Besides a little bike commuting, today was my first official outdoor ride of 2009. The weather in Wisconsin has been unseasonably warm the past week, leaving little snow left on the cross country ski trails and creating excitement for all the bikers giddy for outdoor rides. It was a little gloomy this morning, but really wanting to get out, I suited up with balaclava and booties.
I was elated to be out on my bike, avoiding a few icy patches and taking the corners slowly, I headed out of town through the arboretum, a beautiful natural area preserved right in the heart of Madison. When the snow clears, this is my favorite place to run trails and popular for nature nuts like myself. The first ½ of the ride was great, and then, it started sprinkling 34 degree rain, but my spirit could not be crushed. I was out, feeling the wind on my cheeks, being thankful that I dressed warm, and taking in all the free fresh air my lungs could handle.
On the return trip through the arboretum, I heard a distant ambulance siren, and then what sounded like multiple sirens. I slowed to lessen the breeze in my ears and as I did so, realized that the once thought distant noise, was actually quite near and was the sound of coyotes yelping their response to the siren. I slowed and listened and was in awe of the beauty of nature, a family of coyotes not more than a few hundred yards away. A couple men were walking on the road toward me and confirmed what I had heard, each of us taking in the moment. I rode on and not another ½ mile down the road, a deer bounded across in front of me and I slowed again. Two more stood in the trees, them looking at me, I looking at them and being thankful for this amazing opportunity to witness creation and the beauty all around us.
Another mile and I was home, a little wet and cold, totally refreshed, and thankful for my life. You just can’t get a ride like that on the basement trainer. Time to get outside, spring is just around the corner.