My nickname used to be the perpetual third wheel—every time I was with my friends I was the shadow in the corner—forgotten and alone. I would try to find a companion of my own—but in the end I always ended up living friendless. Throughout my seeking, I have found different methods of coping, however, I am still continuing my search.

As time has passed I have grown farther apart from my nickname—and yes—at times I am still a third wheel, but having a girlfriend is not what I fantasize about when I shut my eyes after a day of shredding sweet trails. I used to imagine myself walking down the street holding hands with a girl giggling at some inside joke. Those dreams have since drifted away.

Setting out on another ride alone my head feels the weight of my helmet and sinks into the crevasse of my clavicles. Lacking motivation I gently struggle up the climb, no jokes, no laughing, and no conversation. Just a little voice from within telling me I’m slow, out of shape, and never going to win a race. I try to drown it out with my favorite beats, but they only beat it farther into my soul.

As my search continues I try new formulas to finding the perfect soul mate. I have ridden with one, I have ridden with two, and I have ridden with three. I can’t decide what is worse—riding alone or riding with people that are already in a committed training partner relationship.

When I ride with these couples I feel the same as I did when I was seventeen—a shadow, a burden, or an annoyance. We ride up and we all suffer, I pedal to their pace, I listen to their breath—beautifully in unison.

I try and match them, but there is no entering their inner circle of love. Once we get into the flow and descend our excitement levels rise. Though there are three of us they look into each other’s eyes and share the feelings. I stand three feet away trying to make a triangle, the triplets, the three amigos—but no. I stand alone three feet away.

If you are anything like me you have wished for a website that was a mix between
J Dates and Match.com—A site that is focused to dirt loving cyclists that would compare personalities, morals, ideals, riding styles, and goals. The site could be called Singletrack.com as in a single track mind to find your companion. Tell us how to make the perfect website for meeting the training partner of your dreams in the comment section below. 

As Always,

              Huck Your Meat,

                                    The Dirtbag