During a challenging solo cycling tour in Louisiana, exhaustion set in due to brutal heat and headwinds. Checking into a motel while still in cycling gear, the desk clerk engaged in the usual questions about the journey. A couple behind noticed and listened in with curiosity. After checking in, the woman expressed her admiration for the long ride, and the cyclist graciously accepted the compliment, underscoring the simple joy of cycling.
"I walked in still in full cycling gear-helmet, gloves, jersey, the whole getup. The man at the desk started asking me the usual questions I get when I'm traveling by bike."
"I could feel the couple behind me listening. Not rudely-just curious, like most people are when they see someone walk in looking like they just came out of a Tour de France time warp."
"Wow, I'm really impressed that you rode all that way. I gave her a tired smile. 'Thanks,' I said. 'It's just something I like doing.'"
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