“Every item I’ve ever purchased from Terry I’ve loved, lived, sweated, laughed, and cried in.” – Haven Lindsey
Just before the Holidays we received a heartfelt note and poem from Terry customer and newfound friend, Haven Lindsey. With her words, she beautifully expressed the tremendous impact cycling has had on her and voiced how Terry gear helped her heal when life was putting her through the paces. Her message deeply resonated with our team and reminded us all of what sets Terry apart from the status quo. We are honored to share Haven’s powerful prose with you here.
Dear Terry
“Hello Everyone at Terry Bicycles!
I have wanted to write a note to you all for a few years. (And no, I have never written a note to a store!)
About 10 years ago, when I was living in Maine, I went through a god-awful divorce after losing the boy we had raised for 13 years. I was broken and shattered in every possible way and it took me a long time to bounce back. The thing that helped me do so was my bike. At the time (despite having had my life savings embezzled), I ordered some things from Terry, and even this morning riding my bike on my trainer, I wore a pair of Terry tights that I ordered a few years ago.
I’ve moved around since my divorce but have landed happy and healthy in Taos, NM. I am not a big-purchasing customer of yours because I’m not in the financial position to do so but I assure you, every item I’ve ever purchased from Terry I’ve loved, lived, sweated, laughed, and cried in. I’ve healed in Terry, I’ve healed with Terry which probably sounds corny but it’s true. When you grieve in certain “outfits” and become vulnerable everything has meaning – even the clothes you’re wearing.
I am a writer and this is a poem I wrote titled The Mourning Ride about my experience. I’ve always wanted to share with you that your shorts and tights have been with me every turn of the wheel. On my most broken days, I would wear my favorite Paris Eiffel Tower Soleil Long Sleeve Shirt to help me feel better, like I mattered like there would be another world waiting after the pain (there was).
Anyway, because it’s the holidays and because I am feeling grateful for where I am today, I thought I would finally share just how helpful your bright, fun, quality, cycling gear has helped me.
Happy holidays, Terry. You have helped make my world a better place to be. “
The Mourning Ride By Haven Lindsey
Empty on the inside
While life was being lived all around me
Nothing felt like it fit
Including me
Words fell flat
Hugs didn’t land
Food had no taste
Life lost its flavor
My faith kept me upright
My bike helped me heal
The cadence
The pedals
The rhythm of my breath
The sounds of the gears
Miles of solitude
I let the tears fall from my heart
Exhaustion felt better than empty
The tears and the sweat
The crashes and the flats
The poems that started to come
The cracks in my heart that started to mend
The light was still there
The smiles started to come when I would see a dog
or a flock of geese
or a momma deer with her fawn
Without thought I pedaled
From my darkness to the light
Hundreds of rides
Thousands of miles
Gallons of tears
And then one day the tears stopped
But I didn’t.
To read more of Haven Lindsey’s work, please visit her website: 4havensake.com
Reasons We Ride
At Terry, everything we do is fueled by the mission of encouraging women to ride. We believe our wheels are our wings and every woman should experience the freedom and solace of cycling. On the tailwinds of Haven’s mighty message, Terry Team members were inspired to speak on the impact cycling has had on their lives and how riding will propel them in 2023.
“I ride for many reasons, but for starters, I dislike driving! I ride for errands and for scenic vistas – you just can’t beat a Lake Champlain sunset. I believe wildflowers and wildlife are best experienced on two wheels. When the weather turns cold a favorite pursuit of mine is periodically checking on a local icefall, something you can only experience by foot or bike. I love to feel the sunshine kiss my face while I ride, the rhythmic pedaling meditative and soul cleansing. Lately, I’ve found peace by riding dirt trails or exploring the growing list of regional trails like the Empire Trail in New York. In 2023, I’m looking forward to the completion of Vermont’s cross-state Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, and plan to explore more of New Hampshire’s Northern Trail. My motto: Embrace life at bike speed.”
– Annie, Customer Care
“Even those of us in the industry find ourselves thrown off course, losing sight of 2 wheels, patiently awaiting the rubber to hit the road. So, as the New Year approaches, leaving behind it the struggles and grief of losing a mom, the road to repair is on the horizon (along with temps above freezing!). This girl resolves to reconnect and simply RIDE MORE. RIDE OFTEN.”
– Kelly, Marketing
“I began riding and training for a century ride just before my 40th Birthday. I cruised past that birthday milestone in the best shape ever, and the century rides gave me great confidence in all aspects of my life going forward. Riding has taught me you can do anything with focus and confidence!! ”
– Lisa, Customer Care
“Haven’s poem about riding after the loss of her child hit home for me. Although I haven’t submerged myself fully in riding, I have found the same healing in the water. I often ask myself: what’s keeping me from riding?? This year, I’ve made a goal for myself to ride at least 5 days a week, even if just a short leisurely ride. I hope this will be a driving change towards what makes me feel best. ” – Danielle, Accounting
“Cycling has long been my good mood fuel; I love the joyful rush that is revealed with each revolution. If life brings me down, my wheels turn me topside. I love the way riding has deepened my connection to my local community and introduced me to lifelong friends. Whenever I go riding, I always see a friendly and familiar face. In 2023, I aim to volunteer more frequently with local Vermont non-profits Old Spokes Home, Betty’s Bikes, and Local Motion to help make cycling more accessible, safe, and fun for ALL. Aside from that, I’m hoping to jet out to California for some quality riding time with my Grandy and Pops!”
– Cam, Marketing
How has cycling impacted YOUR life? Do you have any riding resolutions for 2023? How about a dream bike-it list destination? Let us know in the comments!
I have ridden 10,128 miles in 2022 and every one of them was in a pair of Terry shorts and most of them in a Terry Soleil top. Most of the rides were 40 milers at home in Wellesley, MA but also in Oregon, the Netherlands, Switzerland and France. In 2023, I will be taking my Terry gear to England and back to France. Thanks Terry for making all those miles so comfortable!
Thanks for taking Terry with you on your adventures! We’re thrilled to hear our gear has offered you support through it all.
One of the things I love about the Soliel and Vista tops is they aren’t obviously bicycling tops. When doing a multi-day ride all I needed was a clean top and a super light weight skirt (like the Terry wrap skirt) and I was dressed for town. No extra wardrobe required. And trust me, when you are carrying your gear, every ounce and extra item needs to be worth it.