The sky is mostly blue, but thunderheads are building to the south. A stiff tailwind blows from the east allowing my bicycle to cruise effortlessly toward the west entrance of the Colorado National Monument. We stop at the guard gate, display our passes, and begin the ascent. I follow Riding Buddy onto the first switchback, turning east into the headwind. Ugh, I think to myself as I crank uphill into the wind and notice I’m trailing further and further behind. At the next switchback, I head west again, the wind now at my back. The wind pushes and pulls through each switchback. Finally, I reach the Visitor Center, catch up to Riding Buddy, where we collect our breath, drink the contents of our water bottles, refill them, and saddle up for the next segment.
We’re riding the loop counterclockwise, so we’re mostly buffered from the enormous drop off across the oncoming lane. The views into the deep canyon below are surreal, especially atop a bicycle. We pass billowy, red round sandstone outcrops and a small band of Desert Bighorn Sheep. With more sweat equity, we gain the first summit, Black Ridge, where we take another breather and a sip of water. From here, we begin the first descent. This is when I recognize that every bit of the struggle to get where I am right now, is worth it. My body feels free as I float around each curve. The floating feels like flying and I’m mesmerized. The world-class scenery enters my heart and melts it. The flowers along the roadside are the icing on the cake: astragalus, yellow daisies, firecracker weed (aka Scarlet Gilia), Indian Paint Brush, lupine, and penstemon.
I’m in heaven. I’m doing something I love to do. Me on my bike on this loop. Often, there’s wind, sometimes rain, in the summer – extreme heat, and every once in a great while, bike trouble. There are courteous drivers and not-so courteous drivers. There are cyclists who pass me like I am standing still (like Riding Buddy). But I keep riding. It’s what I do. It brings joy, curiosity, courage, confidence, and creativity.
It is said that Trauma is the absence of Love and connection.
Therefore, doing what we Love can bring us back into connection and into Love itself.
What is your love?
