Week 255

Positive post Sunday, January 9, 2022- Week 255.

Those of you who know me well know my passion for cycling and how much I love my family. Well, my passion and love came together this Christmas when my grandsons Liam (4 years old) and Benjamin (2 years old) got bikes from Santa. This Papa was very happy! My son-in-law Pat also got a bike for Christmas, and I think he was more excited than the grandkids.

At first, Liam was challenged with riding (stupid pedals, stupid brakes), but in very short order he was hooked on cycling like Papa. He loves riding up and down the sidewalk and he and Pat went on their first father son ride last week. An experience that I’m sure will always be cherished, and one that brings back memories for me. Yes Jeff, I know I owe you a bike since I sold the one I gave you when you finally beat me back to the house on a ride many years ago.

Seeing Liam, Pat and Benjamin ride their new bikes and riding with them (and all my grandkids) means more to me than they know. But it wasn’t until a few days ago when my daughter Alison sent me a text with a picture Liam drew that it really hit me. His drawing of a bicycle below, which is amazing for a 4-year-old, is far more than a drawing of a bike to me. It’s a reminder of how influential we are in the lives of our children and grandchildren and that they are always watching and listening to us and absorbing our every action, good and bad.

I’m sure that I have passed down many bad habits to my children and grandchildren, some of which are listed on the “60 things we love about you” gift they all gave me for my 60th birthday. At least my love for my family made the list 5 times and cycling twice! I see my “habit” of riding my bike and passion for cycling as a gift to my family that goes far beyond just getting them excited about riding bikes.

Yes, I ride my bike for health and fitness, but my passion for cycling is much deeper. Riding is quality time I’m privileged to spend with family and friends. Helping Benjamin ride his strider around in the backyard, riding up and down the sidewalk with Liam, taking Pat on a ride on the Carriage Trail, mountain biking with Ryan, Sean and Chad, showing Christian the safest route to ride his bike to middle school and riding with the guys on the bagel ride on Saturdays are all opportunities to connect with those I love and value.

Cycling is also my escape, my time to get away, clear my mind and strengthen my faith. It’s my comfort zone, where I do my best thinking. Many of my PPS posts started on bike rides. I have prayed the rosary, thanked God for all my blessings, asked for His forgiveness when I have failed, sought His guidance in my life and prayed for the health and wellbeing of my family, all while cycling.

A note to my family – cycling is far more than just riding a bike to me, it’s an opportunity to spend quality time with you and a time I use to strengthen my faith and relationship with God. It’s my hope that this PPS broadens your understanding of my passion for cycling and gives you insight into how I use my time on the bike to strengthen my Triangle of Life.

For those that ride, I encourage you to look deeper into the experience, and use your time riding to not only improve your FITNESS but to also build FAMILY and strengthen your FAITH.

What passion will you pass on to your children and grandchildren?

What is the cycling example in your life? How do you use it to serve the Lord and your family?