For many of us going for a bike ride may seem like an ordinary experience. Here are some tips on making your ride more than ordinary and even inspiring by acknowledging and appreciating the things you see and hear, the people you are with, and how your body feels…
Yesterday I went biking on the Cape Cod Canal and it was fabulous. It was a perfect summer day for it wasn’t too hot or cold. As soon as we started riding we noticed how quiet it was on the bike path…you could hear boats in the distance, people talking here and there, the sound of bikes, rollerbladers and joggers….so many people enjoying the path. Everything we saw and heard was Cape Cod and summer at its best. It reaffirmed me that how we approach a bike ride in our mind can help determine whether it is an inspiring ride or just a ride. Even before we set off I said to myself this is going to be a great ride because it is a great day and I will enjoy the company I am with. I set myself up for a positive experience with the ride and didn’t allow any excuses to get in my way. The more we rode the more magical it became. The views of the canal were beautiful…the lush green trees, the blue water, seagulls flying here and there, the people and families enjoying the path. I find inspiration comes from noticing what’s around…the sites, sounds and even smells. Even saying hi to people felt good as everyone seemed to be in a good mood. Our destination was Scusset Beach in Sagamore and that made our trip even more inspiring. At the beach there was no wind, the tide was low so we got to walk in the shallows and swim. The ocean was almost flat and the gentle movement of the waves as we looked out towards P-Town was mesmerizing. The sounds of kids having fun throwing a football, of seabirds and the gentle lapping of waves on shore added to an experience that touched our soul. In the end it was an adventure of being with nice people, enjoying our health and the beauty we are blessed to have around us on Cape Cod.
A week ago I was biking with my daughter, Sierra. What a special trip it ended up being. We headed off to Woods Hole on the Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth to visit Pie In The Sky bakery for a special treat. At one point near Trunk River we stopped so I could take a picture of my daughter. A runner was running by and he happily offered to take a picture of my daughter and I together. That was so nice of this person who could have easily ran by us. Instead he helped us have a picture that means so much to us. After the picture was taken I apologized to a bicyclist who we inadvertently blocked from passing when our picture was taken and he said, “no problem at all…just tell me you are having a great ride today.” I gladly told him we were and he shared a big smile with us both. Sierra and I continued to Woods Hole, checking out the beautiful scenery, talking and enjoying our special time together. It made me think that we can make special times in our life so easily. For a total cost of $8 for bakery treats my daughter and I made a memory that will stay with us for a long time I am sure.
Inspiration can be as simple as spending time with a friend or loved one on a bike path, enjoying the people you are with, the things you see, smell and hear, and the beautiful day you have been given. It doesn’t get any better than working your body while outside. The natural high from being outdoors and the endorphins from moving our body can make us feel on top of the world. So let all your senses enjoy the experience and allow it all to inspire your life.
The views and opinions in the Enterprise blogs are those of the author and are not neccessarily shared by Falmouth Publishing.
