Dear Dad, Thank You!

In honor of Father’s Day I thought I would finally put into words a much overdue thank you letter to the person who got me moving on two wheels.

Neither of my parents was standing next to me on my inaugural flight down the driveway sans training wheels, but it was my Dad who prepared and push me in my early stubborn and self sufficient way to get on that bike and begin to pedal. My Dad gave me all the encouragement I needed to believe that I could do it myself. He never promised it was going to be easy but he didn’t give up on me either and I know I wasn’t the quickest or best student. It took much convincing on his part and trust on mine to believe that this thing with two wheels that couldn’t stand up by itself really would move forward without falling with me on it.

Once I was off and pedaling, my Dad’s commitment to my cycling life did not wane. He was the one who took me on my first “serious” ride; oh the days when 5 miles was of epic proportions! He showed me the exciting world of mountain biking, cleaning and taking care of my bike properly, how to ride while clipped into pedals, and so much more. Gone are the days when I throw a fit because he taped Paris-Roubaix over my Care Bears video, now our relationship has changed to: “Hey Dad, did you see the race today?” Or “Can you tape that for me?” He is now the one stealing my bikes for a quick ride while in town or calling to ask me for advice on a new part or accessory. I feel lucky to be able to share that with him.

Though it is not verbalized, every ride I take I am grateful for the gift I was given, so thank you Dad! My life will forever be better because of something you gave me as a 5 year old. Big thanks also to every other father, mother, older sibling, or friend that has shared this with someone!! You are all heroes.