on a very casual level. The following year, after taking my neighbor's mountain bike for a ride, I started cycling in a big way. However, I traded my road bike for a mountain bike.

Mountain biking took me on a return ride to the days I was a kid with my spyder bike riding in the woods behind our house. Riding my mountain bike totally revived the reason I loved cycling. Every stroke of the pedal was an adventure. I saw things I never would have seen, heard sounds I never knew were there and noticed the the world around me. Over the next several years I became totally encapsulated with mountain biking. I read everything I could on the subject, rode all sorts of different places and met a bunch of folks that were as hooked as I was. Then something reared its head. I decided to hit the streets again.

Things Do Come Back Around

In 1997 I decided to purchase a new road bike. I bought a Mongoose carbon fiber road bike and it did a great job of holding the carpet down! I hardly rode it and even wondered why I bought the thing. Road biking seem to be in a downswing and it was hard to find other roadies. So, I kept mountain biking.

In the spring of 1998, I decided to do the Tour To Tanglewood benefit ride for MS. I would be able to ride my road bike and meet other "roadies". Training for this ride gave me a focus. 95 miles over two days was more mileage than I could recall having ever done- even as a teenager.

I did the Tour as part of a 900+ cyclist group. What a thrill it was. I was fortunate to get in some awesome paceline groups and be a part of something that totally excited me. In a paceline you're not just riding for yourself but for the group as well. Everyone has to do their part or the group suffers. Riding as a team was new to me. I was hooked!

Full Circle

That was in 1998. Now, I'm a cyclist. I love to ride because it is fun- on or off the road. I have a great group of cycling friends and my skills have increased an incredible amount by riding with them. Plus, you can't do without the moral support!

What A Great Trip It's Been

Cycling has been, and still is, a huge part of my life. I have learned that it isn't just a physical activity but a mental, emotional and spiritual one as well. Mentally, cycling allows me to clear my head of things that cause me pain, grief, stress or other thoughts that are unhealthy or bog me down. Emotionally, it is a way for me to vent my feelings and thoughts in a productive manner and in a way that is ultimately rewarding. Plus, it hurts nobody around me. And lastly, cycling is a way that I can grow close to God. As I ride I can meditate on the things of God and his will for my life. And, to reach the top of a mountain on my bicycle helps me to know that I can reach, and conquer, other summits in my life. It only takes determination and a desire to endure the pain to overcome the obstacle.

Well Gosh

And, I can't let the (continuing) story close here.

A number of years ago I was involved with a large group of friends cycling together on a weekly basis. Through this association with this group of cyclists I met my lovely wife to be, Jill. Regularly, and irregularly, we continued to cross wheels. Weekly rides merged into after ride meals which merged into romance. And, ultimately this romance lead me to Jill to marry me.

Today, Jill is my favorite ride partner and my wonderful wife. Cycling can be rewarding in SO many different ways. And, in some ways that you would never expect.

I have proof!

Learn more about my bicycling at www.jeffreybikes.com.