How I feel riding bikes with friends

I’d forgotten how good riding bikes with people I love could make me feel.

When I returned to San Francisco after a year of travel, which included nine months of cycle touring, I took a self-proclaimed “bike sabbatical.” After being on the road for so long, all I wanted to do was nest and stop moving for a while.

But lately, I’ve finally started getting some miles in again, thanks to friends who’ve made easing back in feel low-pressure and fun. 

Here’s how these rides make me feel (a list I drafted in my head mid-ride):

Cared for
Signaling obstacles up ahead to each other, calling out “stopping,” letting everyone know there’s a sandy patch, flagging the bump ahead that’s bigger than it looks.

Delighted
Pointing out dogs in backpacks, dogs carrying sticks, big dogs with fluffy white coats, small dogs being pulled in a trolley.

Free
Flying down past the Camera Obscura on a descent we know by heart, hurtling toward the ocean, trusting the road and ourselves enough to let loose. Tucked in, grinning, yelling “wheeeeee” behind my friends.

Capable
Climbing even when it feels hard, counting my pedal strokes, still moving forward.

Awe
Winding along dirt paths under eucalyptus trees, sunlight filtering through the leaves. Pausing at vistas overlooking Ocean Beach or the Golden Gate Bridge. Reminding each other how lucky we are that this is all in our backyard. 

Renewed
Relearning San Francisco by bike, finding new-to-me routes even after five years here. Recognizing that things can be the same, yet different.

Alive
Taking deep breaths, filling my lungs. Feeling the sun on my face. Feeling at home in my body again.