Biking on to Memphis

Crossing over the Des Moines River between the twin cities of Douds and Leando, the lead rider had pointed up as the rest of us turned our eyes skyward to view two beautiful, magnificent bald eagles intersect our path from above. My heart soared with them as we biked onward to Memphis, Missouri for a fun social, century ride.


Earlier, the ride had started by passing the middle school in Fairfield, where a stage was being set up for a concert with The Nadas and The Beach Boys.
The weather could not have been more perfect, a cool Fall type of day. We had started with sixteen riders dressed in their colors, riding artful bikes: Litespeeds, Quattro Assi's, Orbea Orca, Eddy Merckx, Serotta, Gary Fisher, Le Mond and Trek.


At one point, past the Missouri border, an Amish community had gathered for Sunday services. Twenty-three horse drawn carriages in a field, lined in neat rows with orange triangles placards on the back. Biking back from Memphis we passed the farm again with men gathered in groups. Children lined up as if to pose for a picture, with other children playing some sort of game. I wondered what they think of us lycra'd, strangely colored cyclists. Perhaps, that we could as easily get in good shape by working out in the fields?

At various times during the ride, we biked as a group and individually. Whether alone in thought or conversing with different riders, the journey had many different levels to experience. Alone with my thoughts, I had remembered when I first met members of the Feist Bike Group. Performing at their level seemed to be beyond my ability. Since joining the group I have biked fast centuries (100 mile) rides, gone 200 miles without sleep, and ascended the tallest paved road in North America (Mt. Evans).

In retrospect, the take away is that it is a mind game for what one can, or cannot achieve. As effortless for the flight of an eagle, physical obstacles can be overcome.

The most powerful stories are the ones that we tell to ourselves.

Tom O'

Photos by Alan M.