Biking ~ better than therapy Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Last fall, I just couldn’t get enough time on my mountain bike. The shiny new baby blue full suspension blur I treated myself to had changed my life- well at least my riding life. Which can often change your life. The eight months of winter at 9600 ft in Breckenridge, left me yearning for that feeling I packed up in a plastic bin last October when the snow began to blanket the trails. Heart pumping as knobby tires ascend a steep shoulder width path. Sigh at the top, ahhh, breath, breath. Feeling strong, excited and pumped to have crested the rocky climb, the corners of my lips curve towards the sky. Breathing out, focused ahead, seeing with my third eye, I force my gaze to stay between the aspen lined single track as I descend with the speed of a young boy. Body back, arms outstretched but relaxed, breathing from center, driving from the force between my legs, I descend. It is a whoosh!!!. Bliss. I feel on top of the world.
Time on the bike is time to think, to put things in perspective and gage how off or in balance I really am in the moment. Riding resets my daily clock. It inspires me, grounds me, humbles me, connects me and expands my vision and perspective. It a journal entry or a measures time. On my bike, I observe changes in weather, visits with friends, solo time and is a litmus test of how my body is feeling. Through my lenses, I see and feel the seasons change, the flowers bloom, erosion at work, pine beetle devastation, development, community service, run off raging, heat scorching, the sun setting and the alpenglow dancing above the mountains. Its therapy for the mind, body and spirit. I’ve been craving that feeling again. And feeling guilty about not wanting to go backcountry skiing when all my favorite spring skis are still “in”. Its been one of the most stellar seasons on record and all I can think about are tank tops and bike shorts and exploring the single track behind my cabin. It’s the simplicity of gear and the short commute. No puff jackets or goggles, hot tea or expedition weight gloves.
After a winter bundling up and of going within, it’s time to shed those layers and let the sun shine in and warm the spirit. The summer solstice reminds us to celebrate the light as the days now get shorter. Schedule in outside time both to recreate and to sit and enjoy the earth. Be an observer. Notice when we get out and play, how creative and loving we become. Our hearts open and we are able to give more freely of ourselves to the ones we love- the people and the planet. Get connected and see how good it feels. Wishing you an incredible summer full of rejuvenation and exploration. Ride on!Leslie
Time on the bike is time to think, to put things in perspective and gage how off or in balance I really am in the moment. Riding resets my daily clock. It inspires me, grounds me, humbles me, connects me and expands my vision and perspective. It a journal entry or a measures time. On my bike, I observe changes in weather, visits with friends, solo time and is a litmus test of how my body is feeling. Through my lenses, I see and feel the seasons change, the flowers bloom, erosion at work, pine beetle devastation, development, community service, run off raging, heat scorching, the sun setting and the alpenglow dancing above the mountains. Its therapy for the mind, body and spirit. I’ve been craving that feeling again. And feeling guilty about not wanting to go backcountry skiing when all my favorite spring skis are still “in”. Its been one of the most stellar seasons on record and all I can think about are tank tops and bike shorts and exploring the single track behind my cabin. It’s the simplicity of gear and the short commute. No puff jackets or goggles, hot tea or expedition weight gloves.
After a winter bundling up and of going within, it’s time to shed those layers and let the sun shine in and warm the spirit. The summer solstice reminds us to celebrate the light as the days now get shorter. Schedule in outside time both to recreate and to sit and enjoy the earth. Be an observer. Notice when we get out and play, how creative and loving we become. Our hearts open and we are able to give more freely of ourselves to the ones we love- the people and the planet. Get connected and see how good it feels. Wishing you an incredible summer full of rejuvenation and exploration. Ride on!Leslie
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