Rewards

Can all your biking put bread on the table? Will this obsession put money in the bank? Will it really make you rich?

Frankly? No, it will not.

It might, in case someone decides my enthusiasm born of passion is worth investing on. But that is wishful thinking. I am already 52. What is there to invest on this man who may appear to many as merely bike crazy?

Yes, there is no money here.

Only rewards.

I am rewarded with a friend who knew I would enjoy biking more by going clipless and so without much ado, gave me his spare Ritchey pedals.

I am rewarded with friends overjoyed I am going clipless, and rewarded with another who, upon learning I was trying to save up for a set of cleats, biked some 15 kilometers to hand me his brand new set.

I am rewarded with a friend who instead of selling his extra biking apparel, gave them all to me as gift, and with another who, in times of want, would generously cover for me so I can move on.

I am rewarded with a friend who, in spite of being exhausted himself, would cheer me on as I agonize that steep climb, and with friends who are jubilant that I had never given up and had conquered that mountain even if I have to unceremoniously stop or walk my bike plenty of times.

I am rewarded with friends who will keep up with my often laborious pace at the rear of the peloton, would stay on even if they feel they can pedal faster because friendships are far more important.

I am rewarded with friends who look past what I can afford, who insists that biking itself stands taller than what I bring.

I am rewarded with friends from far away who are so eager to share my happiness, and with one specially going out of her way to complete what I lack.

I am rewarded with friends who are basically keen on making the best of what I already have technically and would go one farther by taking on babysitting duties for me.

I am rewarded with biking stories that often challenge the human spirit, stories of bravery, stories of humility in spite of greatness, stories of genuine friendships.

I am rewarded with laughter which all the more makes biking fun.

I am rewarded with a view that changes my often sad perception of life, rewarded with the awareness of the richness of what surrounds me, rewarded with opportunity to enjoy God's grandeur through His creation, rewarded with gratitude for all blessing He has already bestowed upon me.

Many continue to work hard to save enough so they can finally spend time on real friendships, feel God's bounty, and then be filled with gratitude.

Biking did not bring bring money into my savings account but then again, I already had my fill.

Photocred: ASRivera