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Road Cycling, My Spiritual Center of Gravity
Think of it as a dichotomy between discomfort, outright pain, and pure bliss. But it's more. It's the union of land, sky, wind, and nature. As I move forward briskly, I experience minute and invisible changes in air temperature and fluctuating humidity. I enjoy listening to the wind howl past my ears. I hear my breath as my lungs search for more air. The smooth hum of rubber against the fresh blacktop, changing to jagged vibrations on a rough surface, then maybe, on a hot cloudy day, the sloshy sounds of a rain-covered surface — all work together to keep my senses tuned.
In the saddle, on my bicycle, cranking hard up hills or against the wind, miles from the city's grit, I feel most spiritual, alive, and human. To ride fast is exhilarating. To climb a long grade is a test of my mettle. To reach speed down a long and winding descent refines my reflexes and allows me to recoup my energy. And to ride in soft, warm rain is nirvana. My lungs work so hard at times. My legs often scream out. But, in all of this, I am in the moment.
a dance with nature
and a boost to my intellectual life
At the age of 68, I am the living, breathing engine on one of the simplest and most efficient machines ever invented, and it rewards me with a feeling of power, freedom, and…
