I was a bit late to the road biking scene. My husband had been cycling for some 20+ years with various friends I referred to as hammerheads. Think uber-fit, Ironmen –and women who intimidated me to no end. But Tom encouraged me, always inviting me to give cycling a try. When I was 48 ½, I casually mentioned I would celebrate 50 by joining him on his annual ride around Lake Tahoe. Without missing a beat he suggested, Don’t wait till you’re 49 to start training.
In June 2009, at 49 ½, I completed my first 72-mile ride around the lake. Last Sunday was my tenth time riding. Today, cycling is one of my favorite things to do with my husband. While Tom has no trouble hanging with the hammerheads, he kindly –most times– slows down and sets a pace I can manage. My favorite memories are the two of us cycling on two-lane roads –could be Tahoe or Croatia or Napa or just good ol’ Ahwatukee (our neighborhood in Phoenix). I am tucked behind him, drafting wheel-to-wheel, the only sounds the hum of tires on pavement, an occasional click of a gear shift, a breeze flowing past my ears.
Crossing the finish line for the first time
the bike group circa 2016
Over the years, our bike group has swelled to welcome friends and extended family members. Many of them have joined us as first-timers for the annual bike around the lake. Tradition is packet-pick-up the day before. Drive the course, making note of the various climbs, the hated steep grades that will test us. We carb-load with pasta and wine and stories of past rides. Hope to get a good night’s sleep.
Ride day arrives at dawn. We rise early to drive to the starting line. Cars are packed with essential bike gear. Even if the forecast says sunny, we throw in arm- and leg-warmers, windbreakers, headbands, long-fingered gloves. We’re riding at 6500’. A car-cup of coffee for some. A mostly silent ride to the start; sky-gazing and stomach-churning for those of us not in tip-top ride shape. 7am in the Sierras is typically chilly. So there is a lot of strategic decision-making around layers and if/when we might shed them.
We have ridden cold, in sun, in a downpour (and wisely did not try to finish that year). We have had snow the day before and the day after –yet magically, dry roads the day of. Thus, the stomach-churning. And most times, we have been blessed with friends who show up along the route to take our extra layers, provide another coat of sunscreen, and best of all, to cheer us on.
Feeling good mid-ride – 2012
Finish line 2024
I don’t do this ride lightly. Each time it tests my endurance. I battle the inevitable voice inside that questions whether I can really do this. So the sense of accomplishment –and the tears, the gratitude, and joy — at the finish line are real.
ride day
dawn breaks
glacial glimmer
stillness betrayed by wakened heart pounding
warm-up for a long day ahead
72 miles
by bicycle
around lake
clip, click
spin, wind
pace line ascends an alpine grade
pedals in cadence with weighted exhales
numb fingers
grip handlebars
wheels spin
knees twitch
muscles strain
blood courses from heart, legs, lungs
a body driven to keep pedaling
adrenaline flow
endorphin glow
finish line
©2024 Patricia J. Franz
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I met Tracey at Highlights in 2023 and am delighted that she has joined the Poetry Friday community!
Patricia Franz writes picture books and poetry. She believes children, dogs, and sourdough have a lot to teach us about life, joy, and wonder. She has raised two boys, four dogs, and holds a master’s degree in Theology with a focus on children’s spirituality. Patricia, her husband, her Bernese Mountain dog, Bonny, and her sourdough starter split their time between the Arizona desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains. 
In a word, you’re incredible.
Patricia, I am so impressed! Seventy-two miles is a huge accomplishment, let alone to do over and over again. My husband and son are cyclists, so I appreciate how much work went into this challenge. I have never attempted more than 20 miles. I am humbled by your endurance and perseverance in all things!
Patricia! These marathon feats of so many years in gear now, are banner news to me, but not surprising, as you are a person of determination & creativity. How adorable to read of your hubby’s gentle nudging & your gradual decision to join in, which has led to exhiliariting times here & abroad. What stories! What memories! I feel fortunate to read your “ride day.”
Wow, I am so impressed!! Talk about determination and seeing things through. Your poem beautifully captures your love for and immersion in cycling.
You are an inspiration, Patricia, in many ways! Thank you for your incredible spirit and encouragement.
Yes, like Joyce said, You’re incredible! Wow! I loved reading the history of what got you started on the bike ride. So awesome that your friends and family members have joined in too.
Your three trinet poems are sweet! My favorite was the culmination with these lines:
“adrenaline flow
endorphin glow
finish line”
Are those you and Tom holding your bikes up in the first photo??!??
You are AMAZING! That is all I have to say. Just amazing!
Very impressive! Worth a poem — in fact, probably a whole collection of poems! Thanks for sharing your biking joy with us.
Your husband sounds like such a good partner. And, wow! Go, Patricia–so impressive and inspiring. Also, your poem–I especially love that “clip, click / spin, wind” as the rider gets into action!
It’s wonderful that you can do this together. 72 miles! It must feel like you’ve been tried and succeeded at the end of it. How welcome the “finish line” must be! Lots of great sensory detail in your poem.
Wow, everything about this bowls me over! How wonderful that you and your husband now enjoy cycling together and huge kudos to you for taking it up when you did — as a youngster, really 😉 — and persevering. I admire that so much! Hooray for you and for this “adrenaline flow/endorphin glow” tribute!
Amazing! Wow. I’m super-impressed. Congratulations, Patricia.
Thank you. I know you know what that takes!