My Dream of Becoming a Professional Cyclist

Today I am going to change things up a bit. I want you to think about what your dreams are. If you are on your way to accomplishing them or if they are dreams of the past.

As a teenager I wanted to become a professional cyclist. Now I never told anyone at that time because I thought they would laugh at me. I was a chunky girl and the only exercise I liked was riding my bicycle. If you are going to follow your dream it is best to start with small goals.

When I started going to Tulsa Junior College finding a parking place was ridiculous and I only lived about four miles from there. I decided to start riding my bicycle instead of driving. This was also very therapeutic for me. I was a very angry person and this was something that helped me release that anger in a positive way.

After awhile I started timing myself and wanted to beat my record. I did indeed get faster, but I really just found some other ways of getting there. Rather than stopping at a stop sign I would stay on the sidewalk so I could keep going. I also would cut down an alley where there were no stop lights. I would jump off curbs taking those last second turn always trying to stay away from where the most traffic would be. At that time I was carefree and didn't have a care in the world.

I never set a goal but I did get faster and eventually would ride further. I noticed an advertisement for a "fun ride" and everyone was welcome. Not thinking about the distance just the word fun got my attention. When I got there I found out that I would be riding with a few professionals and they reassured me that someone would stay behind with me. I also learned that their bicycles were light weight and they told me I if I was serious I should but one. They taught me the proper way to balance at a stop sign and to peddle going downhill instead of coasting and things of that nature. We rode about twenty-four miles that day which was a great accomplishment in my books.

Then I heard of another challenge and it was thirty miles long. This would also be a race rather then a leisurely ride. I passed on this one and regretted it later. This is why. A counselor took me out to ride and wanted to know how far I could go. I could have entered that race and completed it because that day we rode thirty-six miles.

If you have a dream and you should. Is it one you never accomplished? Do you still want to? I want to encourage you and tell you it is never to late. My dreams have changed and now I am beginning to live them out. I have realized it is better to work for the Lord than chase an old dream. Whatever your dream may be pursue it! You can do it because you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Life is short so don't let the opportunity pass you by. Live life and do what you are passionate about. Live with no regrets.