Last week I had 30 fall miles out on the trail with just me, my podcast, my bike, and nature. It was absolutely everything I wanted it to be! Life has certainly been chaotic this fall, but even in the chaos I try to intentionally take time away from the busyness to do things that slow me down (well- I suppose biking actually speeds me up!) and fuels my soul a bit. Biking is absolutely one of those things.
It was a beautiful afternoon in the 70s with beautiful sunshine, and I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to hop on my bike! I’ve loved getting to get in longer rides this fall. Last year I biked to Mackinac Island (about 50-55 miles) and then didn’t hit 30 again until January when I went that distance on my bike trainer (and that was only once- then it was summer before I hit that number again!). This year I’ve enjoyed a few longer 28-32 mile rides since my bike ride to Mackinac, and I feel so lucky to have been able to fit them into my schedule!
I made it my goal to move at a fast enough pace to get in a good workout but a slow enough pace to really soak in nature around me, as I knew it would likely be one of my last longer rides for the season (and really, I’m closing in on my last few weeks of being on the road in general anyways). I’ve really enjoyed listening to The Hunger Games series on my rides the past few weeks, and am currently about 30% of the way through Mockingjay!
As I was stopping to take the picture, I remembered the flooded bike ride I went on in July where I couldn’t even bike over the spot due to flooding. It looks a bit different now, doesn’t it?
I miss the richness of the greens, but am also looking forward to all the beautiful colors with the leaves changing too!
I stopped at one point to eat and snap this picture. I can’t help but look at this picture and smile. The ride, while it wasn’t notable in any way that I can share, was just exactly what I needed in the moment.
There’s not a huge point to this post, except to say- don’t be afraid to put aside some of the chaos of life to head out in nature and be still and give yourself something that you need this week.
Love that it is fall there!