THE RUSH

The author has been a pedicab driver, bike mechanic, tour guide, and messenger. She is currently bike touring in South America. Instagram: @ nomadiccyling.

OVER THE PAST 20 years I’ve tried pretty much every type of cycling there is, and I can’t say I’ve disliked any of it. Whether I’m whizzing by traffic on city streets or getting lost in the woods or racing cyclocross, I experience a euphoria that washes away negativity and stress.

From the seat of a bicycle you simply cannot be upset – trust me, I have tried to be angry and it just isn’t possible. Someone can scream at me from their car or try to run me off the road, and the rage I feel initially burns off almost immediately. Driving a car, on the other hand, appears to have the exact opposite effect, evoking shameful behaviour in otherwise kindhearted people.

I got into racing cyclocross two years ago to keep myself from hibernating under the covers for the winter – to extend my happy season: paying the registration fees basically forces me to go out and ride in horrible weather. Racing ’cross was scary in the beginning, but after my first race, I was hooked. Once I was pedalling, all I could feel was a rush of excitement and complete focus on the course before me. My competitive instinct kicked in, and I wanted to go as fast as I could for as long as possible.

I still feel anxiety before every race, and I dread going out in cold, often rainy conditions. I tell myself I’ll never do it again. But as soon as the whistle blows, my anxiety disappears; I cease to notice physical discomfort, and by the time I cross the finish line I can’t wait to sign up for the next race.

If I let myself dwell on angry drivers or bad weather, I may never get outside. Sometimes the most difficult part of riding is just leaving the house – but I’ve learned that no matter how much I think I want to stay indoors, I am always so much happier when I choose to ride instead.