Back in the Saddle
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As some of you know, an injury with my back prevented my from riding all but about 10 times last summer. But, I was determined not to have a sedentary summer. Instead, I took up hiking. I hiked through forests and on top of mountains. I walked in places where one cannot ride. I visited places that I had been to in snow-cover, but never in summer. I visited places where I had never ventured before. I explored the mountains that I call home and got to know them a little bit better.
After nearly a year off the bike, it’s good to be back in the saddle again. I’m the first one to admit that my lust for the bike had been quickly fading in past years. Too many years of mountain bike racing and forced training rides killed my love for the sport. Even when I finally quit the racing scene, I was still constantly driven to keep up with the best. I had to crush the rocks and stomp the roots. It was all about the ride and the ability to keep up.
But, all the hiking I did last summer taught me one valuable lesson. You can see so much more when you just slow down a bit. Riding doesn’t have to be just about the bike, or the ride, or the adrenaline-pushing all the way up and down the mountain. It can be about so much more. I’m not saying that it isn’t fun to crush those rocks or stomp those roots. But, don’t forget to also slow down from time to time and take it all in.
Make sure to smile at the sunflowers,
to caress the Columbine,
and to send your laughter lovingly through fields of lupine.
You might just find that it changes the nature of the ride. You might find your love for the bike again, like me 🙂
- Mount Buckskin (17 May 2020) - May 28, 2020
- Horseshoe Ski (14 May 2020) – The mountain whose journey nearly killed me - May 27, 2020
- Sayres X-Rated Ski (10 May 2020) - May 19, 2020
Spot on Brittany! I agree. Although i enjoy fun trails (and certainly don’t enjoy non-fun trails) the bike is more a vehicle to get outside. And, to some extent, i feel the same way about skiing too, as you know. Having seen my fair share of death and injury it’s changed my perspective. Plus getting older… 😉
Right on!