Early AM Ride

It has been a few weeks (or it feels like it..) since I was up early for a ride. Maybe it just feels like it because I did not get to ride over the weekend. Anyway, the alarm went off at 6 and I was out the door shortly thereafter.

In my haste to be rolling I left the casa sans bottle and iPod. I was cotton mouth at the start so I knew that it would have to be a very metered ride in terms of efforts. Just ride steady (slow) and I knew I could roll for a couple of hours with out water. Music on the other hand, I was not sure I could live without.

Without the music, the only noise was the sound of the tires, the sound of the chain being pulled around the crank and the wind. In the background I could hear faintly, but only occasionally, the traffic.

It was was chilly out and I was under dressed. It was subtle reminder that summer really had ended.

One of the reasons I often ride alone is that it is one of the best times for me to come up with ideas/stories. It is peaceful. With no sounds to speak of really, and just the company of my own slightly labored breathing, it can be one of the most therapeutic times. It is in this semi meditative state in which I run through the current events of my person, think of things to write about either here on my blog or for my own personal consumption and basically get right with the world. Exercises and thinking go so very well together.

I can not tell you what I exactly came up with, as sometimes the lightning strikes with genius only to have its luster fade by the end of the ride. The blackboard of ideas known as the solo ride yields great quantity but not often does the inspiration survive the solo break out session. When I finished my 1.5 hour ride with zero water intake, with only my thoughts thirsty for more bike time, I knew that the theme was surely about being at peace with personal decisions, and to leave the struggle behind. The only fight worth fighting for is the one that really matters. Others, while they may anger, are just road blocks to life that hide as confrontations.

I can only do what I think is best and try make decisions that are not hurtful of other and that are truly in my best interest. This has often been harder for me to do till recent. I am truly more aware of my actions than I have ever been.

When I re-read this I feel as I am in some sort of weird 10 step recovery program.... BUT I AM NOT!

More bike related stuff: