Climb big and keep pushing pedals (or keep pushing whatever it is that brings you joy).
This was my last climb of 2019, an Indian Summer day on the 25th of October here in Southwestern Montana (on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route). Winter locked in the next morning. It’s rides and landscapes like this one that haunt my winter reveries and inspire my winter solstice smudge; these are the rides and landscapes that leave me dreaming of long summer days in the saddle. These are the romantic visions that fuel the long and sweaty efforts on the BikeErg (stationary bike).
I get it, trust me, exercise for me is a daily necessity, the best anti-depressant I know; its a must. But riding outside, that’s medicine, that’s where the long saddle sessions can dip into the realm of the spiritual. And unlike most of America, our winters here at 4,793 feet are merciless and long (I’m talking six to seven months). While I yearn to ride outside (and did sneak in my first two outdoor climbs of 2020 before shelter in place and our most recent snow–four inches THIS morning), like many others in the cycling community, I’m choosing to stay off the mountain bike for the time being. When the dirt roads dry up, I’ll head to my secret stash and pedal my way down some old country roads, but I’ll spend most of my time safely spinning in the living room, honoring my summer bike goals, while respecting the coronavirus crisis our world is facing today. Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous sport (I’d argue that road biking is even more dangerous, but that’s another topic, for another day). We all have near misses more often than we care to admit, and I simply don’t want to be that guy, taking up space in a hospital bed, taking up the time of a doctor, when I can suck it up and dig deep on the BikeErg.
There is solace in open spaces and saddle sessions. There is power in remembering; to do so gives us hope for the days ahead, something to look forward to and dream about. There’s a lot of good on the horizon and so many reasons to keep the wheels spinning.
Riding a bike is a privilege. Let’s think big picture friends. Let’s think about the greater good. Let’s think about all of those vulnerable populations. And let’s keep things in perspective.
Take care, stay strong and be healthy!
WNbL, mwl