That's what friends are for

Okay, I'm just going to come out and say it...I think I have the best friends one could wish for.  I know, everyone says this sort of thing, but this past year I have been reminded time and time again that I am really lucky.  Cue the index finger down the throat motion.

Although I have been surrounded by wonderful people my entire life, I have also come across plenty of crappy ones.  As long as the good ones outnumber the bad, I'm happy.  This year, however, for reasons I'm not sure of, 99% of the folks inside my circles are really cool.  They come from all walks of life and have extremely different backgrounds.  The only thing I can think of is it must be the bike that ties us all together.


Last summer I was introduced to Madison Bike Winter through Aaron Crandall.  From there the ball started rolling and kept gaining momentum--think of a snowball rolling down a hill.  I have been a part of many cycling communities in the past, but from this introduction alone, I have now formed many of my closest friends.  Madison Bike Winter led into the road cycling group I'm a part of--and both now overlap considerably.

I have also formed amazing new friendships through my work with the Wisconsin Bicycle Federation.  They too have overlapped with Madison Bike Winter and my road group.  There is something to be said when friends are so comfortable with each other they allow others to see their weaknesses (mental and physical) and can also be as elated for each other, when something great happens, as they would be for themselves.  The poking and prodding we give one another is equally balanced with warm fuzzies (again cue the gagging sign).

I consider these friends my family.  I doubt there are very many things I wouldn't do for them.  The best thing about this situation is my husband feels the same way.  We have both found our "home" here in Madison and it will be difficult to ever pull us away.