Mike enjoying the ride.
What makes a cycling tour? What defines it? Certainly, the terrain is quickly called to mind. In talking with returning participants from Bike Virginia, I’ll often hear tours referred to as “the one that started you off on that killer hill,” or “the huge downhill immediately following the rest stop.”
And while it’s tough to forget the punishment of a ceaseless climb, there are certain memories that come just as easily, but more cushioned in the warmth of fond recollection; while the shirt you got may begin to fade, the friendships and connections you’ve made with fellow riders seem as vivid as ever.
In a sense, Mike Prior is not a man to be singled out: He’s not boasting himself as a spokesperson, promoting a cause, or even overcoming a tremendous obstacle. In fact, Mike’s first tour was just last year at BikeVA!
And yet, Mike represents so many of the positive qualities one finds amongst cyclists. In a conversation with him, it’s easy to glean that he’s quite self-aware, and sees the joy he finds in cycling as a piece of a greater balance for him and his health.
“It’s crucial,” he says, “to maintain all aspects of one’s life in balance. The sound body is only possible through the sound mind, and vice versa. The quality of your life experience depends upon it.”
Like so many fit, health-conscious riders, Mike has not only recently arrived to his awareness of the importance of healthy eating and fitness. Originally from South Africa, Mike was an avid mountain biker in a region well-known for the sport, and spent a year working as a physical trainer. He was also, as he continues to be today, an active wind-surfer.
“Road bicycling just wasn’t as safe in South Africa. I didn’t feel as if I could go out for a ride without having to fear for my life on the road. I did some mountain biking and enjoyed it, but it wasn’t until I came to the States five years ago that I got into road biking.”
Mike rode casually, but says that he didn’t understand the boundaries to which he could push himself until riding his first Bike Virginia Tour. In fact, Mike rode the furthest possible mileage each day, once even repeating sections of a course when a signage issue led him astray.
“The support that the tour provides was a major part of my enjoyment. So much thought and planning had gone into what we were doing. In fact, when I first met [Bike Virginia Director] Kim Perry, I was just chatting away about how much fun I was having, not realizing it was her!”
Mike was so motivated by his experience that he completed three more tours (and two more centuries) in 2012: The Seagull Century, The Heart of VA ride, and The Shenandoah Fall Festival ride.
And here again, Mike’s experience blurs back in with those of his fellow riders. The appeal to him seems a universal one. “I was so happy to meet other cyclists, and to understand the camaraderie among them all. It’s a group of health-conscious people who want to stay energized, and I enjoyed it so much.”
And did I mention that Mike’s in his fifties? Neither did he. Nor would you guess it. But it’s true, and he says he feels easily a decade younger. “I don’t see myself as over 50… and a lot of that comes from living a healthy lifestyle. If you live healthy, and keep fit, you just start to lose the years. Your biological age and your physical age go out of sync.”
Like so many cyclists, Mike is also quite grateful for his good health. “I’ve got a lot of respect for those who have to overcome serious pain in order to do what they enjoy. I’m so grateful to live my life free of pain, and I’m so motivated by people who have to endure that sort of thing to ride. I have no barriers, nothing stopping me: Why should I not do these things when others with pain and limitations get out there and do it?”
It’s impressive to pursue a physically challenging interest with passion and drive. I’m sure many of you out there do it. Furthermore, Mike Prior has maintained an impressive level of fitness, and continues to push his boundaries. It’s no small feat, and yet, Mike stands almost as a symbol– not the sole embodiment of what makes the men and women who ride such a great bunch– but he’s certainly another example.
And he seems to speak for many when he says about his Bike VA cycling experience, “I thoroughly enjoyed cycling last year’s tour and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to cycle as much as I can of this year’s; There’s so much to see and appreciate if you pedal with your eyes wide open.”
Come meet Mike, as well as many other great Bike Virginia participants, on this year’s tour.
And please be sure to check out the “On Your Write” blog next week for an inspiring story of motivation, inspiration, and incredible weight loss for one Virginian cyclist.
By Tory Hendelman