Why I Ride...

My first bike was a red 18" bike. I had no idea that a bike could be so much more than just a steel frame, chain and some knobby tires. Looking back now it was expression and freedom. Saddling up I fell into the moment so deeply. For the first time in my young life, I was in complete control of body and machine. My limits were ever expanding as I learned more skills and more about myself.

I remember setting up jumps with my brother with nothing more than a 2X12 and a small stool to hold it up. With determination and disregard for safety, I would launch myself off the jump. For just that second or two I had wings and could soar! That era of personal disregard and the chase for the next level of my possibilities, was the “trailhead” to this path

I love so much!

From stick-built jumps and neighborhood rides, I made my way to the trails of Durango. In high school I discovered how much peace a bike could inspire. Gradually, the possibilities continued to grow the “Zen” feeling I know now and have been able to harness today, began at that point in my cycling journey. Freshman year of high school I nearly found myself behind bars. I had gotten in with the wrong crowd and fell into a follower position in that part of my life. Social life at that time limited my time on my bike. Luckily, being too young I had a second chance to choose the bars I wanted to be behind. A few of the kids I rode bikes with helped me realize where my energy was rewarded and not diminished. Light was shown on how bikes brought self expression, peace and a place of positive power and control of myself. While working off my restitution I had to pay back for the trouble I had gotten in, I was able to buy a Dirt Jump style bike. So, while many of the kids in school were focused on popularity and where they fit in at school, I found myself fitting in at the skate park. Finding that determination again I got the chance to learn what I could really do on a bike! I started to feel a sense of belonging. The social group I found there was supportive and welcoming.

That was all the motivation I needed to push myself to go bigger and be more of who I am. At one point during high school I pushed a little too hard and broke both of my wrists. Some still know me as the kid riding with two casts and still sending it on a bike. Though I felt I had found my place and where I could really shine, I was torn between where I wanted to go and be, and where others expected me to go and who to be. I was lost and torn, except when I was pedaling my bike.

Events in my life have forced me to reevaluate what truly brings me joy. Pedaling hard and pushing my body and mind on a bike is where that joy is! Getting in the air at the skate park, blazing down Star Wars or even pushing a fixed gear bike over the top of Molas pass racing the train in the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic are all so gratifying! I want to share this joy of riding bikes, life skills learned and the incredible perspective I have found in life!

Lets go for a ride!

-Tony Hermesman