CHECKING IN ON MY CYCLING SELF

BUT, TODAY, PEOPLE OF ALL SORTS OF WONDERFUL, COLORFUL CULTURES WHO LOVE THE WIND IN THEIR HAIR HEAR THE SOUND OF A MILLION ANGRY HORNETS ON THEIR TAIL.

- GABE ORTIZ

DEAR YOUNGER ME: It's been about five years since we've last taken a breather. Though we are always in conversation, the last time we made it a point to deliberately try to take stock of where we are current me and past me we were in our 20s, filled with an infinite amount of gleaming hope. Back then, it was just one speed, with a fixation on hunting for all the momentum possible. As horns blazed riding down 5th Ave., split-second decisions were the only choices worth investing in. Going fast without a care in the world was my way, and the only way I needed. Now that I'm in my 30s, I find myself in a moment to sit myself down and take a well-deserved rest, if only momentarily. Reflecting while riding, thinking while sprinting, climbing with clarity has and always will be what allows us to navigate through the woods, over mountains, down to the river. Ultimately to get to our loved ones. But you know this, younger me. Here's what's changed since we last talked.