sincere [adjective] ~ /sɪnˈsɪər/
"Free from pretence or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings."
There is a weird feeling about doing something for the last time, when you fully aware aware it will be the last. Knowing that this moment in time, that particular feeling, that air your are breathing, and the people you are with will be a moment that will always and forever be in your memory as that one last time you enjoyed doing the things that at that point in time made you happy.,
I am a firm believer that those around you leave a big mark in your life. Doing the things you love with those who have a passion for it, is an amazing feeling.
Today was one of those days.
I met Mr. J. about 4 years ago at a birthday party. He was a runner and was just getting into cycling. As time passed he got more into cycling and we were doing regular rides on the weekends during the summer.
He es much younger than me, and gained the title 'The Millennial' in our group. We still joke about it when we talk about stuff from our childhood, when Mr. J. usually ends the conversation with his classic 'Nooooo marika ni idea'. It cracks me up.
There is another side to our friendship other than our passion for cycling and triathlon. We have similar personalities and became good friends. We used to setup virtual rides from home, and will have great chats with our friends about other stuff from life, and a bit of cycling too, of course. We had amazing life experiences that define friendships, and create tighter bonds between people. I can say with most certainty that Mr. J. is a friend for life.
Mr. J. is very competitive. Is amazing to see him out there running or cycling, always giving everything until the end. We have done amazing races and rides up in the French alps and the pyrenees. His attitude is always a forward thinking one. He sees something and he wants to conquer it, no matter how much effort it takes, he is there.
Today, Mr. J. and I went out for one last ride before he goes on to pursue other ventures away from where we live now. He is setting off back home, to where it all began for him and his family. Back to his roots.
During the ride we remembered so many things from the past 4 years. Stories about rides, races, trips, and silly things and jokes we used to play on each other.
We remembered a lot ...
How our friend Mr. F. always mentions the same story about the same pub every time we rode past it.
How the riding routes I used to create in Garmin would take us through foot bridges, unpaved roads and
between private fields.
How Mr. J. got off his bike 200 metres before the summit of Col Du Galibier.
How I have clipped Mr. J. and Mr. F. off their bikes while riding.
How once I chased down some idiot who splashed me with his car.
We remembered everything; the good, the bad, the funny bits and the serious bits; and we still laugh, because it created a bond, a unique bond that will always be there. I will always have great respect for Mr. J., mainly because he has an amazing quality that is hard to find these days. He is sincere.
I wish you all the best my friend. Thank you for these amazing years of friendship, and for those still left to come. You have been a great mate, always truthful to your beliefs, and an inspiring person. You have my unequivocal respect forever.
And don't forget ...... there is an ironman out there waiting for us.
Bon voyage, my friend.
Now let's chill and listen to coolio. Thanks for reading.
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