Soon, I will “officially” log over 2,000 miles on a bike this year. I say officially because I didn’t really start keeping track until after I had already ridden a couple hundred miles. But still, I didn’t actually start riding this year until May. Now, the thought of fewer days riding the roads around where I live is a little bit of a downer, but I am trying to keep my mind in a positive place, despite the fact that the daylight hours are getting shorter and the road riding season is slowing down. Even my speed is slowing down. Not sure if it’s intentional or not, but I choose to think it is me just wanting to stop time and stretch the rides out even longer. My mantra is becoming something like, “Never wish away time, never wish away distance” – a quote from a New York Times reporter who recently completed a cross-country cycling trip.
Yesterday’s ride was that way, one that had me absorbed in every delicious moment. A beautiful spin in the countryside. It was 28 miles, hardly a car, rolling hills, farmland and old barns, blue skies, late afternoon sun on gorgeous trees, long shadows, and the wonderful aroma of fallen leaves. Sometimes I wonder how many rides I have left, but then I quickly sweep that thought out of my head, and live in the now.
As for my riding log, it’s not much to look at, really. Only 72 rides. But it seems like much more than that to me. A lot of great moments on the road, some of which have become crystallized in my memory. Anyway, if you are curious, my riding log is here.
Long may you ride!