When I set out on a solo bicycle tour across the eastern United States, I expected the usual challenges — physical exhaustion, unpredictable weather, mechanical breakdowns. What I didn’t expect was an emotional detour that would quietly test my values and sense of commitment.
I was excited to explore new roads, meet new people, and soak in the freedom that long-distance cycling offers. One afternoon, while hunting for a bike path that promised 30 peaceful, traffic-free miles, I stopped near a vintage art store in a small town. That’s where I met her.
She approached as I adjusted my gear and asked if I was biking cross-country. Her voice had a warm Cajun lilt. She told me she owned the art store. My Texas drawl intrigued her as much as her accent intrigued me. We talked for nearly 45 minutes — about the road, about art, about life.
She was warm, confident, and easy to talk to — the kind of person who feels instantly familiar, even though you’ve only just met.
As I got ready to leave, she surprised me with an offer: to meet in my next destination town 40 miles down the road. “We could grab dinner,” she said with a smile, “and continue the conversation.”
I was flattered. And, truthfully, I was tempted.
The Loneliness No One Talks About
Long-distance touring can be lonely. Not just “I’m riding alone” lonely — but a quiet, lingering kind of isolation. A kind that makes even a small connection feel like something extraordinary.
Her invitation was innocent on the surface — but I felt the weight behind it. I knew, without a doubt, that if I said yes, it could lead to something I’d regret.
I’m a married man. And I’m committed to that marriage. Saying no wasn’t easy. But it was right.
I thanked her, sincerely, and declined.
The Ride Away
As I pedaled out of town, I felt a strange mix of sadness and clarity. I’d shared a genuine connection with someone — and let it go. That moment lingered longer than I expected.
But it taught me something I wasn’t looking for:
Even on the open road — where everything seems possible — some boundaries are worth protecting.
The Road Reveals Who We Are
Cycling continues to gift me physical freedom, mental clarity, and unforgettable moments. And sometimes, those moments come in the form of a gentle test.
That day, temptation met integrity.
And integrity won.
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You Might Be Interested:
Moments like these led me to create printable cycling art. If you love the human side of touring as much as I do, you might enjoy the artwork I make between rides.
👉 The Creative Bicycle Store
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