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Friday, April 13, 2012 4:21 PM Pacific

Allow yourself to cycle past life's challenges

by Dawn Silveira

Think back on your favorite bike ride. Are you on an open road, warm sun on your back with a content happy feeling in your heart? Did you meet a challenging part of your route with an open mind? Imagine riding with supportive like-minded women on a Saturday morning. You may be out to ride with a group and find that after a few rides you are feeling more confident and self-assured on your bike. A car passing by no longer make you nervous, or a pace line is no longer something only the pros do. You greet the morning looking forward to your bike ride because it has become so much fun. This is what it is like to ride with Jill B. Nimble Cycling Club.

As the leader of the club, my intention as a coach is to build our club to 1) have fun, 2) help you feel comfortable riding safely on any terrain, and 3) create a place where self-confidence spills over into every nook and cranny of your life, both on and off of the bike.

Many women I have spoken to are interested but can't get past what they perceive as their own barriers to succeeding in cycling. I simply ask you to be kind to yourself and join us for a ride.

Whenever you take a moment to be kind to yourself, let go of self judgement, and breathe through something challenging, you are making a difference not only in yourself but in the world. The next time you come up against something challenging, you can reflect back on a previous challenge and move through with a little more grace and confidence even if it is in the smallest amount, challenges become less challenging. Building your self-esteem and self-confidence is reflected out in your everyday world and soon your world becomes brighter.

One of the many places in my life that I put this into practice is on my bike. I love learning how my mind works while I am doing something physical. As I am climbing a hill or descending a steep hill, I can focus not on how challenging or scary the hill is but what am I thinking? Where are my thoughts? Am I making the hill harder by focusing on how hard the hill is or am I remembering I have moved through more difficult things and how fortunate I am to be outside with a group of wonderful people on a bike in Beautiful Sonoma County! How cool is that! I can do anything, I am getting stronger. As I become stronger, I can help others find their own strength. We can each strengthen each other and be a "remover of obstacles" in our own lives by shifting our thinking.

I invite you to join me to ride this season in the Jill B. Nimble Cycling club. Contact me to find out more! Happy Cycling!