I really enjoyed reading Bicycle Love by Brianne Goodspeed. I thought the story was not only well-written and entertaining, but also very inspiring. I believe the theme of Goodspeed's piece was that travel can be more than simply a vacation or fun trip--it can be a life changing experience that can help us grow as people and overcome problems in our lives, or as Goodspeed puts it, a pilgrimage. This theme is reinforced continually through the story, as the author describes how she matured and gained confidence throughout her journey. The theme is finally re-established in the end when Goodspeed encounters "Green Knees," who is also on a similar "pilgrimage"in an attempt to use intense travel as a way of self-healing and discovery.
Throughout the piece, Goodspeed's language was subtly vivid and powerful. One example that really struck me was when she wrote "The terror had burned off, like calories, during the three-week ride." I thought this was a beautiful analogy that explained how the physical aspects of Goodspeed's journey affected not just her body, but her soul. Another part of the story I felt was written really well was when Goodspeed personified her bike--"I imagined the Bad Girl luxuriating in her attention and feeling relaxed and refreshed for the next day's ride." This personification reinforces the bond Goodspeed formed with her bicycle over the trip and how it has become more then a vehicle of conveyance to her.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable piece that gave me a new perspective on what a trip could mean.
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