Terry Peloton

Tag: riding for health and happiness

  • SHEDDING BURDENS & BOOSTING JOY.

    Contributed by Terry Ambassador Adina Crawford

    As we move into the New Year there is no better time to do a check-in with yourself and assess the burdens that could be hampering your daily living and impeding your peace of mind. It’s simple, carrying excess things that don’t serve you into 2023 will increase your emotional and mental load, so let’s leave them behind. It’s time to release the past, anger, fear, and anxiety that can cast a heavy shadow on your heart. When we release these burdens, we not only strengthen our hearts, but our minds and bodies as well.

    Find Boosters of Joy

    There are many BOOSTERS OF JOY that can help you shed your burdens, find what fuels your fire and encourage you to think about how you desire to show up in the world. BOOSTERS OF JOY bring happiness, laughter, smiles and most importantly, a positive effect on your mental well being. There are so many big things, small things and in-between things that can serve as boosters.

    Here are my top suggestions:

    Empower yourself to get out and exercise. Whether riding your bike, going for a hike, taking a leisurely walk or practicing yoga. Find joy through breath and the movement of your body. Let the bliss of all you’re capable of flow through you and send self-doubt out. EMPOWER your mind and feed the soul with the goodness of movement.

    Adina is sporting the Bike Knicker Plus and Breakaway Short Sleeve Jersey Plus. Lookout for all new Breakaway prints this Spring!

    When you find yourself circling back to a dark space, pause and take three nourishing deep breaths. Let air fill up the belly and lungs and let a huge exhale out. Slowly repeat to yourself “I am not my thoughts.”

    Adina leading a grounding stretch with her local Black Girls Run group

    Surround yourself with a community that wants to see you thrive. Explore your passions and reach out to people with common interests. Finding a tribe of like minded people to share your passion is pure joy. If you aren’t finding the exact group you’re looking for, consider starting one yourself. You may be surprised how many people share your interests or goals!

    Lastly, remind yourself your strength will always be greater than your struggle!

    About Adina

    Adina is an avid fitness and cycling enthusiast who loves building communities and creating spaces where people thrive. In 2016, she completed her first marathon in Chicago followed by the Boston Virtual Marathon in October 2021. She has completed too many half-marathons, triathlons, and cycling events to count. In October 2022, Adina was recognized for all the work she does to make running, biking, and yoga inclusive to all and received a proclamation from Mayor Dominic Sarno of Springfield, Massachusetts. With his proclamation there is now an official “Adina Crawford Day” every October 30th. 

    Adina Crawford is a certified Yoga Teacher who teaches Gentle Yoga, Chair Yoga, Yin Yoga and Meditation and Mindfulness. Her calling to teach yoga has been about diversity and community and understanding that each person is unique and at a different level. Her goal is to inspire growth at every level. She has collaborated and taught with companies such as Lululemon, Athleta, Oiselle and many local groups in her Baltimore, MD community.


    Along with being a Terry Ambassador, Adina is an Ambassador for Trek Bicycles, Black Girls Run, and is an REI Co-op Partner.  She also serves on the Board of Directors for Black Girls Run Foundation whose mission is to encourage and motivate black women to practice a healthy lifestyle and breakdown barriers around fitness. Adina’s goal is to bring more diversity and awareness to the track, mat, and bike. She truly believes: RUNNING, YOGA, & BIKES ARE FOR EVERY BODY. Follow along with Adina’s journey on social media:

    Instagram: @adinavcrawford

    Facebook: Deanie The Yogini – For The Love of YOGA

    Twitter: @Adinacrawford19

  • CYCLING HAVEN: POWERFUL IMPACT OF THE RIDE.

    “Every item I’ve ever purchased from Terry I’ve loved, lived, sweated, laughed, and cried in.” – Haven Lindsey

    Haven Lindsey in her winning Soleil Long Sleeve Top

    Just before the Holidays we received a heartfelt note and poem from Terry customer and newfound friend, Haven Lindsey. With her words, she beautifully expressed the tremendous impact cycling has had on her and voiced how Terry gear helped her heal when life was putting her through the paces. Her message deeply resonated with our team and reminded us all of what sets Terry apart from the status quo. We are honored to share Haven’s powerful prose with you here.

    Dear Terry

    “Hello Everyone at Terry Bicycles! 

    I have wanted to write a note to you all for a few years. (And no, I have never written a note to a store!)

    About 10 years ago, when I was living in Maine, I went through a god-awful divorce after losing the boy we had raised for 13 years. I was broken and shattered in every possible way and it took me a long time to bounce back. The thing that helped me do so was my bike. At the time (despite having had my life savings embezzled), I ordered some things from Terry, and even this morning riding my bike on my trainer, I wore a pair of Terry tights that I ordered a few years ago. 

    I’ve moved around since my divorce but have landed happy and healthy in Taos, NM. I am not a big-purchasing customer of yours because I’m not in the financial position to do so but I assure you, every item I’ve ever purchased from Terry I’ve loved, lived, sweated, laughed, and cried in. I’ve healed in Terry, I’ve healed with Terry which probably sounds corny but it’s true. When you grieve in certain “outfits” and become vulnerable everything has meaning – even the clothes you’re wearing.

    I am a writer and this is a poem I wrote titled The Mourning Ride about my experience. I’ve always wanted to share with you that your shorts and tights have been with me every turn of the wheel. On my most broken days, I would wear my favorite Paris Eiffel Tower Soleil Long Sleeve Shirt to help me feel better, like I mattered like there would be another world waiting after the pain (there was).

    Anyway, because it’s the holidays and because I am feeling grateful for where I am today, I thought I would finally share just how helpful your bright, fun, quality, cycling gear has helped me. 

    Happy holidays, Terry. You have helped make my world a better place to be. “

    The Mourning Ride By Haven Lindsey

    Empty on the inside

    While life was being lived all around me

    Nothing felt like it fit

    Including me

    Words fell flat

    Hugs didn’t land

    Food had no taste

    Life lost its flavor

    My faith kept me upright

    My bike helped me heal

    The cadence

    The pedals

    The rhythm of my breath

    The sounds of the gears

    Miles of solitude

    I let the tears fall from my heart

    Exhaustion felt better than empty

    The tears and the sweat

    The crashes and the flats

    The poems that started to come

    The cracks in my heart that started to mend

    The light was still there

    The smiles started to come when I would see a dog

    or a flock of geese

    or a momma deer with her fawn

    Without thought I pedaled

    From my darkness to the light

    Hundreds of rides

    Thousands of miles

    Gallons of tears

    And then one day the tears stopped

    But I didn’t.

    To read more of Haven Lindsey’s work, please visit her website: 4havensake.com

    Haven’s adventurous spirit prevails, seen here Skijoring behind a horse in Utah. Yeehaw!
    Dancin’ in southern Colorado “because what else are you gonna do when your favorite song comes on the radio in the middle of nowhere?”

    Reasons We Ride

    At Terry, everything we do is fueled by the mission of encouraging women to ride. We believe our wheels are our wings and every woman should experience the freedom and solace of cycling. On the tailwinds of Haven’s mighty message, Terry Team members were inspired to speak on the impact cycling has had on their lives and how riding will propel them in 2023.

    “I ride for many reasons, but for starters, I dislike driving! I ride for errands and for scenic vistas – you just can’t beat a Lake Champlain sunset. I believe wildflowers and wildlife are best experienced on two wheels. When the weather turns cold a favorite pursuit of mine is periodically checking on a local icefall, something you can only experience by foot or bike. I love to feel the sunshine kiss my face while I ride, the rhythmic pedaling meditative and soul cleansing. Lately, I’ve found peace by riding dirt trails or exploring the growing list of regional trails like the Empire Trail in New York. In 2023, I’m looking forward to the completion of Vermont’s cross-state Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, and plan to explore more of New Hampshire’s Northern Trail. My motto: Embrace life at bike speed.”

    – Annie, Customer Care

    One of Annie’s many bikes posed next to icefall and outfitted with the Liberator X Gel Italia Saddle

    “Even those of us in the industry find ourselves thrown off course, losing sight of 2 wheels, patiently awaiting the rubber to hit the road. So, as the New Year approaches, leaving behind it the struggles and grief of losing a mom, the road to repair is on the horizon (along with temps above freezing!). This girl resolves to reconnect and simply RIDE MORE. RIDE OFTEN.”

    – Kelly, Marketing

    “I began riding and training for a century ride just before my 40th Birthday.  I cruised past that birthday milestone in the best shape ever, and the century rides gave me great confidence in all aspects of my life going forward. Riding has taught me you can do anything with focus and confidence!! ”

    – Lisa, Customer Care

    Lisa forging her way via fat bike

    “Haven’s poem about riding after the loss of her child hit home for me. Although I haven’t submerged myself fully in riding, I have found the same healing in the water. I often ask myself: what’s keeping me from riding?? This year, I’ve made a goal for myself to ride at least 5 days a week, even if just a short leisurely ride. I hope this will be a driving change towards what makes me feel best. ” – Danielle, Accounting

    Riding into the light

    “Cycling has long been my good mood fuel; I love the joyful rush that is revealed with each revolution. If life brings me down, my wheels turn me topside. I love the way riding has deepened my connection to my local community and introduced me to lifelong friends. Whenever I go riding, I always see a friendly and familiar face. In 2023, I aim to volunteer more frequently with local Vermont non-profits Old Spokes Home, Betty’s Bikes, and Local Motion to help make cycling more accessible, safe, and fun for ALL. Aside from that, I’m hoping to jet out to California for some quality riding time with my Grandy and Pops!”

    – Cam, Marketing

    Cam’s grandparents, Sherry and Jim, are in their mid-eighties and still cruising! Let’s see if Cam can keep up!

    How has cycling impacted YOUR life? Do you have any riding resolutions for 2023? How about a dream bike-it list destination? Let us know in the comments!

  • RIDE NOW, ACT OLDER LATER.

    A formula for living to 93.

    Although I have known my father for my entire life, I just learned the saying “Ride now, act old later” from him a month ago. He owned a t-shirt with that saying…and upon reflection; I realized that he truly led his life based on that motto.

     

    His life was an anthology of adventures…of watching the Hindenburg minutes before it exploded, of getting out of Pearl Harbor in time before the strike, marrying the love of his life and having two daughters with her, dodging dogs trying to attack him while he was on his bike, outliving his identical twin, facing cancer, getting TWO tattoos in his 80s, learning to text message, and finally, learning what it means when one’s body has had enough.

     

    My father was diagnosed 70 years ago with anxiety and it is miraculous that a Doctor in 1940 suggested that exercise would be the cure for him, but that’s exactly what he did. So, similarly to Forrest Gump who used running to relieve his emotional pain, my father cycled.

     

    My father’s cycling became his life. It was his religion, his medicine, his mental conditioning, and his solace. He biked mile after mile often with complete strangers who became his family when his real family was hundred of miles away. His idea of heaven was a hotdog after a 50-mile bike ride and a clean rest room before he turned around and cycled back home. His standards were high for himself but his genuine love of life allowed him to enjoy even the smallest of details. And how did everyone know that he was happy? He gave them the thumbs up. And a big smile. He didn’t have to say anything; he just stuck his thumb up in the air and everyone knew it was all ok.

     

    My father recently told me a story about when his heart defibrillator went off for the first time – he was traveling across Tennessee as the Grand Marshall of a bike ride when “BAM”…it hit him. He fell right over with the shock of it going off. And he lay there for a second on his side, still clipped in…frozen. Everyone who saw him fall cycled up to him screaming, “are you ok – Ken, are you ok?” And he didn’t move a muscle, except for that thumb which made its way up into the air to let everyone know he was just fine.

     

    My father passed away peaceful this month surrounded by his family and with his favorite cycling t-shirt on…he made it to 93 years. We all thought he would live to 100. And perhaps that is now his legacy; he has given us all the recipe for how to live to 100…eat well, exercise and keep that thumb up.

     

    Rest in peace Ken Magyar. Thumbs up to you.

     

    Amy Magyar is a Derailleur.  She helps her clients across North America change their gears, their pace, and their direction.  She is the essential piece of equipment to get you where you need to move forward at a different pace and with a different power.  As an industry veteran and a Certified Performance Coach, Amy works with individuals who are athletes, were athletes, or wish to be athletes, on navigating change.