A good ride...

There's something about a bike ride, the effort, the overcoming. I tell my friends occasionally "I've never regretted a single bike ride I've ever done" and I mean that. Even when I've crashed, or bonked or had multiple flats, I've gained something of value in that ride. It may be pushing my physical limits, embracing life a little bit more because I've come close to losing it, commiserating or having heart to heart chats with friends, it's all good.

This morning was no different, a little slower to nurse my knees, a little more stressful from being on-call, but still fulfilling. I was able to reflect on life and find a bit of clarity.

The brilliant rainbow I saw spanning the western sky this morning seemed nothing less than an affirmation of the beauty of this particularly humble ride.

Roadblocks, stumbling blocks, lemons, etc...

At what point can I consider myself washed-up? Alright, maybe that's a little harsh, but I am definitely in a slump. Haven't ridden or worked out in 2 weeks. And, along with one ailment after another, the feeding frenzies, and no motivation to alter that, i'd say i'm officially lost.

Okay, situation defined, now what? The downward spiral into old age and diapers? Or, learn from this experience, regroup, and get back on the horse.

Or maybe, just maybe, I can gather myself, dig deep and find that fire that dwindles more every year and begin again. Maybe, I can learn from this slump, that it's a place I never want to visit again and fight for my sense of well-being. (can you tell from my ranting that i'm in a struggle?)

RESOLVE, that is my new mantra. Resolve to begin anew. Resolve to stick with whatever paths I choose to live a better and more blissful life.

I like it... More later...