Friday, April 15, 2011

Finding Zen

I had a long day in the office, I was cranky, and the last thing I wanted to do was ride my bike. Add that my trusty riding companions couldn't join me, and I was even less motivated ('cause I REALLY didn't want to go and suffer with the boys!). There was a time when any one of those would have kept me indoors - especially the thought of going out and riding in the woods alone.

I still suited up, strapped on the helmet, grabbed the bike, and went out the door, fully expecting I would ride just for an hour or so - enough to say I had done it.

But once I was on the bike, and finally into the woods, things changed. It was quiet - just me and the bike. I focused not on the results of the day or the week, but on the trail stretched out before me - leading me further into the woods. The bike wanted to ride, and who was I to hold it back?

I became one with the bike - floating over the rocks and roots, nailing the turns, clicking, shifting and pedaling without thinking. I was savoring the woods - I didn't hear the traffic, and was only interrupted from my zen-like state a few times, while passing other riders out for the same reason. A quick hello, and we passed, each off to continue to get the most out of the ride.

I cleaned the Smash Your Hooch trail from end to end, and let out a small whoop of joy. I smiled as I rode the Gravity Cavity, past the Mini Mangler, across the Bridge Too Far, both directions on the Refrigerator Door trail. I was muddy and I was happy, and grinning while I rode.

As the sun finally started to dip, I heard in my head the voice of my mother from my childhood. "You need to come in. It's getting dark out." So I did what every good kid in the same situation would have done - rode one more trail, just because, and then took the long way home.

10 comments:

tmc said...

Sounds like a wonderful ride. So sorry I couldn't join in the zen. Someday you need to show me the Mangler and Bride of Mangler. :)

Janine Perkins said...

Great post Cathy! You captured the moment:)

claudia said...

And that is why you ride. Awesome!

Unknown said...

awesome post. wish I could write and ride like that.....

Ivy said...

Amazing how you don't feel like riding then you find yourself out there, the stress of the day waning and then it's just you and the bike. I feel sorry for people who have never experienced that head-space. Great piece.....thenks for sharing :-)

Trigirlpink said...

Awesome Cath! Hope to see you at the TT. xx

just jenn said...

Awesome post Cathy!! I'm totally with you on the 'Its getting dark' comment and would have done the same thing!!

mkr said...

Great words and excellent ride Sunday as well!

Trigirlpink said...

GOOD GOD! How did I miss The Cat's Away Post.. anyway, are we not going to hear about your Mud In The Eye race????
xxx

Trigirlpink said...

OH.. and catnip Cigars RULE. :-)