Heavenly Biking Partners
February 20, 2012 by Peggy Bowes
Filed under B2P Hot Stove
Over 20 years ago, my future husband introduced me to the sport of road biking, and it’s been my favorite form of exercise ever since. I have biked thousands of miles, in all parts of the country, finding adventure, friendship and fitness along the way.
I prefer to ride with my husband or a friend, but my commitments as wife, mother and freelance writer compel me to do most of my rides by myself. I often use the time alone to pray, and I find that the combination of rhythmic pedaling and the beauty of nature really opens my mind for meditation.
My husband and friends worry about me riding alone, but they needn’t because I have all kinds of heavenly protection. It started a few years ago when I invited St. Christopher to accompany me on my rides to protect me and the travelers who shared the roads with me. Later, I added St. Francis of Assisi after a scare with a country dog. When I discovered that both Blessed Pope John Paul II and Blessed Pier Giorgio were cyclists, I asked them to tag along. I wanted to add some female athletes, and since St. Gianna, St. Theresa of the Andes and St. Lidwina realized the importance of exercise, they too have become my companions. Of course it’s a given that my constant companion, my guardian angel, is also part of my heavenly peloton.
On the country roads I ride, I pass many small cemeteries, which remind me to pray for the Poor Souls in Purgatory. Since I’m told they are overjoyed to be asked to pray for others, I invite them to join the ride and pray for the intentions of the Rosary I often pray as I pedal.
I always return from these rides refreshed in both body and soul. If only others could see this holy parade of angels, saints and souls floating behind my Fuji Supreme road bike, then maybe more people would take up cycling (or maybe more cyclists would start praying).
Peggy Bowes is a contributor to the Good Sports Blog and the author of The Rosary Workout; co-author of Tending the Temple. She would be honored if you visited her website at www.rosaryworkout.com
