Of Chairlifts, Challenges and Change

The chairlift ride to the top of my local bike park — Thunder Mountain — isn’t too long.  Maybe an 8-minute ride, it provides some great views and a chance to catch your breath between downhill laps.

Last Sunday at Thunder, I reconnected with a rider I’ve known for years through cyclocross racing (let’s call him James).  After meeting in the parking lot, we catch up on the basic stuff on our first lift ride to the top: how’s work, how’s the fam, what’re you running for tires, etc.   We hop off the lift, pick a trail, and I do my best to keep James in sight as he lights off downhill.

Over the next few laps, our chairlift conversation shifts a little heavier.  We didn’t talk about threshold power, beats per minute or who was faster down this or that trail.  James described his challenges with mental health in the years after he stopped racing; a battle with depression and anxiety that impacted every area of his life.  I shared with James that I, too, have plumbed the depths of depression and have struggled mightily with my mental health in the years since I stopped racing and riding.  

More than commiseration, our conversation felt more like an acknowledgement of challenging times and a resolution to rediscover what brought us to the bike in the first place — fun, joy and freedom.

My point is this: in between crushing your workouts and  chasing your goals, make sure you find some joy and connection along the way.

See you next week, 

Steve