Cycling-The Help I Didn’t Know I Needed

by Samika Minter | WeINSPIRE Contributor/Personal Essay

Washington D.C. — I like so many others started cycling outdoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I loved going to the gym and when they were shut down I figured I’d just wait it out. Well, months past and I was starting to feel down. I couldn’t put my finger on it and barely realized what was happening. 

Samika Minter posing with her bike. Photo Courtesy of Samika Minter

Although I continued to work (from home of course), something was missing. Once I began to receive more information about what was going on, I needed an outlet. I had a mountain bike from years ago that I decided to take for a spin when my friend Demetries invited me on a ride. Although I could only ride about five miles (I was MF’n tired), my mind and body felt free. After about three to four rides, I realized that I was overwhelmed and this was relieving all of my anxiety and tension. At that point I knew I found something special. After a few months I began to really enjoy the outdoors and cycling. So you know what that meant, time to ditch my mountain bike and get a road bike. I found Baby Blue online within my budget.

Minter’s bike Baby Blue. Photo Courtesy of Samika Winter

Help was on the way. Baby Blue and I took these DC streets and trails by storm and I began to get faster and more efficient. Also, my skin and body began to change. I soon had my “Ah Ha” moment. This was exactly what I needed. I had no idea that the pandemic was taking a toll on my mental and physical health. I wasn’t able to fly back home and see my family in Chicago and I wasn’t receiving the endorphins from my normal exercise routines. Further, I was breaking down from the constant news of deaths, layoffs, and trauma this pandemic was causing.

Fast forward, it is eight months later and I had to buy another road bike. Admittedly, Baby Blue was all I could afford at the time. Once I started riding with a cycling group, Getting It In, I learned the mechanics of cycling and I was hooked. I not only got the help I needed, I’ve gained some really cool friends. I encourage anyone to get out and at least try it. I’m not going to guarantee that you’ll love it, but give it a try!