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Welcome to Quench'd #10! Today's writer is Ben Frederick. Ben Frederick is an off-road cycling athlete who lives in San Francisco. Besides being a cat dad, coffee nerd (aren't we all), and hobbyist surfer, Ben is the founder ofThe Small Monsters Project, a Non-Profit committed to reducing the stigma around mental health challenges and to provide education around head injuries. He suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury in 2016 and had to learn how to be a human again, learn to face his monsters and has come through the experience motivated to help those find the resources they need.

In our small niche sport, there's a wide swath of what "bikes" mean to people. Everything from commuting on an Ebike to racing up mountains on road bikes, to ripping cyclocross bikes or gravel bikes offroad. Oh, and mountain bikes, track bikes, commuter bikes, fat bikes... But a line that runs through is moving through space faster than walking, more engaged than driving and being open to the elements. Throughout my journey in bikes, cycling has filled important roles in my mental health, my community, and my advocacy. Join me through a wandering expose of how the bike fits into my life, and maybe how it could fit into yours. 

Yeah, I'm biased but I've found cycling to be meditative, centering and a way to be present. I ride without music, no headphones and use my rides as opportunities to check in with myself. Just like a mindfulness practice, I check in with my body.

I've also found intervals (should you choose to do them) a great way to push everything out of your head and just have focus on the task at hand. And when the ride is done, that's a box ticked for the day, something concise and actionable that I get to carry with me throughout my work day.

Forget dinner parties, I prefer group rides! Take all the fun stuff of riding solo, and add friends and socialization? There is such joy in movement. There's also sharing in scenery and adventure. And snack stops and post ride hangs! Its the best! You can also have space and time to get to know your ride partners, which I've found so valuable in the age of scrolling and socials. And when it's not sunny days and warm weather, you get shared suffering, motivation and encouragement.

A highlight of my week is a social ride we lead at Ornot in San Francisco. A wandering city loop that hits all of the good dirt, goes by the Golden Gate Bridge and finishes with coffee and doughnuts. We get our fair share of regulars, but are stoked to show new faces around the city they live in. 

What's the takeaway here? Bikes are just plain great. Where I am today, the places I've been able to see, and the lovely people I know is 100% due to the bike. Speaking of, if you're in the Bay Area, stay tuned for the 2nd Annual Small Monsters Sportive. And or come see me at the USCX series this fall! 

All the best, and enjoy the ride.