Finding Bike Zen

[SheFly]

I had a long day in the office, I was cranky, and the last thing I wanted to do was ride my bike. Add that my trusty riding companions couldn't join me, and I was even less motivated ('cause I REALLY didn't want to go and suffer with the boys!). There was a time when any one of those would have kept me indoors - especially the thought of going out and riding in the woods alone.

I still suited up, strapped on the helmet, grabbed the bike, and went out the door, fully expecting I would ride just for an hour or so - enough to say I had done it.

But once I was on the bike, and finally into the woods, things changed. It was quiet - just me and the bike. I focused not on the results of the day or the week, but on the trail stretched out before me - leading me further into the woods. The bike wanted to ride, and who was I to hold it back?

I became one with the bike - floating over the rocks and roots, nailing the turns, clicking, shifting and pedaling without thinking. I was savoring the woods - I didn't hear the traffic, and was only interrupted from my zen-like state a few times, while passing other riders out for the same reason. A quick hello, and we passed, each off to continue to get the most out of the ride.

I cleaned the Smash Your Hooch trail from end to end, and let out a small whoop of joy. I smiled as I rode the Gravity Cavity, past the Mini Mangler, across the Bridge Too Far, both directions on the Refrigerator Door trail. I was muddy and I was happy, and grinning while I rode.

As the sun finally started to dip, I heard in my head the voice of my mother from my childhood. "You need to come in. It's getting dark out." So I did what every good kid in the same situation would have done - rode one more trail, just because, and then took the long way home.

[kermit]

After a crazy week of work, I LOVE to just go ride alone! There's is nothing better to clear the brain then a good bike ride by myself. Glad you found peace!

[linzq]

Excellent - I'm hoping to find this feeling this summer!!!

[Velocivixen]

I love your story!

[paiger81]

Love your story! And I agree, cycling is my happy place. I can start out stressed, but just rolling along calms me immensely and also helps me sort out any stressors.

[spokewench]

Great Story: That brought back many memories for me of past lovely rides!

[Tri Girl]

Beautiful story-made me smile!

[OakLeaf]

How very cool. So glad you found it!

[goride]

I didn't get out to ride today, but your story made me feel peaceful. Thank you for sharing it.

[Catrin]

Wonderful story, hoping tomorrow won't be a total washout so I can head out for a nice long ride myself

[emily_in_nc]

Wonderful post, SheFly...you illustrated just one of the many reasons we ride.

I rode by myself after work last night. Thought I'd be riding with DH, but he did a long ride earlier and wanted to take Paisley to doggie play time in our apt. complex, so I rode for an hour and 10 mins. all around by myself and just felt so free. I like riding with DH and others too, but sometimes solo is so rewarding. I can go slower when I need to, and push hard when I want, never having to worry about pushing to keep up with someone or slow up if they're lagging. I can turn down different roads just to explore, and I can look at flowers, birds, houses, and other things along the way.

It's a very zen experience indeed.

[Crankin]

I had one of my most difficult sessions with a client on Thursday at noon. I was kind of numb afterwards. I left as soon as I could, and went on a ride around 3:00. Usually when I ride after work, it's short, and usually nothing special. But Thursday, DH put me through a bit of pain and suffering. Even though I was kind of cursing during the ride and quite a few things hurt, I knew I had achieved my fastest speed in quite a while.
And I felt much better and calmer, even though I didn't quite forget what had happened.

[owlice]

I became one with the bike

This. Sometimes my legs are machines, working independently all by themselves, the bike an extension of them; this machine powers the non-machine -- my head (!) -- along the trail so I can enjoy the trail without thinking about moving along it, because the moving along just happens, vim vim vim.