During the crisis that was(is) Covid-19, with its lockdowns, anxiety, and admittedly one too many baked goods and frozen dairy treats, I made a pleasant discovery. I found community and empowerment – all through the simple act of riding a bike.

We’ve all heard of the “Freshman 15” – that dreaded weight gain during the first year of college. To my surprise (and probably many others), this morphed into the “Quarantine 15”. Many of us turned to comfort food as a solace in those lonely and uncertain times, and I was no exception.

However, in June of 2021, I decided to purchase a bike to exercise and explore my neighborhood. My community isn’t flat, as there are some challenging inclines, five of which are steadily steep and the bane of any new cyclist’s existence. I made it a personal challenge: I wanted to conquer all five without stopping.

Those first rides? Well, they were more of a comedic spectacle than an athletic endeavor. Huffing, puffing, and, yes, a good number of stops were involved. But with every ride, the stops became fewer. And it wasn’t just the hills that noticed.

The journey introduced me to many incredible neighbors. Words of encouragement floated my way as I pedaled past front yards and porches. “You can do it!” one would shout. “Your mother didn’t raise any quitters!” another would call. Horns would toot as cars drove by. Every shout, every cheer served as the wind beneath my wheels.

When I first began this quest, a cute, tail-wagging neighborhood puppy would occasionally greet me with ecstatic barks, offering cuddles as a form of support as I rested to regain my breath. That puppy somehow embodied the warmth of the entire neighborhood.

The neighbor across the street from me and her energetic 6-year-old daughter began to accompany me on rides. Their presence was not just about cycling; it was a form of solidarity. Every time I felt like stopping, one glance at the young girl, pedaling with determination alongside me, reignited my drive. Her youthful enthusiasm reminded me that support can come from even the youngest in our community.

My biking adventures taught me a profound lesson. My community, with all its unique members, became a living testament to what it means to belong and be included. Like the gears of my bicycle, each person I encountered played a part in creating momentum in me that no hill could conquer.

As weeks turned into months, and now years, not only did I conquer those menacing inclines, but I also shed that Quarantine 15 and then some. Yet, more importantly, I gained a neighborhood of cheerleaders, and a sense of togetherness, turning strangers into a community that a pandemic could not overshadow, even when the world seemed to stand still.

In the midst of Covid-19’s challenges, my bicycle became more than a mode of transportation; it transformed into a bridge to community, connection, and empowerment. Every pedal stroke, every hill climbed, and every cheer from a neighbor showcased our resilience and the strength found in unity. As we move forward, let us remember that together, we can turn adversity into an opportunity for growth, harmony, and triumph.