Marlowe/Taddie’s Dad 😊

Mother of Gravel

When Taddie was born more than a year ago, I decided to sell a few bikes. One of them was my beloved black Specialized Crux.

It was my modern fast gravel bike—the one I’d bring to fast community rides and races. Honestly, I thought I wouldn’t be able to bike anymore.

I was also anxious about the additional costs that came with being a parent. So I told myself, maybe it’s time to let go of a few things.

Then a year passed.

And what a year it was.

Taddie has been pure joy for me, Ting, and our families. Because of him, our families started gathering more. Somehow, we all just put our past issues aside and focused on creating a loving and happy environment for our firstborn - the first apo.

Of course, it wasn’t always easy. There were challenges. There were days when we were tired, overwhelmed, and just figuring things out as we went.

But the joy this little guy brings us is something else.

It overflows.

And somehow, that joy gives us the strength to keep going.

Looking back, I think I was too quick to think that becoming a dad meant I had to give up biking.

Maybe I just had to learn how to make room for both.

So here I am, slowly finding my way back to cycling.

Still building. Still budoling. Still riding.

Just this time, I have a little guy waiting for me at home.