Confessions from a Personal Trainer: I biked around Minneapolis in my bra and underwear

Where every Tuesday: I confess

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Confession: This past weekend I rode around Minneapolis in basically my bra and underwear. And I’m not talking about riding on the side streets, oh no, across the bridge from Northeast, down Hennepin, through Loring park, on the trails, through Kenwood neighborhood, Cedar Lake, and finally to down town for the fireworks.

Here’s the back story and the power of social media. I saw on Friday a friend posted this event called “Freedom from Pants Ride” and I thought…that sounds awesome!!!!! And then I thought “how did I not know that this existed???” And so without giving it more than two thoughts, I went out, bought some patriotic underwear, put air in my tires, and showed up.

I LOVED IT, every moment of it. And let me tell you why.

I loved it because it did not matter your size, shape, color, age, gender, or whatever. All of the people were there to have fun, express their freedom, and simply be themselves. If you have never been in a group of people like this, it is incredible.

I loved it because for once in my life I simply did not think about what I looked like, how my clothes made me feel, or what I thought people would think of me. And that my friends, is so liberating. Once you got on the bike and started going, you simply forgot you weren’t wearing many clothes.

I loved it because it was a new experience. Too often, we experience the same stuff, day in and day out. We don’t jump on the opportunity to try something new. I went into this with the mindset of “if I am uncomfortable or really want to leave…I CAN.” But guess what – I loved it. Every minute of it.

But I want to share with you the most heartfelt moment of the night and it really sums up my experience. We were at Cedar Lake and there were only 3 people on the beach before about 250 half dressed bikers show up. We were hanging by the water when this woman comes up in her kayak with a huge smile on her face. She says “I come in peace!” She gets out of the water with the most incredulous look on her face and she is grinning from ear to ear. She walks up to us and says “What is this?? This is so amazing.”

She lives in the neighborhood and often brings her kayak down for a nightly trip around the lake. But she was in shock and awe at what was happening and wanted to be a part of it. Then she said “I wish my kids were here. My son is always being bullied at school for being a little different and I want him to see this and know that it’s ok.” 

We chatted with her a little longer, I texted her some pictures so she could show her family, and we promised to keep in touch so she could come on the ride next year.

You have the freedom to be you, uniquely you.

lindsey