I took this picture while I was out riding today.
I have always been an outdoorsy person. Our family lived on the edge of the small town and my backyard extended into a creek bed and endless fields, mountains and canyons to explore.
As a teenager when I wanted to escape from the family and drama of high school I would go out walking or bike riding. I was teased about being gay in school and at home I was just one of the kids (I was 4th child of 5), being outside and enjoying nature was my way to cope.
Being in and around nature energizes me! As I say it: "I am able to get my head on straight" while I am outside. I like biking because I can get in a great workout and I think about life and where I am in it.
I've owned a bike for many years and only recently gotten back into riding on off-road trails. Fortunately for me the Dallas/Ft. Worth area has a great organization that built and maintains off road trails. Check out the DORBA site here.
Here is a map of a typical trail that is near my home.
Picture from the DORBA website.
I also find it a challenge to maneuver the hills whether climbing or speeding down them while trying to stay on the bike.
I know it's not a very social sport, most of the trails I ride are like the pictures below, just a single lane:
Occasionally I like to ride on one of the many bike paths in the city or I'll bike through some local neighborhoods. Dallas is becoming more bike friendly and even has biking groups. I love it. These times, on the wide paved trails, is when I can ride and visit with friends. I've done the street and paved trails in my life more, when I lived in Denver I biked a lot! I even biked the 10 miles or so to work a couple of times.
Biking and being outside helps me keep my sanity (although some may argue I never had it anyway).
Larry asked me once about getting a camera for my bike helmet so everyone could share in the experience. I think I'll let you come visit me in Dallas and ride along behind or beside me.
3 comments:
Awesome pics! I haven't rode in such a long time! Loads of people bike where I am....in fact if I do decide to bike, it would be 15 mins to work and to gym - I'm pretty close!
But I understand the great feeling of joy and peace with the open air - I feel the same about hiking!
Those trails look fantastic. I'd love to explore them with you. All the bike trails here are more or less straight (former railroads) except for the one next to the river. They're a real snore-fest compared that trail map you posted.
I totally get riding the bike clears the head... I kindda stopped riding when I got the motorsysle, but now it's on the fritz ...maybe I should go knock the dust of the old Mongoos eMtn Bike.
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