Molly, Venus rider extraordinaire

Molly and her bike

Six years ago I would never have pictured myself riding even 10 miles on a bicycle, let alone /loving/ every minute of it! Like lots of kids growing up in LA, for me riding a bike was limited to riding laps up and down my block—busy streets and highways made me think only crazy people would choose to get around on a bike. Now I know different, and I ride every chance I get.

In my twenties I was a runner and avid hiker, but hadn’t been on a bike in years. Then something happened that changed everything for me—while I was out jogging I was struck by a car, and my leg was severely injured. With the aid of metal pins, screws, a bone transplant and a year of physical therapy, I could walk fairly normally, but could never be a “runner” again. Around that time, I moved to Colorado and got most of my exercise in the gym monotonously treading on an elliptical trainer. I never imagined I could again be an athlete, that is until I met my (now) husband Noah, who inspired my passion for cycling.

Molly with her husband Noah on trail ridge in rocky mountain

As it turns out, cycling is the best possible thing for keeping my injured body parts moving, strong and arthritis free. After the trauma of being hit by a car, I at first found it impossible to believe that I would ever feel comfortable sharing the road with cars. The first few rides were hair raising, but I quickly found a freedom and expression in cycling that I had never experienced before. Before I knew it I was riding 30 miles, 50 miles, and finally this summer I finished my first century (100 miles). The knowledge that I can power my body over 100 miles on such an exquisitely simple machine is incredibly empowering. I’ve also grown to love mountain biking. For me, it is playtime—mountain biking trails are really big playgrounds for adults (and children as well!).Molly with "Nellie" in Moab

This past year riding slickrock in Moab on my mountain bike “Nellie” and making it to the top of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park at 12,000 ft, I felt a great sense of accomplishment. But the highlight of my season was riding in the Venus de Miles with my wonderful girl friend Kerry. Being surrounded by so many positive, powerful women was truly an inspiration, and I have been waiting all year to do it again! Many thanks to the women of Venus for inspiring so many of us to reach our goals. This year I am rounding the ride out to an even 100 miles by riding from (and riding back to) my apartment in Boulder—and I am looking forward to every minute of it!

Molly Podolefsky is a Venus 2008 and 2009 rider, and an incredible fundraiser. In order to raise additional money for Greenhouse Scholars, Molly will be holding a bakesale on August 23rd at Jet's Esspressoria in Boulder. Join us for one of her delicious pies.