Family

I started this blog so I could connect with the cycling community since no one I actually knew liked bicycles as much as I did.  At the time, my husband was a supporter of my obsession, but he himself had yet to be converted (of course, that all changed with the purchase of the Redline).  Since then, I have made some fabulous friends.  Some of you have been kind enough to comment and share your thoughts on here and its great to have that link with those that love bikes.

What I've learned from all this social networking and blogging is that we are part of a very strong community.  I don't care where they're from, what they do for a living, their age, their education, or whatever; people that love bikes are pretty cool.  Sure, I've been on the forums and personally interacted with individuals that aren't that nice or helpful, but they aren't the norm.  There's something about those two wheels that draw truly kindhearted people.

Yesterday was a sad day in cycling with the tragic accident of Wouter Weylandt during the Giro d'Italia.  Almost immediately there were messages of condolences and sadness from all over the cycling world, and not just the pro cyclists. All of us were shocked at the loss of this young man.  I don't think it was because we're all fans of pro road racing.  I think it is because we are part of a community that is strongly linked all over the globe.  The death of other cyclists (professional or not) always strikes a cord in this community.  We all know how dangerous riding a bike can be.  We all know the issues we have to deal with.  Its this knowledge and the understanding of how awesome bicycling is that ties us all together.  We care about each other whether we've met or not.  Another cyclist out there on the road is part of our family.  That is why we wave to each other, encourage, or smile and sometimes we even guide and correct.

So, when you head out on your bike today, pedal safe.

Remember, you have a huge family riding with you, whether you're the only one on the road or not.