Cycling has taken Nora Vik across the country, meeting all types of bike riders along the way.
My bike has taken me through breathtaking redwood forests, smelly farm roads, desert trails and breezy coastlines. Along the way, I’ve learned there are always discoveries around the corner. The people I’ve met on these journeys are just as diverse as the roads I ride, and honestly, it’s those connections that make the journey worthwhile.
At our local velodrome in San Jose, cyclists from all backgrounds come together in friendly races. We have riders from the inner-city fixie scene; there are former pros juggling racing and lively kids; a retired woman, surprising us with homemade cookies and strong sprints; and gender fluid riders bringing their authentic selves to the starting line. Each of them reminds me that our common love for cycling truly bridges the widest gaps.
Travelling for races across the country has really broadened my connections as well. In West Virginia, a local grandma opened up to me about her town’s challenges. And riding through rural Florida, homeowners waved as I passed. One man stopped to chat, sharing how his neighbors celebrate birthdays together and know each other’s favorite hobbies. With every new place I visited, I found myself appreciating people’s stories more and more.
Over the years, cycling has given me close friends, locally and across the country, each with a background that is as varied as their riding styles. While we all love cycling, some of us come from liberal families, others conservative; some are first-generation Americans and others have had their families here for generations. To me, this diversity is inspiring, and it reminds me that friendships can thrive despite differences.