Well, I ended up riding 18 miles yesterday up here in the north country. I can’t tell you the amazing views you get while traveling some of the back roads. It’s worth all the pain that I feel when trying to pedal up some of these huge hills (yes I am out of shape). I have been slowly building up for longer and longer rides, starting out at 6 miles quite a few days in a row, then up to my 18 miles yesterday. 

There is a guy up here in his 60’s that rides 45 miles a day, and he has been the inspiration for me to get off my ass and pedal my brains out. If he can do it, what the hell is my problem. I’ve done little mountain biking, but I believe my preference is riding on the road. 

Once again I was able to get away with my thoughts, which at any given moment could be a great thing, or a completely depressing thing. But when you work to get your heart rate up and control your breathing (which I have to do with a mild case of asthma), you begin to feel a connection with the ability that you have in your body to overcome and press through. There tends to be a healing that takes place when you continually set new goals, and see yourself achieve them. Whether it is the next hill that looks insurmountable, or the return ride home… both take a clarity of mind and focus. I guess that’s the same with life, and I have identified that more clearly now, then at any other point in my life. The only way to achieve the goals we have, is to gain clarity and focus on the immediate need. And once you attain that, move on to the next hill. Eventually the ride home will actually lead somewhere.