I found the theme of Bicycle Love not necessarily about finding a passion for, and learning to love a means of travel, but of learning to love one's self and grow confident in our abilities through hardship. The bikes are used metaphorically to symbolize Goodspeed’s own perception of self worth and confidence. In the beginning, Goodspeed has the Huffy, with broken breaks and an uncomfortable seat. This is matched with her recent personal dilemma of losing a long relationship and forfeiting a long-planned trip. However, just having a better boike does not alter Goodspeed, which is seen in the clumsy way she handles the “Bad Girl” early on. Rather, it is only after an extensive and harrowing trip that she comes to appreciate, and even love, her bike. This is reflected by her own personal growth. She is more confident in her abilities, more resourceful and independent. Like stated in the piece, Goodspeed had to go on a pilgrimage not to learn to love bicycling again, but to love herself again.
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