ServalCycle

Listen to a fat man talk about cycling, philosophy, psychology and cats.

[servalcycle]

Always amazing lighting and skies during early morning country rides. A modest 30 miles this morning with chilly 43°F temps. Lots of other cool scenes on my ride but was too busy cruising to snap some pics. #cycling #cyclingphotos #igerscycling #wauchulacycling #wherethehelliswauchulaflorida #realflorida #naturalflorida #seenonmyride #seenwhilecycling #specialized #iamspecialized #allez #artemis #sky https://www.instagram.com/p/BrxjJLPlAzf/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=q5ni0e81emgf

[servalcycle]

Had a great ride with so much beautiful scenery today. I like taking pictures of portions of my ride even if they sometimes all look alike. It's just a desire to share the experience. But on days like today, I choose to be greedy and keep those sights, sounds, smells and feelings for myself. No one can take from me the life I've experienced on the road. Some people are sour, salty, jealous and miserable and will try to rob you of those experiences. But I am free. I am independent. I will continue to stuff my greedy pockets with life! #cycling #cyclingphotos #igerscycling #wauchulacycling #wherethehelliswauchulaflorida #realflorida #naturalflorida #goals #cyclinggoals #myway https://www.instagram.com/p/BrI7Zs-lP80/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=9fqm0a7jx895

[servalcycle]

Nothing like a hot bowl of homemade creamy potato soup stuffed with veggies. Been craving this all week so I went ahead and made some. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq0bJLfH3tb/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=13puwnnwbhmxh

[servalcycle]

If you're gonna flat, you may as well have some good scenery to look at. #cycling #cyclingphotos #igerscycling #wauchulacycling #wherethehelliswauchulaflorida #realflorida #naturalflorida #seenonmyride #seenwhilecycling #sceneonmyride #sky #clouds https://www.instagram.com/p/BqVFr3flYoR/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1iqedmjw5ab08

[servalcycle]

A rather pleasant night by the fire. The temps won't last but it's nice while it's here (57°F). https://www.instagram.com/p/BqQnFz8FsFY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1gmtomie280k5

[servalcycle]

Dear Florida, STOP IT! #florida #fall #whatfall #thereisnofall #winterisNOTcoming #realflorida https://www.instagram.com/p/BqIf1tTFgV7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1cwm7f6hy3f8t

[servalcycle]

I was cruising down a notoriously empty road with a false flat eating the wind on today's ride. Going pretty slow, I noticed this American bald eagle standing on the side of the road (no, this isn't the setup for a joke!). As I approached, it took flight and flew directly in front of me, at eye level, about three feet ahead. I felt like I could have reached out and grabbed him. He peered over his shoulder, dropped the hammer and took off into this tree. I just had to double back and get some pics. Man I love riding my bike! #cycling #cyclingphotos #igerscycling #wauchulacycling #wherethehelliswauchulaflorida #realflorida #naturalflorida #seenonmyride #seenwhilecycling #sceneonmyride #eagle #americanbaldeagle #gorideyourbike #whyiride https://www.instagram.com/p/BqIU-BmFy6g/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=16wj30vl7cxsw

[servalcycle]

These are absolutely my spare tubes! I literally have boxes with hundreds of patches. #cycling #cyclingphotos #igerscycling #wauchulacycling #wherethehelliswauchulaflorida #DIY #miser https://www.instagram.com/p/BqEPEv9lbe8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dmxrpggj2p41

[servalcycle]

Back to back 40-milers. Now the quads are feeling the burn. The weather was cooperative and my focus on position and cadence paid off. #cycling #cyclingphotos #igerscycling #wauchulacycling #wherethehelliswauchulaflorida #realflorida #naturalflorida #seenonmyride #seenwhilecycling #sceneonmyride #specialized #iamspecialized #allez #artemis https://www.instagram.com/p/BqC7g0yF8c4/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=eqfpbnj9v1su

[servalcycle]

11 rides in 22 days and 290 miles. Slowly getting my legs back while tuning my position, cadence and endurance. It's also been a blast learning new roads and the best strategies for attacking them. In short, I'm in heaven on the bike. #cycling #cyclingphotos #igerscycling #floridacycling #wauchulacycling #naturalflorida #realflorida #gorideyourbike

[servalcycle]

Today I turn 40. But that's okay because my comeback on the bike continues as I hit 40 miles again. There's life left in these legs yet!

[servalcycle]

Took the day off and went riding. What else would you do on a day off! Especially with gorgeous back county roads to cruise on. This is the real side of Florida most people don't see. What better way to clear your head, test your mettle and breathe in life. #cycling #cyclingphotos #igerscycling #wauchulacycling #wherethehelliswauchulaflorida #realflorida #naturalflorida #seenonmyride #seenwhilecycling #sceneonmyride #bealive #breatheintheair https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpr5KWxlShO/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=fsrtisrmq50x

[servalcycle]

During my ride today, I came across a cow giving birth. As I approached (about 50 feet away), the white cow finished birthing the calf lying on the ground. The black cow, I'm fairly certain, had just given birth not too much sooner as her calf was walking on wobbly legs. When people ask why I ride, these are the answers they get. Not the mileage, not the speed. But the things I experience while riding that are life affirming. And it doesn't get much more literal than this. #cycling #cyclingphotos #igerscycling #wauchulacycling #wherethehelliswauchulaflorida #realflorida #naturalflorida #seenonmyride #seenwhilecycling #sceneonmyride #bealive #lifeaffirming #whyiride https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpr6f1GFGKF/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=dojkt9d4c4n8

[servalcycle]

I realize that I'm likely the only cyclist in these parts, but even the cows seem concerned about my roadie appearance.

[servalcycle]

I hate the saying "life happens(ed)". You know, like, I was working towards a career, schooling, whatever and "life happened" thus knocking me off my trajectory and stalling my plans.

Life is life. Everything in it is life happening. The good, the bad, the ugly; warts and all.

20-25 years ago, I never would have thought that my life would be where it has been. Seen what it's seen. Felt what it's felt. Become nearly broken.

I know that my experiences happen to others, that I'm definitely nothing special. But I can't believe the number, depth and impact of things that have happened in the last two-plus years. Maybe one day I can find a way to express those experiences to my online peeps. But for now, this blog is, and always has been, about a fat man talking about cycling, philosophy, psychology and cats!

And I'd like to keep it that way. Those things have always kept me happy, focused and away from darkness.

And that's why I'm here. I've saddled up again, after two years, one month and twenty-two days (not that I'm keeping track or anything). I'm slow, fatter and way out of shape. My Specialized Allez and Roubaix bikes picked up without missing a beat. Shifting was snappy, tubes aired right up and my spirit soared. I mean SOARED.

My warmup used to be 10 miles while adjusting my gloves, helmet shoes and still averaging 20mph. Today I did 23 miles and my heart rate hit 179 bpm with a final 16.2mph average. Wow.

However, I bought a house in central Florida (literally the middle of nowhere. Cows and orange groves surround me) which has much more "elevation" and rolling hills than the coastal pancake region where I used to ride.

I feel good. I feel strong. I feel capable. And I feel alive. Cycling saved me once before. I'm imposing on it to help me again. And after 60-ish miles in three rides I can tell it already has.

[servalcycle]

"As this wheel goes 'round and I search to find my way

Struggle just to hold on through an ordinary day

I do believe I'm slipping away

But I shall return though I'm losing myself

I shall return 

I shall return from the depths of my own hell

I shall return"

[servalcycle]

On Friday, my little boy Oliver passed away. When I called and whistled for him to get his bedtime treats, he didn't come running. For several minutes I held out hope that he didn't hear me, that happens from time to time if he's sleeping hard. As time went on, I looked and eventually found him outside under my car. Oliver meant the world to me. He's been with me for nine years through everything I've faced. The last two years of my life have been the hardest and I've never needed him more than I do now. His passing is a glaring reminder of how far from home I am. As I held his lifeless body and thanked him for having been such a loyal companion, and apologized for bringing him to this place. Oliver, and all our pets, are not just "pets", "animals" or clichéd "family members". He stands for the humanity that we have in us to be compassionate, caring, loving, selfless, warm and empathetic. To be able to give love to another living creature unconditionally and without expectations. He was love for loves sake, innocence and loyalty. I'll miss you Oliver. Thank you for everything my boy.