High Sierra Topix

You know instinctively when something pushes the right buttons.
It can be a ride on a harley, a quiet walk in the woods under the long shadows of twilight, or the comfort of a pleasant companion.
Right now, for this (almost.. nearly..) old man it is the common bicycle.
Tonight i rode a bicyle for a purpose. i needed to do the laundry and the nearest wash is 3 miles away and up hill.
Well, I pedalled my fat, comfortable butt up that hill and arrived; sweating.. but happy.
There is a certain "Elan" (Colin Fltecher's term) for the satisfaction of arriving under one's own power, whether it be by foot or wheel.
Okay, here is the sublime moment in an otherwise mundane journey;
Picking wild, fresh, black berries from the roadside.
This is a thing impossible from my vehicle at 40 miles per hour.
By the Gods they were... ARE (!!) the sweetest things.
The eyes open.

Ha!

I ride 6,000 miles a year on a road bike. I know EXACTLY what you mean!

The discomfort of physical exertion defines the comfort of a lazy afternoon. An idea our society will never grasp. Good and bad go hand in hand, one and one equal one.

Well said Hetchy, and Sparky offers some good comments. I too enjoy a good pedal on my old bike, and anytime I ride away from home, the return is uphill as I live in the upper reaches of a canyon.
Herm

Actually my post barely makes sense...I accedentally deleted what I was written and paraphrased it in some cryptic language heh....to clarify, many people will never know the joy of pushing themselves. I feel it can limit the ability to be content.

I've heard it said recently, in the context of endurance sports, go far enough and eventually you will meet yourself.

In the context of Shawn's reply, I've found that there's no place like the Sierra to meet oneself. But, let's not get too philosophical?
cg

From 48 to 51 years of age I skied 50+ days, surfed 60+ days, went on 200+ bicycle rides, played 900+ league and tournament softball games and spent 65+ days backpacking. On this forum the only thing that really counts was the 65+ backpacking days.

From 48 to 51 years of age I skied 50+ days, surfed 60+ days, went on 200+ bicycle rides, played 900+ league and tournament softball games and spent 65+ days backpacking. I think that on this forum the only thing that really counts was the 65+ backpacking days.