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June 3, 2009

Staying Active Mountain Biking

The awakening of spring here had caused my energies to rise again so decided it was time to take a break from gardening, greenhouse work and pounding posts for fencing.  Somehow we only manage to get out mountain biking once or twice a year.  I love it but taking the time out and leaving the property always bring intentions to a halt.  But this time the day was sunny and cool and decided to just do it.  

The 1st half mile going up hill we thought our lungs would burst.  We had to push the bikes often as it was uphill going.  We stopped and had to catch our breath many times at the beginning.

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The areas we passed thru consisted of old growth, to very new growth, to logged this past winter.  Ponds and standing water were scattered throughout our journey.

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The climbs came in short spurts then would level out allowing us to cover ground quickly.  The skies thru out our trip was always changing with dramatic strokes of clouds.

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The beauty of a pond was often tucked away just beyond a row of trees next to the trail.

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We reached our destination in 2 1/2 hours.  A warming shack for skiers in the winter.  By this time I was beaming as I had made it.  20 lbs over weight and 51 years old.   I felt great.  Cob webs had cleared from the lungs and no pain in the body yet.

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We decided to take a different route back and took a wrong turn and had to double back  adding a extra 5klm.    Finally we found the correct trail.  We were making good time as a lot was going down hill now.  After almost 3klm I stopped and realize my camera fell off the bike.  The euphoria of my accomplishments on my great ride came to a complete halt as I turned around without any question and headed back up the mountain.   Pushing the bike again for long stretches.  I had to back tract almost almost 2 1/2klm and was now not a happy biker.  The determination I had to get back to my camera was amazing considering I was getting tired.  Its like nothing else mattered at the moment.  The loss of my camera actually got my adrenalin pumping to make the trip back up the hill where I located it laying on the ground.   Now we were ready to descend the mountain again.

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The thrill of going fast downhill and plotting your course thru rocks and ruts reminded me of downhill skiing the moguls.  Problem though my eyes aren’t what they use to be, so picking my course was a bit difficult as it was often a blur coming at higher speeds.  But I never miss a chance to stop a catch the beauty of some wildflowers which were scattered on the hill side. 

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Almost back to the car where you come to a point where the view stretches out in front of you ending a perfect day filled with a good workout.  We did over 30klm.  The awakening of life around me increased my energies that day.

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May any new roads you choose to explore be filled with
love, laughter, healthy living and the beauty of nature.

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May you always take the time to rest and take a good look at life around you.

Breath In……..Breath Out………

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Stay Active …… Stay Healthy ……

So to everyone hope you have a

Good Morning…   Good Afternoon…  Good Night…

Whatever it is to you…

Photos and Words

by

Here I Am/Carrie