Thoughts from a bike ride

[SadieKate]

Bubba and I go on a lot of mtbike tours and are constantly amazed that when we get into camp, last of course, at the number of comments from others along the lines of "it was so beautiful, didn't you just want to stop and take it all in?" Our silent response is "Yes, we did want to and we did stop and take it all in, why didn't you? You in a race?" We then ask them, "did you see such and such?" Of course, they didn't. They had their nose on the bar and were going like a bat out of hell. For goodness sake, they've paid big bucks, flown from some far destination and they're so concerned with their speed that they get ahead of the guides, ride through critical intersections and miss the splendor of the location. They miss out on the local knowledge that the guides have to share (such as flora, fauna, geology, history) and are generally exhausted all the time. Boy, they must be having lots of fun. Perhaps they should try a road race training camp the next time.

[Veronica]

That's one of my goals this summer - to really take in all the sights.

V.

[JanT]

As a half-marathon runner, it was all about getting faster. I have to shake my head when I think about all those 12-15 mile training runs in the hot Phoenix sun, miserable and sometimes sicker than a dog. It took cancer to wake me up and slow me down.. Now I am hooked on mountain biking, where I can explore more territory than I ever could running, and have alot more fun. My riding buddy used to work at a wildlife rescue facility, and now is a geology student, and we frequently stop to look at things in the desert. Sometimes when I'm by myself on the road bike,I catch myself in that old speed groove, trying to go faster, maintain a certain average pace. I have to remind myself to relax, look at what's going on around me, come back to the world. For me, that's what is so great about riding, whether on the road or off on the trails: riding brings me into the present, the "eternal now."

[RoadRaven]

For me, that's what is so great about riding, whether on the road or off on the trails: riding brings me into the present, the "eternal now."

I find this inspiring
Well written Jan
I think you have put your finger on why I like riding so much - the eternal now - thanks

[bikerchick68]

just checking in to add that I am the same type of rider! I was just discussing this last night with a man I will be meeting for the first time soon... he is also a cyclist and I told him that I am not fast, nor do I have any desire to race, but I can go the distance. Riding is for ME... not to impress anyone else... my avg speed is about 15mph for a century... I can go a little faster if it's a shorter distance but frankly then I stress too much about trying to maintain my speed and begin to lose the joy of simply riding.

when I first got into riding I was married to a racer... talk about a miserable way to start... I was never fast enough etc... finally gave up riding with him and began riding on my own, and THEN realized that I really love cycling.

There will always be riders faster than me and riders slower than me. Works for me... we'll all meet up at the finish line and talk about our great ride...

[CorsairMac]

When I first started commuting - every night I would climb on the bike and push as hard as I could to get home faster than yesterday. When the weather showed headwinds I dispaired because it would slow me down. I would get home too tired to run the dogs, grouchy, cranky, irritable. One day I sat up and asked myself "who was I trying to beat? what was I trying to prove?....to whom?" Now when I ride my daily commute, I notice the water in the arroyo, the ant hills, my little roadrunner that comes out to "guard" his bridge. I have a nodding acquaintence with a elderly gentleman walker and a chippy good morning for the 2 ladies that walk together every day. At night - I notice the differences in the mountains as the sun is setting, I've met up with several people riding home about the same time I do and we ride together part of the way. Riding home just for the joy of riding was the best thing I ever learned to do!

[julbee]

Yes..."the eternal moment."
Thich Nhat Hanh often writes: "present moment, wonderful moment!"

It takes "practice" to be truly present in any given moment.
This is one of the things I am realizing... again... about bicycling... it can help to bring me into the vivid present moment.

It helps me to "pay attention!" So many times, I do all types of things on "auto pilot." When I am biking, I know I am biking! I really feel the bike, the road...smell the air...see the sights...etc.

While learning to deal with clipless pedals, one must be "present" or fall!

Enjoy the ride!

[nuthatch]

All these stories and thoughts are so wonderful!

Last year I wanted to get faster and faster and it was fun to improve my skills and form. This spring, I'm not enjoying my rides the way I should and I, too, finally realized it was because my "goals" were blocking out the joy of "riding to be riding." You've all reminded me to renew my focus on being happy with where I am! Yay, TE gals!!!

[KSH]

I hear ya lady!

When I go ride the path around a lake around here... I slow down... I look at the water, the ducks, the birds, etc. It makes the ride FUN!

That is also when I take my "slower" friends with me... we chat... and just have an overall great time.

I know there are times when I need to push it a little... and times when I need to slow down and enjoy the experience.

There was one Saturday that I convinced a friend to come on a group ride with me... she can't do as many miles or go as fast... but whatever. We hung together and I went back with her so she would have some company. And it was a great ride!

So... slow can be good!


PS- Also, as Type A personality, I tend to take the fun out of things... by setting goals and all that. In training for triathlons, I have constantly reminded myself to make it fun... and if it's not fun... then I shouldn't do it!

[RoadRaven]

KSH mentioned being a : Type "A" personality?
Has this been mentioned somewhere before?
Could someone please explain for me?
Thanks
Raven