Category Archives: Hospitality

Trip memories can sometimes get lost in the fog of travel, jet lag, and fatigue. But when a month later you can still recall the hum of bicycle tires on Sonoma pavement, the slightly gamy and intoxicating taste of duck heart, the gentleman you dubbed “Carlo”, and what must be the world’s most interesting toilet, then you know the trip was truly special. So as it was with SingleThread.

Words by Trek Travel guest Adam Dingwall

The cycling in Sonoma is stellar, quiet roads, smooth pavement, and motorists accustomed to seeing cyclists make it amongst the best in the world. On day one we started at a winery we had ridden past on previous California Wine Country Trips, Hanna Winery. Heading northwest in the gentle loop that eventually landed us on West Dry Creek Road, home of Quivira Winery. Sitting out on the patio we were greeted by a gentlemen who could have been out of central casting for a middle aged Italian gentlemen. We decided to call him “Carlo” as he proceeded to guide us through a tasting of Quivira’s finest. We had seen the winery before at harvest time, it was magnificent to be able to experience the outstanding gardens at this time of year, the flowers were gorgeous. Only about seven miles remained to Healdsburg, so before the wine overtook us, we all saddled up and headed out.

Rolling up to SingleThread you first notice the elegance of the building, very understated in a California classic style. We all handed off our bikes to our guides Blake and Sarah and headed in to shower. The lobby and reception area is intimate and provides a large open window into what is the showpiece, the SingleThread kitchen. The staff was busy with prep work for our dinner that night, all of us being foodies, we watched with concentration and awe. A member of the prep staff came over and greeted us, presenting us with hot tea with lavender and welcoming us to the Inn. While we could have watched the Swiss precision of the kitchen for hours, we finished our tea and headed upstairs to our rooms.
 

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A large origami chandelier in the shape of the SingleThread logo—a white multifaceted flower—hung from the ceiling. The entryway presented both an automatic pour-over coffee machine and an amazing tea set up. There was pre-measured, freshly ground coffee just waiting to be brewed and the refrigerator held unlimited Pliny the Elder included with our stay. In the main room a wall was dominated by a fireplace and in the center of the room was a bed that at first touch seemed too soft but made for some of the deepest and best sleep ever on a Trek Travel trip.

And then there was the bathroom. And if anything could top unlimited Pliny the Elder, it was the bathroom. If you’re lucky enough to enter bare-footed you notice the floor is gently warmed, just enough to be soothing. There’s a large soaking tub, a beautiful shower, and then the toilet greets you. Yes, the toilet greets you by raising its lid automatically just begging you to grab a magazine or newspaper and sit down. It was at this discovery that the text messages started flying, especially on our messaging app that included the rest of our traveling group who wasn’t with us.

“OMG, the toilet, it’s amazing!”
“The seat is heated,”
“There’s a control panel,” and the ultimate compliment,
“I’m having Mark get one of these when we get home.”

We felt a bit like Henry V’s comrades at Agincourt and our absent companions back east were “gentlemen now abed in England” thinking themselves cursed that they were not with us. And we hadn’t even had dinner yet.

Social hour on the roof offered cool breezes, wine and Blake and Sarah laying out the next three days for us. Soon enough we found ourselves heading down to the restaurant for dinner. The dining room was calm, quiet, and beautifully done in beautiful woods and Japanese inspired lighting. Eleven courses flowed over the next 4 hours complemented perfectly with wine and sake. Whether it was wild unagi with red kitten spinach, poached foie gras with dried and fermented beets, or the buttermilk and thyme sherbet, we realized that we were having a dining experience that no one else in the country, save for those in the dining room with us, were having.

When the Sonoma grains and bamboo arrived along with duck heart, the physicians in our group enjoyed a moment of dissection and discovery before savoring the wild, slightly gamy, flavor. We’ve all eaten at amazing places around the US and the world, yet this meal stood apart.
 

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The next morning, following a breakfast that rivaled dinner, Blake and Sarah were happy to make an adjustment to our Armstrong Woods day. Several of us had been to the Woods before and while we didn’t want to bypass them, we also wanted to ride to the Pacific. After a spin through the Redwood Forest and a quick espresso and lunch order at Big Bottom Market in Guerneville it was “Westward Ho!”

The ride to the ocean from Guerneville is amazing, heading gently downhill along the Russian River you first sense, then see, the forest canopy opening up and you begin to smell the ocean. A quick pop up over a ridgeline and we arrive at Goat Rock State Park to enjoy a picnic along the beach. In true Trek Travel fashion the weather along the northern California shore is perfect and there are seals frolicking and feeding just feet offshore. Another unique moment in a trip filled with them.

At the end, we six travelers found ourselves sitting at dinner in a restaurant along the Embarcadero in San Francisco. The following morning will put us on planes back to Michigan and Tennessee, but at this spot in time we raised our glasses to another amazing Trek Travel experience. Salut to our guides, Sonoma, the food, the wine, the Inn, and yes, to the toilet.

We know that we will return to Sonoma and Healdsburg, as SingleThread has proven to be truly singular.
 

WHY I RIDE: A series that gets to the heart of why we love what we do. This week, Kelsey reflects on how it isn’t always where you go, but who’s there with you.

I ride to spend time with friends and simply to have fun! I believe riding brings out the best in people and gives you the chance to really get an authentic feel for a place. For me, some of my favorite memories on a bike so far have not been where I have gone but who I’ve gone with. It could be a leisurely 7-mile ride around town or a challenging ride in an area you’ve never been before. Either way, no matter how far, how difficult, or where you go, it’s who you go with that makes it a wheelie fun time!
 

Between guiding for nearly five years with Trek Travel and adventuring to faraway lands in the off-season, Trek Travel guide Sonja Schmidt has seen some of the best corners of the world by foot, by bike and everything in between.

Where do you call home currently?
Missoula, Montana

How many countries have you traveled to?
25

What inspired you to become an avid traveler?
When I was 16 my parents asked me if I wanted to do the summer study abroad in Salamanca, Spain. It was my first overseas trip and couldn’t have been more fun and eye-opening. I had an amazing host family and the city of Salamanca is spectacular (as are the all-night discos…). Since then, I’ve been insatiably inspired to see more and more of this beautiful world.

Favorite adventure you’ve had so far and why?
Tough decision! I’m going to go with the bike-packing trip Jason and I did through South Africa and Lesotho last winter. It was probably some of the most fun days we’ve had on a bike, and spending the winter months in great weather, while riding super fun bikes in remote locations was incredible.

Best road to ride?
Passo Gavia is one of the most spectacular and remote big climbs. The scenery is beyond words and the road is drenched in history, from Giro d’Italia stages, to being used as a trade route during the Middle Ages, and fought over during the WWII. It’s an incredibly special experience that I never grow tired of.

Any big trips planned for this year?
We just built a bed in our 4runner so we are going to take a little road trip down South to ride bikes, see some live music, and hang out with friends in the desert. The next big adventure is still undecided…

What has been the most unexpected experience you’ve had in your travels?
From heading to Nepal to hike the Annapurna Circuit on a whim, to Jason proposing to me at the end of a 2-month bike tour and 10–day trek at the base of the Torres del Paine in the Andes, there have been a lot of great surprises. One of my favorites was in the middle of a winter long bike tour through Patagonia. We had brought our fly rods and were chasing the legendary South American trout through Argentina and Chile when one day we are cruising down the road and hear, “Hey! Are you guys from Montana?” “What?! Yeah!” So we pulled over and met Brent, a fly fishing guide that’s also from Montana and heard there were a couple of Montanans headed south down the Carrtera Austral in Chile.

He drew us a map to his cabin located on the Rio Simpson; a fairy tale section of river that is almost impossible to wade fish because of the big bluffs on the side. The next day we somehow made it to his cabin and quickly headed down to wet a line. As we were headed to the river, Brent says, “You know that fly you have on there? That’s Taylor’s Fat Albert, I’m Brent Taylor, I designed that fly specifically for this stretch of water.” What?!?!? Needless to say, it was one of the best days of fishing both Jason and I have ever had.

What destinations are at the top of your list and why?
India, Mongolia, Romania, Turkey, Estonia, Greece, Jordan… Some for bike-touring, some for fishing, some for hiking.

What would you say has been the most fulfilling part about traveling the globe?
Every place I’ve traveled to has left a profound impact on me. The people and the scenery tend to stick with my thoughts the longest. The kindness from locals is always something that I try to remember to perpetuate in my daily life. World travel has shown me that there are so many different cultures, traditions, foods, customs, and in the end the people are helpful, kind, and so quick to share a smile.

Tips for women travelers?
Don’t over pack or over plan, a lot of fun is in the serendipitous experiences and connections you make when you least expect it. And for packing, well, one of the best experiences is dressing like a local, weather in Nepal or Italy, it’s nice to fit-in with the area you’re visiting. Also, eat whatever is presented to you.

Meet Trip designer Ilona. Originally from the Czech Republic, but now a citizen of the world and the brains behind many of our Pro Race trips. What’s her inspiration you may ask? Our guests.

Tell us a little about your previous life before Trek Travel?

I come from the Czech Republic. I studied in Prague but kept on moving to different places and traveling. I lived a couple of years in the U.S., then I moved to the south of Spain and ended up in Barcelona, which I loved. I worked at all kinds of jobs—waiting tables in Wisconsin, bartending in Spain, guiding in Prague and working in a social service specialty with the homeless.

What inspired you to become a Guide and Trip Designer?
Honestly I had no idea that such a job existed. I was working in the office in Barcelona and my colleague and friend, Ingrid, was telling me about the best job she ever had. I checked the Trek Travel website and applied for a job right away. Five years later I still love it. It’s much more than just riding a bike; it’s a lifestyle, which connects traveling, working with people, outdoors and new cultures. Trip design was just another step. I enjoy having the possibility to plan a trip based on my guiding experience and knowledge of the region. And I like working together with the guides to make improvements. What inspires me is showing our guests the best of the places they always wanted to go, to meet with their favorite pro racer or be part of the race they always watched on TV. For a few days allow them to not worry about anything and just fully enjoy their time.

Can we get a quick run-down–what it means to be a Trip Designer? What’s your design process?
I mainly design race trips, except Tour de France. Long before the official route is announced, I keep my eyes and ears open for all rumors to get information ahead of time and start planning routes and booking hotels. After the official announcement it’s two weeks of speedy work—confirming hotels, arranging all the viewings, VIP passes etc. We try to get the trip online as soon as we can because people often ask right after the race is announced. The key is to have a good hotel in a strategic place, close to famous climbs where you can watch the race. Once the guides are on the ground before the trip, they make sure all details are dialed and it’s them who take the itinerary and make it the experience of the lifetime.

Tell us about your favorite trip you’ve ever designed and why.
That’s a hard question. Every newly designed trip becomes my favorite! Vuelta 2017 was an unforgettable experience. We work closely with the Trek-Segafredo Team, which makes our trips even more special and unique. Last year we met and talked to Alberto Contador the evening before the last mountain stage. The next day we climbed l’Angliru ourselves and then we watched him winning on this brutal climb in the last stage of his career. After such a hard race, he was willing to meet with Trek Travel guests and take a group selfie right below the podium. Thanks to our relationship with Trek-Segafredo we get to be a part of the race and see behind the scenes.

What’s your dream travel destination?
That’s a long list. Rwanda and Uganda would be at the top. I’m also planning a bike trip through my family roots, which will take me from Czech through Slovakia to Ukraine–Zakarpattia. Then it’s only a step from Romania and Moldova. I just want to see the whole world!

Best travel adventure of all time?
I will never forget 16 days of hiking in Himalayas. It was only my friend and I, sometimes we did not see people for days, sometimes we hung out with locals and slept in their homes. The landscape was breathtaking. It was a challenging hike and I can still remember the feeling on the top of the climb, looking at all that natural beauty around and being simply happy.

What are you looking forward to most in 2018?
So many things! Besides doing my personal travels, tandem skydiving above Czech lands (Xmas present from my brother), I can’t wait for Giro–we will climb Mt. Zoncolan and watch the race there, and ride other beautiful parts of Dolomites.

I’ve already mentioned Vuelta. North of Spain—Asturias, Cantabria and Basque country—has some of the best riding, varied landscape, delicious cuisine and cider! Vuelta is at the end of the season so it’s more relaxed and riders are super friendly and want to meet with fans.
We also have some new trips coming up so this year I will be working on new destinations and designing other trips beside race trips, which I’m very excited about!

 

This year guest Christian Notte set out to climb more than the height of Everest while on trip during the Giro d’Italia. Not only did he achieve his goal, but he topped it by 5,942 feet.

Christian! We’re so excited to hear about what inspired this. But first, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself.
I’m 49 years old, and I live in Destin, FL. My undergraduate and graduate degrees are in Clinical Psychology from the University of Georgia and I now work within the Neuroscience Division of Johnson & Johnson. I’ve been extremely passionate about cycling since I was in middle school. At the age of 13, I cut yards to save money for my first Trek. Later, I experienced the Tour de France while I was an exchange student in Europe and after college I backpacked throughout France to view as many stages as I could. My passion for both Trek and cycling go back many years!

How did you find Trek Travel?
In 2012, I experienced some life challenges and decided to get back on the bike and do what I love–cycling. I spent years going to numerous bike shops to look at various bike manufactures and after significant consideration I decided to go back to my first bike experience–Trek.

In 2015, I received an e-mail regarding the Trek Travel Project One Experience. I immediately called your home office and spoke with Katherine Usher. She was extremely professional and excited for my opportunity to create my dream bike with a visit to Waterloo, Wisconsin. Not only did I do the design experience but I also did the pick-up experience! Hence, two adventures to your headquarters! After those phenomenal experiences, I signed up for the 2016 Tour de France and the 2017 Giro. Now I’m signing up for the 2018 Vuelta! My goal…to complete the three Grand Tours ALL with Trek Travel–Tour de France, Giro, and Vuelta! The Vuelta will be my 5th Trek Travel adventure!

What trips have you gone on so far?
2015 October Project One design
2015 December Project One pick-up
2016 Tour De France–Grand Tour number 1
2017 Giro d’Italia–Grand Tour number 2
2018 Vuelta a Espana–Grand Tour number 3
2019 Head to the Classics–Flanders and Paris-Roubaix

What keeps you coming back?
The people. The Trek Travel staff has been nothing short of incredible. They are extremely professional and absolutely FUN! Also, the concept of being able to travel the world via bike with the guidance and support of experienced cycling guides can’t be surpassed. After experiencing just one Trek Travel trip, every true cyclist will embrace another opportunity to see the world with Trek Travel.

Do you have a most memorable day on the bike?
Project One Experience. After years of planning, it’s the day I went to Waterloo, Wisconsin for my second visit to pick up my Trek Domane Project One bike. All available employees surrounded me and the stage. A curtain hid my bike. After an announcement, they slowly pulled the curtain back and there was my dream bike. I’ll never forget it!

When you aren’t riding bikes on trip or at home what are you doing?
I enjoy riding my Harley-Davidson, saltwater fishing and chill’n at the beach with my girlfriend.

Tell us a little about your quest to climb more than the elevation of Everest.
While flying back from my Trek Travel Tour de France adventure, I started to dream of my next goal. I decided on the 100th Anniversary of the Giro d’Italia. During a training ride to prepare for the mountains of the Giro, I decided I would exceed the height of Mount Everest. While in Italy, I needed additional climbing and asked my guide if I could ride additional mountains. Utilizing my Garmin, I tracked my progress every day to make sure I accomplished all 29,029 feet. After the first week I did it!

May 21st 2,474 feet, 22nd 8,225 feet, 23rd 5,007 feet, 24th 1,847 feet, 25th 10,190 feet, 26th 7,228 feet.

Total Christian Climbing= 34,971 feet
Mount Everest Height= 29,029 feet

What made you decide to tackle such a huge challenge?
I wanted to conquer Everest for the same reasons as the professional mountain climbers. The true sense of accomplishment and the fulfillment of a dream. When asked by the Trek Project One team what I wanted painted on my top tube, there was only one answer for me… “Carpe Diem”. I seized My Everest!

What challenge do you have on deck next?
I want to complete all three Grand Tours via Trek Travel. I’m excited about this year’s Vuelta, and I’m training very hard to get in the best shape I can to climb another Everest.

What are you looking forward to most at the Vuelta?
The people. I’m looking forward to meeting the guides and guests from all over the world. Cycling has changed my life including helping me develop incredible friendships that would not exist had it not been for my personal decision to get back on the bike.

Dream Trek Travel trip?
A Trek Travel dream trip would include the Australia Santos Tour Down Under for one week followed by one week touring New Zealand.

And just a few for fun…
What’s your winter training looking like?
I’m a big fan of having an indoor trainer. If you live in a climate where the weather makes cycling impossible and/or you have an active career a trainer is a must. Although I live in the Panhandle of Florida, the weather can get down to the 20s which can make an early ride a little chilly. After work, I may get home and it’s dark outside which can make training tough. Recently, I purchased a Tacx Neo trainer which has had a huge impact on my training. This allows me to train day or night regardless of weather conditions so when I’m able to do my road training, I’m much more effective. Although there is Zwift, I DVR-record numerous cycling events which helps the training be more enjoyable.

Cider or hot chocolate?
Best question thus far! A nice hot chocolate can make any cold day have a warm moment. Don’t forget the whipped cream!

Straight from our guide Valeria in Milan, Italy—the top 5 words and phrases to know when you’re cycling the rolling landscapes of the country she calls home.

Dai! Dai!: It is like Allez! Allez! in French, but since it’s pronounced like “Die! Die!” the guests always make jokes on the climbs and remember it forever.

Buono: For the taste of food-gelato is buono, pizza is buona

Bravo!: Said when you do something well or achieve something-when on top of a climb we say to Bob, “Hey Bob, bravo! Well done!” and you Rita, “Brava!” And for a group we use the plural, “Bravi!”

Scusi, dov’è il bagno?: This is key and means, “Sorry, where is the bathroom?”

Grazie mille!: Thanks a million!

 

 

Part one of our winter gear series where the team at Trek Travel home base in Madison, Wisconsin give their gear recs and best tips for making it through the months where Old Man Winter reigns.

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Jenny: Dealer Program Manager

Go-to winter riding gear?
Bontrager Old Man Winter Boots. Trek Travel Neck Gaiter. Ski Helmet and Goggles (much warmer than bike helmet and sunglasses). Bontrager Gnarwhal Studded Fat Bike Tires.

Is there such a thing as “too cold”? and why?
No such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.

Favorite beverage or meal to warm you up?
Maple Hot Toddy

Best part about winter in Madison?
Riding across a frozen Lake Monona to work with my awesome colleagues.

#1 tip to survive a Wisconsin winter?
The reason I love Wisconsin is because people don’t let the cold, gray weather stop them. Options abound, from cross country skiing, fat biking, ice hockey or a walk in the woods. The key is to embrace the weather and get outside anyways! Well that, and always plan a warm, sunny vacation for February!

If you could be a character in a holiday movie, who would you be and why?
Buddy the Elf, because he always has a smile on his face and adds energy to every room.

Brie: Guide Manager

Go-to winter riding gear?
Bontrager S1 shoe covers, Velocis S2 split finger gloves aka lobster gloves and a neck gator. Plus a neon fanny pack for added fun and snack storage..

Is there such a thing as “too cold”? and why?
I draw the line for biking when we fall below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Favorite beverage or meal to warm you up?
Espresso in the morning, hot toddies in the afternoon.

Best part about winter in Madison?
It’s awesome how outdoor activities shift gears and continue on when temperatures drop in Madison! Frozen lake fat bike adventures are definitely a highlight for me…and a thrill.

#1 tip to survive a Wisconsin winter?
We schedule a few ‘Friday Soup Nights’ throughout the winter months…a fun gathering of friends to enjoy a warm fire, homemade soup and good company.

If you could be a character in a holiday movie, who would you be and why?
Buddy in Elf because of his fun-loving demeanor and positive outlook on life; not to mention his advanced snowball throwing skills.

Katherine: Sales and Guest Services Manager

Go-to winter riding gear?
Bontrager lobster gloves and lights for dark mornings.

Is there such a thing as “too cold”? and why?
No such thing as “too cold” just the wrong gear.

Favorite beverage or meal to warm you up?
Hot Toddy

Best part about winter in Madison?
Riding fat bikes across the frozen lakes

#1 tip to survive a Wisconsin winter?
Buy a fat bike

If you could be a character in a holiday movie, who would you be and why?
I would be Jovie from Elf because how entertaining would that be?!

Ashley: Guest Services Coordinator

Go-to winter riding gear?
A Buff! You can use it for your head, your neck, your entire face, etc.

Is there such a thing as “too cold”? and why?
I am a firm believer that you dress appropriately for the weather. If it’s cold, bundle up!

Favorite beverage or meal to warm you up?
Throat coat tea, even if I don’t have a sore throat.

Best part about winter in Madison?
The first snow in the Arboretum.

#1 tip to survive a Wisconsin winter?
Having good friends to pass the months with.

If you could be a character in a holiday movie, who would you be and why?
Tim Allen in The Santa Clause. I’m in it for the silky red pajamas!
 

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From the coast of Australia to the skyscrapers of NYC and back to her home state of Wisconsin, Lindsay uses her wealth of experience and passion for exploring the world to lead the charge on building and creating awesome relationships with travel agents across the country looking to sell the vacation of a lifetime.

Born and raised in Wisconsin, my idea of a vacation pre-college was either flying to Arizona to visit my grandparents or going camping at many of the local state parks. I did not need to go far to have a great time. However, after studying abroad in London in college, a whole new world opened up for me. I completely fell in love with traveling, and I knew I needed to find a job that would allow me to continue exploring the world. I ended up landing the perfect post-college job with STA Travel, a student-focused travel agency, where I became a full-service travel agent. Not only did I get to talk about travel all day, but I was able to take multiple trips per year myself.

My job with STA Travel led me to do a working holiday in Melbourne, Australia, where I lived for almost a year still working as a travel agent. Instead of planning very short spring break and winter break holidays, I began to put together elaborate round-the-world trips, and 3 month long backpacking trips for my Australian clients. It challenged me every day, and I learned quite a bit about different markets and cultures that I never was exposed to back in Wisconsin. Since new destinations around Australia and southeast Asia were now all of a sudden very accessible, I also was able to take several trips while abroad, continuing to check off more countries and continents off my bucket list.

After returning from Australia with a passport full of stamps and more vacation planning experience, I became the store manager at my Madison office. Due to a company re-structuring, I was selected to work at one of the New York offices, but the Midwest kept calling me back. After almost 6 years and hitting all 7 continents, I parted ways with STA Travel and moved back to my favorite state of Wisconsin. I knew I wanted to stay in the travel industry while remaining in Madison, so the natural option was to pursue a role at Trek Travel. I used to book the travel for the Trek Travel guides when I was at STA Travel, so I already was very familiar with the company!

My first job at Trek Travel was as the guest services coordinator, doing mostly admin work and communicating with guests after they were booked on a trip. Shortly after that, I became a trip consultant, selling our trips to our guests. I noticed there was no set travel agent program in place, so I started to develop a plan to provide more structure and training in order to grow our company’s travel agent business.

Now, after more than four years with Trek Travel, I am focused mainly on creating and cultivating relationships with travel agents, which I love! Since I previously was a travel agent myself, I have a great understanding of what it is like to be on the other side of the business and what resources agents may require to sell active vacations. I also understand the benefits a travel agent brings to our guests, being able to assist with all planning aspects of their vacation. I look forward to continuing to grow this important part of our business, and hopefully meeting more agents in person!

 

WHY I RIDE: A series that gets to the heart of why we love what we do. This week, Dave recounts time spent on two wheels with his family as a child and how his passion for cycling remains strong to this day.

I have been on a bike since before I could walk, not riding of course. My joy of biking started out sitting in a bike seat on the back of my mom’s bike while my dad and brothers rode alongside. We would spend weekends exploring the gravel trails of the Illinois Prairie Path, stopping along the way for ice cream.

Surprisingly, I can’t recall learning to ride a bike. I do have memories of riding my red mountain bike, or my brothers’ cool BMX bikes. When I was about 12, my passion for cycling grew when my grandfather handed down his 1987 Trek Elance. He was getting older and he moved on to recumbent bikes, and golfing. After riding mountain and BMX bikes for so long, I was fascinated that a bike with skinny tires and drop-down handlebars could go so fast. I spent countless summer days riding that bike as far as my legs would take me, again exploring the trails of the Prairie Path I had seen from the back seat of my mom’s bike.

It was only until I moved to Madison that I realized the joy of riding a road bike on the road. Who knew how much faster you can ride on a smooth surface? I still love riding my sparkly blue Elance. I didn’t have many chances to ride with my grandfather when he was alive, but riding his bike somehow makes me feel like I am riding with him.

Recently, I have upgraded to a 2018 Trek Domane SLR 6. I enjoy the road riding, but I can’t resist going back to my roots of gravel riding. The Domane is a little smoother and faster than the Elance on the gravel paths.

I ride my bike to explore destinations that would take too long to reach by foot, and those that are not accessible by car. I ride to have the wind in my face and the sun on my shoulders. I ride to reach new speeds and personal bests. I ride because it the only exercise I can enjoy getting up for, early on a Saturday morning. Most of all, I ride because it is what I knew even before I could walk, and I haven’t been able to stop.

WHY I RIDE: A series that gets to the heart of why we love what we do. This time Sarah tells us the story of how she fell in love with bikes.

I didn’t used to ride. It’s not normal where I’m from. I bought a bike just to get around—parking is too expensive, I thought. I didn’t know about what life could be like with a bicycle.

It started from a leap of faith and boredom. From energy to spare and nowhere to put it. A trip to the mountains was where it began. I rode over mountain passes. Through gaps and across bridges. I rode my first century. I cried tears of joy as I flew through the Smoky Mountains by the power of my own self.

My legs never hurt more. The pain was unbearable, but they said keep going, so I did. I didn’t realize your body could recover so quickly, and your pain would turn into strength. The miles passed, my body transformed, and when I returned I wasn’t my old self. I had discovered this layer of happiness underneath thick layers of boredom, confusion, hopelessness and sadness that had built up over my adolescence years.

Now I ride. I ride to feel alive. I ride because I can. I ride to run away from life for just a little while.
When I ride everything goes quiet in my mind. I focus on the road ahead. On the cars passing by. On my breath. On the smell of the air.

I say hello to the cows. I say hi to the chipmunks and squirrels and hope they pass my wheels safely. I say good morning to the rabbits.

I look up and smile as I watch the birds fly with me. Instead of seeing them in a blur, I get to see them as we fly the same speed. I have wings, too, I say.

I ride for the feeling of control. The feeling of strength, of power and choice. It’s my time to shine, and I can shine anyway I’d like. I can go fast, I can go slow, I can go faster, I can stop.

I stop. I hear nothing but the air. The birds. My breath. It’s a familiar scene, but every time it’s different. The light shining on the trees is different. Tonight’s sunset is spectacular. Being outside is liberating, and I get to spend all morning or afternoon or day or night out there, just riding my bike. I get the feeling I am part of something greater.

I ride to explore. I ride to get lost and to find something new. In the cities and countryside and in myself. This world is smaller than I thought, but bigger all at once. It’s closer to my reach, and more beautiful than I could ever imagine. I ride to ride it. To gain full access and to see what it has to offer.

I ride with others who ride. We ride together, enjoying this method of passing through the world by the power of our legs. We smile. We laugh. We sweat. We barely get a sentence in when we push ourselves faster. We both come from different lives, different reasons why we’re there out on the road together. But in that moment we share the simplicity of a bicycle ride that we both know goes well beyond pedaling.

I ride for my health and for my strength. For my memories and discoveries. For a purpose of life. For feeling free. For me.