Fluid Ride

The morning sun shining in my eyes. I enter the shade of aspens and pines, and the trail is clear. Winds left, then right then an abrupt drop. I shift my weight back, far back behind my seat. I can feel gravity pulling me forward down the hill. My mind is sharp on this early morning ride, and it needs to be. Rocks, trees and ruts fly by. I have to be alert. A stump on the left, a quick lean to the right...too fast...slow down...my rear tire slides to the side...I am able to correct and continue sailing down the trail. It is a rush! I can feel the adrenaline moving me, quickening my senses, reaching out. It is a peace! I am deep in thought, far from the trail, far from the canyon, and yet all there...Zen. The hum of the tires on the dirt, a continual hum...until...a jump and nothing, just the sound of air redirected through my helmet and past my ears...cooling. Then a solid reconnection with the soil and the tires and the hum continues. Water flowing through pebbles and stones, a large splash and the refreshing cool water on my face legs and arms. It is wonderous how exhilerating and yet calming this morning ride can be. Flowing down the canyon, quickly...swiftly, but calm and rejuvenating...both as with the creek that I follow.

I went for a morning mountain bike ride with Rusty and Chaun on Monday. It has been far too long, and cannot be as long again, it was far too therapeutic to hold off for too long.