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Becoming a parent is a watershed moment. Not many who’ve crossed the meridian will admit they were prepared for it – or at least not that you could be truly prepared. Broadly speaking, there’s only before and after. Life changes whether you want it to or not.

“I ride because it used to be a passion of mine, before motherhood. It’s something that brings me back to who I was before that,” says Valdman. Perhaps the hidden benefit of this fundamental change is the streamlining that occurs – not everything makes it over.

Valdman’s ride now is shorter than the one she would have taken back in San Francisco, but not less valuable.

“It’s always considered my time, my own meditative space,” she explains. “Regardless if the kids are two years old or twenty, I think I’ll always need that. If I don’t take care of myself, I can’t take care of them.”

“This is a way to watch over me, it benefits them because I’m happier mom, I’m nicer and more patient. When I get to go out there on my own, as opposed to not doing anything for me.”

WOMEN’S CORE JERSEY II

A versatile, mid-weight cycling jersey made for all roads and every rider.