A few days ago my wife and I were driving over to my parent’s house to visit. We’d just pulled away from a stop sign when I saw a cyclist out of the corner of my eye on an intersecting street.

He was all bundled up with a jacket, jeans and a helmet since the temperature was in the 50′s. As we drove down the street I saw him zoom away from us on his bike. It was a thrilling moment.

Why?

Because the man on that bike was my father and despite the cold weather he was out there…wheels turning…wind blowing…riding his bike. It was an awesome little moment in time.

Awesome because my dad has turned the tables on me. You may recall an earlier blog post in my “Why they ride” interview series where my Dad gave me credit for getting him into biking.

Sometimes I wonder if I really ever gave my family a choice in the matter! I was consumed by cycling and was wanting to get everyone in the family involved in the hopes they’d have the same rewarding experience that I was experiencing.

But now, almost a year later, it is the father that is inspiring the son. I’ve become almost obsessed with asking my father, each time we meet, whether he’s ridden his bike that day. Most incredibly, the answer is almost always a YES.

When my cycling buddies call in to cancel rides for weather, last minute committments, or sour stomachs I’ll often ask my Dad whether he wants to ride. His answer, every single time I’ve asked, is YES. And folks, I’ve asked a lot!

That really, really impresses me.

Dad’s no Lance Armstrong. Our favorite ride together is no Tour De France. His bike doesn’t have an ounce of carbon fiber.

But folks, this man is a true cyclist.

Cheers Dad! You rock!

(and Mom, you’re next!)