Today is my dad’s birthday. He would have been 62.
As I sat and I thought about him this morning with my coffee in a Ducati mug he used to keep on his desk I thought about all of things I wanted to share with him. I often think about him after I complete races or an important training day and what he would say and what advice he would give me. He went to all of my swim meets when I was a teenager and after college I know he was happy that I was getting myself back in shape. Of course, he always told me he was proud of me so I know that would be something he’d say no matter where I wound up at the end of a race.
Lately I’ve been doing my long rides on some of the same country roads that he would have ridden his motorcycle. He loved motorcycles the same way I love running, and now triathlon. His passion for them and the sport of motorcycle racing is evident in my parent’s home. I know I get that passion for my chosen hobby from him.
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| Him racing the year I was born. |
It’s funny because I don’t really consider myself an adrenaline junkie. OK so, I went sky diving once, wouldn’t mind bungee jumping, loved white water rafting, zip lining, and roller coasters so maybe there is a little bit of a daredevil in there. But, I never really understood why my dad loved the motorcycle so much. It seemed so loud and scary fast to me. And definitely too much like a bicycle.
As a kid I had my minor bike incident and eventually stopped riding all together as I got older. From there I grew a deep-seated fear of cycling. Starting on it again was a challenge but I’ve come a long, long way.
On my first few hill rides I was surprised at how much I loved the downhill. Considering my apprehension of all things two wheeled and my general lack of strength, man did I love letting go and coasting downward. I still do. Part of the beauty of riding hills, in addition to getting stronger as a cyclist, is just letting go on the descent. It’s an amazing feeling.
And now I understand. I understand part of the reason my dad loved his motorcycles. The speed and the freedom you can feel on two wheels is as close as you can get to flying. In fact, that’s what a ton of motorcyclists relate it to. It’s a bit different for us cyclists because we have to work to get up those hills but I imagine cruising down them is a very similar sensation.
I know my dad would be impressed with how far I’ve come as an athlete and would still worry and tell me to be careful when I head out for those long group rides along those lonely country roads he himself traveled on two wheels. And I will, but I can’t really promise to take it easy on the downhills. And he would understand that.
Happy birthday Dad. I get it now.
Wow, that was so cool! I know how much it means to me that my daughter is starting to get me also….. Great Post Beth.
That was a great post Beth. Your Dad is smiling down on you right now.
By the way, I totally get the descent part.
Awesome, awesome, awesome!!! 🙂
You gave me chills! Heart this post!! 🙂 Happy birthday to your dad!
hugs, friend. I could have written this to my dad, thank you for sharing.
Every year that goes by I learn more about your Dad and wish I could've met him. I know he is smiling down on you and looking after you when you're out there. Love you Boo.
Love this post. Pretty great when you see the best of your parents in yourself. Keep flying on those hills.
Very cool that you found a new way to "connect" with one of your Dad's passion. 🙂
I know the feeling. I get a lot of things I didn't understand about my father as I get older. I find myself mimicking his approach to things if it was positive and avoiding the pitfalls of some of the ways he handled things negatively. I find that my knee-jerk reaction to nearly everything is almost completely identical.
I don't doubt that we would have both made each other better men as we both got older, if we were given the chance. Even without him, I find myself trying to learn from him with what he gave me while he was alive, and/or trying to figure out what he would say/do if he were here.
You bet your ass he'd be proud! Nice post about your dad, Beth.
Knowing you, your Dad must have been Kick-ASS! hugs & kisses Bethie
This brought tears to my eyes….he's up there, cheering you on from Heaven's sidelines. xoxo!
I can relate to this in so many ways and could write the same about my dad. Great post. He absolutely would be proud of you.
That was awesome Beth! It brought tears to my eyes too. I'm sure that he's bursting with pride and bragging to all his peeps up in heaven! 🙂
Great post — he had a large influence on you obviously! Now get out there and train!
Great post lady! I think as we get older, we start to identify things that we inherited from our parents that make us who we are. You're dad would be so proud of you.
I can also relate to this post! I feel for you!
Lovely memories 🙂 xx
Love this post… And I can only imagine how proud of you your dad is as he watches over you. 🙂