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You are here: Home / Sidesaddle Blog / CYCLING HAVEN: POWERFUL IMPACT OF THE RIDE.

CYCLING HAVEN: POWERFUL IMPACT OF THE RIDE.

December 29, 2022 By Camarin Raine 3 Comments

“Every item I’ve ever purchased from Terry I’ve loved, lived, sweated, laughed, and cried in.” – Haven Lindsey

Haven Lindsey in her winning Soleil Long Sleeve Top

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

Haven’s adventurous spirit prevails, seen here Skijoring behind a horse in Utah. Yeehaw!
Dancin’ in southern Colorado “because what else are you gonna do when your favorite song comes on the radio in the middle of nowhere?”

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

One of Annie’s many bikes posed next to icefall and outfitted with the Liberator X Gel Italia Saddle

“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

Lisa forging her way via fat bike

“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

Riding into the light

“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

Cam’s grandparents, Sherry and Jim, are in their mid-eighties and still cruising! Let’s see if Cam can keep up!

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!

Filed Under: Sidesaddle Blog Tagged With: cycling inspiration, riding for health and happiness


Comments

  1. Karen White says

    January 1, 2023 at 2:54 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Camarin Raine says

      January 3, 2023 at 9:23 am

      Thanks for taking Terry with you on your adventures! We’re thrilled to hear our gear has offered you support through it all.

      Reply
  2. Nina Sabghir says

    January 1, 2023 at 8:54 pm

    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.

    Reply

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