Earlier today, I went for a bike ride towards Douglas with the simple goal of enjoying a coffee at my local Starbucks. The temperature was around 52 degrees, so I geared up in my cold-weather kit for the approximately 30-mile round trip.
After taking a right turn onto Mosely Road at Broxton, I pedaled at a steady pace. Feeling strong, I maintained a speed of 17-19 mph each time I checked. Did I stick to my zone 2 coffee ride? No, I pushed myself harder. (Maybe watching Tadej Pogacar during the UAE Tour yesterday influenced my decision. It’s okay for older guys to dream, right?)
Everything was going well until my back tire went flat on Highway 206 in Douglas. I stopped near Two-Way Communications and InstaShed to examine my tire. It turned out to be just a loose Presta valve, which I inflated with my hand pump. However, I couldn’t reach my desired pressure, so I decided to head back home.
What I thought would be a fast ride turned into a leisurely one, but I enjoyed being back on my bike and seeing the familiar sights in Coffee County. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to appreciate the journey itself. If it wasn’t for the mechanical issue, I wouldn’t have witnessed an osprey soaring overhead with a fish in its talons at Greene Tree Lakes or captured a cool bike lean photo at one mural in Broxton.
Cycling reflects life. Unexpected interruptions can happen, but we can adapt and overcome with the grace of God. Ultimately, what’s more important than enjoying the ride in the beautiful world our Heavenly Father has given us? But, in the end, I made it to Starbucks and wrote this story to share with you.
Kevin W. Bounds 
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