Try to think back to the first time that you rode a bike. For a lot of us that bike most likely had training wheels on it, if you can remember back that far. Those training wheels found their way off of the bike and our loved ones found themselves running behind us ensuring we didn't hurt ourselves. While our journeys all might have started differently, one thing that we all have in common is the feeling of riding. It was our vehicle, if you will, to explore, conquer, and travel. The freedom it gave us was exhilarating. Fast forward 25 years and that feeling still exists, some with a little more breathing involved however.
As I grew up, the bike evolved into many things for me. When I was a child, it was my gravel grinder riding up and down the driveway at blistering speeds. As I reached my early teenage years, it was a mode of transport for me to get around town with friends. At the age of 18, the bike was a great tool for me to get fit for the Marine Corps. But it wasn't until 2011 at the age of 20 when cycling really began to impact my life.
At the time I was stationed just outside of Seattle, still in the Marine Corps. Being a South Dakota boy, I was used to ridiculous winters and cold weather but the continuous rain of the Pacific Northwest was a new one for me. That coupled with being away from my family for the first time in my life, and the mind-numbing duty station that I was assigned to, began to wear on my mental health. It was about that time when I walked into Silverdale Cyclery, borrowed some cash from my parents, and bought my first actual road bike, a Cannondale CAAD 10 red in color with Shimano 105 groupset. Not a bad purchase for a first road bike! I had the intention of doing triathlons, but would soon find that the bike would be all that I needed.
At first 15 - 20 miles seemed like one heck of an adventure. Then I ventured further away from the base to ride 30 miles. Then 40 miles. You get the picture. Most everyone that rides can imagine what this did for me. It gave me the same feeling of freedom back that I had as a child the first time I rode a bike. To get away from the base, my duties, and to be on the road with just myself and my thoughts. My mental health improved greatly, along with my physical fitness. I'm sure many of you can share a similar story on how cycling improved not only your physical health but mental.
In 2012, I was transferred to Camp Pendleton in sunny Southern California. As the title suggests my cycling journey continued. It is here that I was linked up with the San Clemente Renegades. While on a solo adventure, a group of about 15 - 20 riders came up next to me and soon passed me. At the time I knew NOTHING about racing, tactics, drafting or anything. I figured I'd blow their doors off. I soon learned these lessons the hard way. The Renegades laughed and invited me to their group rides. They taught me everything about cycling, even giving me my first actual kit. My first pair of bibs with a cycling pad. I had been using triathlon bottoms before and was mind-blown about the added comfort. I owe a lot to the Renegades and still remain in contact with some of them today.
While in San Clemente I experienced my first races, many group rides, and what it meant to be a cyclist. I was also introduced to San Clemente Cyclery and the owner Sue. As I exited California and the Marine Corps, she provided me with a business card with some information jotted on it of a long-time San Clemente resident that had recently moved to South Dakota. The journey was about to continue full circle back home.
I followed Sue's direction and crossed paths with Jason Engle. Jason not only became another fantastic cycling partner but a one in a million friend. My knowledge of the bike only continued to grow and by the end of 2014, I had a couple of wins and top finishes to build motivation from. Life was at a crossroads however and the cycling budget needed to be cut. Like I said, a journey.
In 2019, after treating cycling as just a fun activity for a while, I officially found the bike competitively again. My renewed interest was also sparked by my wife's peaked interest in cycling. It has been fun sharing with her what I have learned over the years and going on cycling adventures. A lot of motivation also came from a program called Zwift, more on that later, and the motivation to get fit. I was the heaviest I had been my entire life (217 lbs.). The cycling journey has picked up right where I left off. 2020 was a year of building fitness, finding a healthy lifestyle, and growing my mental strength. I managed to drop down to 180 lbs. thanks to the bike.
2021 and our journey toward RAW (Race Across America) are in full swing. One thing that I have learned is to appreciate the journey no matter how hard it may seem. It's ok to step away from the bike time and time again. Refocus and come back stronger. But never forget what the bike has done for you and what it will continue to provide for you. Embrace the journey.
Mathew Wollmann
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