Hanging Onto the Handlebars: A Wild Second Half of the Year

Hanging Onto the Handlebars: A Wild Second Half of the Year

This year has been one for the books, but the second half has truly been a whirlwind. At times, I felt like I was barely hanging on—gripping the handlebars of life tightly, trying not to crash as everything sped by. Between work, family, hobbies, and chasing my goals, it felt like I was stretched thin in every direction.

As chaotic as it was, looking back, I’m honestly amazed at how much I managed to cram into such a short amount of time. Surf sessions, gym training, hill climb races, work trips, and everything else in between—I somehow kept all those plates spinning. But here’s the thing: it wasn’t sustainable. And, more importantly, it wasn’t truly fulfilling.

I’ve come to a big realization. Cycling is the one thing that has stood out this year as the activity that brings me the most joy and clarity. Unlike some of the other hobbies I’ve picked up over time, cycling feels different. Being AuDHD, I’ve often jumped from hobby to hobby, throwing myself fully into one thing, only to shift gears when the novelty wore off or when it became logistically draining.

Take surfing, for example. I love it, but trying to fit in sessions when swells align with my schedule is frustrating. And when I finally get out there, it’s either me taking a beating or pushing so hard I can barely move the next day. The gym? Don’t get me started—there were weeks when I pushed myself to the brink, only to spend the next three days dealing with debilitating DOMS. It’s like I was doing everything at 110% but spreading myself too thin to really excel in anything.

Cycling has been different. It’s accessible—no waiting for conditions or flights to the Alps. I can step out the back door and start pedaling, and that simplicity has been a game-changer. I’ve found that I enjoy it more than anything else I’ve done this year. It’s not just about the races or the data; it’s the sense of freedom, the quiet moments on the bike, and the challenge of pushing myself in a way that feels sustainable and rewarding.

This realization has led me to a decision: I’m all in. I’ve decided to invest fully in cycling and make it my number one focus. In the past, I’ve tried to juggle too many things at once—family, friends, and more hobbies than I can shake a stick at. While it’s been fun being a jack of all trades, I’ve realized that I want to be more than that. I want to see what I’m capable of when I commit to mastering something.

Cycling has already given me so much this year, and now I’m thinking, If I could accomplish all of that while spreading myself so thin, what could I achieve next season if I focus fully?

The second half of this year may have been a wild ride, but coming out on the other side, I feel clearer than ever. I’m excited to see where this commitment takes me—not just in cycling, but in life.

Stay tuned for the next post, where I’ll share more about the changes I’m making and my plans for the future. Until then, I’m keeping my eyes on the road ahead, one pedal stroke at a time.

Let’s see what I can do when I stop holding on for dear life and start taking control of the handlebars.