Welcome to the new year.
A new decade. A new opportunity to reach further than you ever have before, to stretch your limits and know new heights.
Or not.
That’s the funny thing about January first, it’s the worlds biggest reset button, a do-over, command-z, a mulligan. On the first day of the new year we start fresh with grand plans and clear vision. All backed with a powerful conviction that if you’re lucky will last until the end of the month before the real world seeps back in.
Like you I am also a victim of this re-set mind set. New goals and plans to do more, make more, draw more, paint more, enjoy more, live more! Whoa, I’m tired already and it’s day five. I should rethink this.
Which brings me to my winter rides.
What I like best about the solitude of winter riding is how it fits right in with nature. As I roll on the local wooded trails I’m reminded to take a cue from nature and slow down.
(Note to anyone that follows my Strava page, wondering how can he really go any slower. I can.)
I recharge my body and mind and enjoy the rhythm of winter. I’m outside in this beautiful world I’m so lucky to live in. I’m riding my bike and it’s 32ºF, I win! Because when I’m outside I’m happy and I’m always reminded what I love most about riding, its the freedom.
For me the effort it takes to ride outside in the cold makes sense. For me it works, I’ve always done winter this way. It may not be the thing for you, to each their own.
But as I think about being faster, stronger and leaner in 2020 I just smile because I’m on my bike outside in the sunshine in the middle of winter and I’m going to have a coffee and scone when I get back.
My reset button has been pushed.
