As a lifelong cyclist and a professional keynote speaker, I’ve learned that purpose often shows up at the intersection of passion and service. This event sat squarely at that intersection.
Of course, the day didn’t start without its challenges.
I arrived in Iowa in the middle of a cold front that pushed temperatures to negative 10 degrees. I can confidently say it was the coldest I have ever been in my life. I honestly started wondering if I would ever feel warmth again! As someone who has raced bicycles all over the world, I thought I had been cold before… but boy was I was wrong. But like so many experiences in life (and in BMX) you don’t get to choose the conditions. You only get to choose how you respond to them.
That mindset would end up being a fitting theme for the day ahead.
The event kicked off with the Iowa Bicycle Coalition Expo, and it was nothing short of incredible. More than 5,000 cycling enthusiasts filled the space, representing every age, discipline, and reason people fall in love with bikes. From brand-new riders to lifelong cyclists, the energy in the room was contagious.
The expo floor was packed with new bicycles, innovative products, advocacy groups, and organizations using bikes as a tool for health, freedom, and connection. There were stations where people could ride bikes, learn about services, and see firsthand how cycling continues to evolve. What stood out most wasn’t just the gear, it was the community. Cycling has always been about more than racing for me. It’s about people, belonging, and momentum, both literal and figurative.
After an unforgettable day at the expo, the evening transitioned into the Iowa Bicycle Coalition Annual Banquet, the marquee event of the weekend. I had the absolute honor of serving as the keynote speaker for the banquet, and it was a moment I didn’t take lightly.
Standing on that stage, speaking to a room full of people who truly understand the challenges, risks, and rewards of cycling, felt like coming home. As a resilience expert, I often speak to audiences across industries such as business, healthcare, finance, and beyond, but there’s something uniquely powerful about sharing my story with people who understand the language of bicycles. They speak watts and power meters.
During my keynote, I walked through my journey as a cyclist, the setbacks I’ve faced, and the moments that forced me to adapt, rebuild, and keep moving forward. I talked about perseverance, identity, and what it takes to get back up when life knocks you down…sometimes unexpectedly and at full speed.
Yes, I even leaned into the familiar phrase: life is like riding a bicycle. As cheesy as it may sound, it’s true. To stay upright, you have to keep moving. And when you’re riding into the wind (or through sub-zero temperatures) you learn quickly that momentum matters more than comfort.
What made this keynote especially meaningful was the ability to go deeper into cycling-specific lessons than I usually do. I was able to draw direct parallels between racing, resilience, and change management—how small adjustments, made consistently, can completely alter outcomes. Whether you’re navigating a sharp corner on a track or a major transition in life or business, the principles are the same: awareness, preparation, and commitment to forward progress.
The banquet itself was a massive success. In fact, it smashed records and became the most successful fundraiser in Iowa Bicycle Coalition history. Being part of a night that directly supports advocacy, education, and safer cycling for future generations was incredibly humbling. It was the perfect way to cap off an already unforgettable day.
As I reflect on the experience, I’m reminded why I do this work. Keynote speaking isn’t just about telling a story, it’s about helping people see themselves in it. Whether through bicycles or business, resilience is a skill that can be trained, and change is something we can learn to navigate with confidence.
Despite the cold, the challenges, and the long day, I wouldn’t change a thing. It was a reminder that when passion meets purpose, and when people come together around a shared mission, something truly special happens.
For me, it really was a perfect day on two wheels and beyond.
– Connor Fields
