Cycling: My Newest Passion

This spring, I became converted to the love of cycling. March 3, 2010 marked the first day of exercise after three months of bed rest. I went to the gym to run on an elliptical trainer, my tried and true favorite, the Precor machine. From the first revolution of the foot pedal, a smile spread across my face that remained the entire workout. My temporary loss of health reawakened a deep sense of gratitude for the gift of a healthy body that can move and work, and a commitment to get it back into shape.

Shawn found a way to capitalize on my newfound health consciousness. Nearly two weeks of elliptical training passed. Every couple of days Shawn sent me an email extolling the benefits of cycling. He sent list after list of top ten calorie burning exercises. Cycling was always number one, while elliptical training barely made the list. He says his motive was selfish. He wanted me to ride with him and cycling is his preferred exercise. He definitely knew how to appeal to my love and need for efficiency. Especially since I have a big goal--lose sixty pounds in six months. I agreed to take give it a try.

On Thusday, March 11, I mounted my son's bike, though it was much too big for me, and ventured out on a short ride around Draper with Shawn. Many of the elements that I love about paragliding are inherent in cycling. The sun and wind in my face rank right up there among my favorite sensations. Though not two thousand feet over the ground, the views of the commonplace all around me were stunning. The cold, March air burned in my lungs, bringing life to my body, and clarity to my mind. My soul was uplifted, and I was hooked.

We went to a local bike shop right after the ride and Shawn bought me my own bike. It makes all the difference to ride a bike that fits! He completely outfitted my bike from tire to tire. The underseat pack contains everything I'd need in case of an emergency, from first aid components and a spare tire, to energy-boosting superfoods. I love his commitment to preparedness in all that he does. It brings a sense of safety to every risk we take.

Over the past few weeks, our rides started with a twelve mile loop. The terrain includes flats, 4% grade inclines, and my favorite, the downhills! I just took my first 20.5 mile ride. Amazingly, I was able to do it in just over an hour, which was what it used to take to do 12 miles. Hooray for progress! The best part though is engaging in a soul enlarging, physically and mentally challenging, pursuit of recreation with my best friend and eternal companion. Thanks for inviting and encouraging me, Shawn! I am again reminded to never stop learning as each new experience could very well ignite the next, and potentially lifelong, passion.

The truths I've experienced while cycling, alone, will keep me doing it. There are too many principles of truth I've equated mentally while riding to mention in this post. But, I'm sure I'll mention them in posts to come. I will say that I love that state of physical exertion that requires focus and drive at their fullest capacity. During that level of work, the mind seems to separate from the occupation of the body and become free. Ideas, feelings, pictures, and understanding flow freely when the body is busy. Mental and spiritual pondering takes on higher levels when the physical aspect is also combined. It is an incredible feeling to revel in the sensations of the temporal and spiritual realms simultaneously. That must be what is described when one proclaims "I feel so alive!"

Another exciting aspect is that I'm well on my way to my goal. I've lost 10 lbs. over the past month. Anyone else cycle? Want to join us for a ride?