Every Ride An Adventure
I’m 67 years old. Odds are, for folks my age, that we have just 13 more years to live. If we are blessed, most will be active and full of fun. Don’t waste them zoned out in front of a television or working 40, 50, 60 hours a week. When I see how hard my friends have worked and how little they move around or truly enjoy anything, I have no fear for the future of Soc. Sec. How about you? Are you making the most out of the time you have left?
I lost a small fortune, so my options are extremely limited. That doesn’t mean they aren’t exciting. Last night was a great example. Most would have driven to see my friend suffering with cancer, but why not enjoy the cool night air on a bike? It took almost three minutes longer (gasp, God forbid). We walked The I-74 bridge (a scenic, rather tranquil walk right next to cars backed up for more than a mile). I really enjoyed his company (a life very well lived). We saw some of my favorite customers. We smiled and waved to dozens out enjoying the evening. After we parted, I rode along the bridge again to find another friend out riding. After a chat and a short ride, we found ourselves sitting outside a local Eatery enjoying a late night snack and the crowds dispersing from Mo-Live. (was that light show something, or what?). No way you could have done any of this in a car.
I adore my wife, but the night was just too perfect to go straight home. I had to take the long way. When was the last time you did something like that just for fun? Believe it or not, this can be normal. You too can look forward to the challenge of getting where you need to be in the cold. I feel bad that so few will ever know the thrill of just daily overcoming these little obstacles.
Of all the various cycling disciplines, commuting has to be the most challenging. You generally don’t get to choose your route. It is rarely canceled due to weather and it is not on a closed course. You are chosing how you react to the environment around you. This includes harried motorists sure, but it also includes noticing so much more around you.
I could bore you for hours with stories of wildlife I have encountered commuting over the last 30 years. This is to say nothing of the fascinating people (not so easy to do In a car). I have 300+ sun rise and sun set photo’s taken along the way (I really should put them in calendars to sell). Most cannot be seen from a car…
Imagine, every single daily commute, an adventure. Leave early, stop to actually enjoy that coffee. Wave at someone. Share a smile. Sure, I have not been a world traveler. I will never visit theme parks or spend a small fortune to see elsewhere scenes we have right here in The Quad Cities. By the same token, I doubt many have lived as many adventures as they would if they just rode their bike to work!.
My friend that is now suffering so, has a saying, “Live each day like it’s the last day of vacation.” How many vacation days do YOU have left?