my bike
September 6, 2013 at 3:42 pm 19 comments
Θ
round and round
the wheels turn-
pushing and pulling pedals.
circles and circles
going far –
miles and miles
but
nowhere.
Θ
forearms resting in aero bars,
water bottles sitting in cages;
the playlist blaring in both ears
and
a chest pounding rapidly at bay…
Θ
10 minute, 20 minutes, 45, 60
sometimes many, many more.
if time is sparse, then less it is
dripping sweat all over the floor.
Θ
the mind is somewhere else
thinking of words, memories or things;
thinking about burning the day’s calories
and
beating up one’s self-esteem.
Θ
many times there is reading –
getting caught up with friends
and
other times there is writing –
spilling out feelings and distress.
Θ
Θ
a bike is like a friend –
it can lift your spirits;
make you strong
or
challenge you –
take you places
you never imagined
Θ
BUT
Θ
a bike can also kill you –
leave you bleeding on the ground
as you feel your life slipping away
along
with
a future
Θ
never to be found.
Θ
Θ
Θ
—
Two weeks after this picture was taken, I had crashed in WI during a training ride – six weeks out from Ironman Wisconsin. Spent three days in the hospital. After five hours of surgery, two titanium plates, 48 titanium screws, concussion, scars, getting an xray evaluation of my carbon fiber bike and one year later, I competed and completed Ironman Wisconsin 2006.
Entry filed under: athletics, cycling, depression, feelings, friendship, human nature, life, motivation, musings, Personal, poetry, ponderings, prose, Relationships, sports, thoughts. Tags: cycling, friends, inspiration, journeys, loneliness, memories, mental-health, observations, outdoors, Personal, physical activity, Poetry, training, voices.
1.
Devan | September 6, 2013 at 3:48 pm
You are an inspiration! To come back and finish Ironman after that kind of injury. Wow! Thank you for sharing this. 🙂
2.
words4jp | September 6, 2013 at 4:13 pm
Thank you:)
3.
Green Embers | September 6, 2013 at 4:37 pm
Oh oh, that is so cool! Indeed an inspiration! (Not cool that you had to go through that but cool that you came back and conquered!)
4.
words4jp | September 6, 2013 at 4:39 pm
My kids have always thought it was cool – I am packing metal!
5.
Dan McGaffin | September 6, 2013 at 5:17 pm
Wow. Way to go!
6.
cindy knoke | September 6, 2013 at 5:48 pm
Love this! Kudos~
7.
MichelleMarie Antell | September 6, 2013 at 6:06 pm
So true about it being a friend and also a foe! Wow titanium! I think you are bionic now! Bravo to you for finishing IM 06! ❤This!!!!!!!! Inspiring😃😃
8.
Dom DiFrancesco | September 6, 2013 at 7:09 pm
I love this poem. I admire the strength you showed in light of the injuries you suffered, I’m impressed. 🙂
9.
John W. Howell | September 6, 2013 at 7:40 pm
My bike is rusty from the sea. I am really glad you did the iron man after all that. 🙂
10.
ordinarygirlinbrum | September 6, 2013 at 8:48 pm
What an achievement! I keep learning new things about you 🙂 x x
11.
heila2013 | September 7, 2013 at 6:35 pm
Hi Kimberly,
Great post and very impressive achievement!
Maybe you’ll like my bike post: http://heilablog.com/2013/07/05/i-see-things-that-you-dont-see/
🙂
Heila
12.
words4jp | September 7, 2013 at 7:08 pm
Thank you so much !!! I certainly will 🙂
13.
heila2013 | September 7, 2013 at 7:09 pm
😉 🙂
14.
Shainbird | September 9, 2013 at 4:08 am
I love how you show us your journey and relationship with your bike, you begin with a lot of love and you end in victory because of this love – a great inspiration Kimberly!
15.
Kirsten | September 9, 2013 at 5:45 am
Okay, you are so my new Super Shero! Wow, what an inspiration sweet Kimberly. I hope you are doing well. I’ve missed you xoxo
16.
sheridegrom - From the literary and legislative trenches. | September 10, 2013 at 8:40 pm
Wheels of courage.
17.
words4jp | September 10, 2013 at 9:28 pm
Thank you – I have been thinking about you. Wondering if you and your husband are doing alright. Please know I am here if you need an ear/eyes/shoulder;). xx
18.
Patti Hall | September 22, 2013 at 1:59 am
What a woman!
19.
words4jp | September 22, 2013 at 2:35 am
Thank you;). I do try…..