A bicycle rally was one of the activities for the Germanfest at Muenster, Texas. It was the most unlikely place for me to be during the weekend. I had been off my bicycle for the past year and a half and I had been yearning to get back on it. The purchase of a new gravel bicycle was one indulgence that cascaded my excitement.

All geared up and ready to go. The adrenaline rush was building up and I had difficulty getting it under control. This was my first bicycle rally and I wasn’t so confident. I was scared.

Around 700 bikers crowded for the starting line. The wind was easy and cool. The sun was out and felt comfortably warm. The back of the pack felt like an assuring place. The biking crowd began surging forward as the rally began. It was a surprise how easily it was to catch up with the main pack. The reason soon became obvious when the first of the uphill climbs came into view. The pace became steady with the rise and fall of the rolling hills.

The 10-mile mark came really fast. The burning sensation in the legs and thighs were coming in but the feeling was exhilarating. The break came just at the right time. I was parting way with my stronger and faster buddies since they were going for 40 miles. I calculated that I’m good enough for 20 miles and I dared not risk it. The way back was brutal! It was a rolling uphill climb against a gusty headwind! My legs felt like rubber as I crossed the finish line!

The Germanfest continued to be celebrated at the spacious Heritage Park Event Center. Food, drinks, music, and dancing filled the place.

Photo credits: Joseph Jerome Cruz