After the Finish Line – November 2023
by Alumni Coordinators Kelly Wolf & Neil McCallum
Completing a cross-country bike ride is undoubtedly an extraordinary achievement, but the journey doesn’t end at the finish line. As we wrap up the 2023 cycling season, we wanted to discuss some of the common side effects you might experience adjusting to life after a cycling journey.
The struggles can be both physical and emotional. Your body, which has endured countless miles and harsh weather conditions, may still require some recovery time. Your stomach will go through an adjustment period as it takes a while for it to realize it no longer needs food every 2 hours because you are no longer burning thousands of calories each day.
Additionally, the routine and sense of purpose that defined your days on the road suddenly vanish and adjusting to “real life” once you get home can be challenging. There’s a feeling of post-adventure blues, as the exhilaration of the open road is replaced by a sense of restlessness.
Nevertheless, the lessons learned, the memories made, and the indomitable spirit developed during the journey can help you navigate these post-ride struggles. You are left with a profound sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that you can conquer any challenge life presents, one day at a time.
Fortunately, each year there are new routes coming which will give you many new ride options to fit your schedule and give you new places to explore. So, as we remember the good times from the summer, enjoy sleeping in your bed where hopefully nobody is snoring nearby. Appreciate the fact that you always know where you can do your laundry and be grateful you won’t need to pack up your sleeping mat until your next adventure.
