In Brianne Goodspeed's essay "Bicycle Love" the theme of perseverance is required to complete a pilgrimage is expertly woven into an inspiring tale of her bicycle adventures in France. One particularly exhausting day, Goodspeed is hopelessly lost in the French countryside. "I was silent as I fought back tears. I had been riding for ten hours. My bottom hurt, my arms were tired, and my feet were numb" (145). However, despite her physical exhaustion she continues biking and eventually reaches her destination. Perseverance is crucial in being able to successfully complete a journey.
Goodspeed's language is vivid, entertaining and inspiring which leads to her essay being an enjoyable and quick read. Her description of falling asleep with her bike is particularly powerful. "Around midnight, I pulled the bike inside my tent and cozied up to it. I hooked my arm over the middle of the frame, threw my leg over the seat, and was soon fast asleep" (147). This shows the deep bond Goodspeed has with her bike because her bike is her companion in self-discovery. Another moment that I found to be moving is when she becomes upset while flying home. "I started to cry when I told her that I didn't want to go home" (147). I feel her anguish about returning home because we become attached to places that change us forever and it is hard to say goodbye.
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