“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair” 
― Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

Lets reflect on a few months ago. In the Fall of 2015 I purchased a bike with the intent to begin exercising by bike. To date, my bike has done so much more for me. I have become part of a group that has a mission to build community through biking, I have met new people, I have learned about the history and functionality of bikes, I have inspired my daughters to want to bike ride, and I have found a new peace!

Exercise alone can decrease stress and help the body release endorphines that trigger positive feelings. More recently I’ve looked to my bike to do just that. The past few weeks I have awakened early, between 6 & 8 am, and have rode my bike on different routes. During my rides, I play calm meditation music. I am a firm believer in the practice of mindfulness. I do this while riding. I pay attention to the rubber hitting the road, the sky and clouds moving as I glide through the street, the sun peaking as it turns from dusk to morning, and the wind hitting my face and blowing through my hair.

On average I wear my helmet, and I encourage everyone to do so, but due to tension headaches sometimes I ride with a head full of wild hair. It has been a liberating experience riding my bike during the early mornings when the weather is just right, calm and cool. This morning I started a bit late about 7:30am, but the weather was perfect in the high 60s, low 70s. I was cruising through the streets and making sure to ride up every hill that I could. Why? Because the way down was the best part. Feeling the wind blow through my hair and hitting my face in the greatest way was so relaxing and it just felt so good. Smelling the morning air and hearing the sounds of the tree leaves hitting was calming for me. In that moment, sweat and all I was at peace. Being blown by the wind on my bike is like a happy ending, lol (seriously).

I am finding myself riding my bike every chance I get. I take my daughters out and let them ride in their power wheels while I ride my bike. As a mother you have to be creative in creating time for things you like that support your self care. My daughters love it. I recently put a bike on layaway at Toys R Us for my 5 year old. Seeing me ride has made her totally stoked about coming out with me when she gets her wheels. My 1 year old keeps jumping out of the power wheels jeep and running after my bike. She wants to ride too. I am a little afraid of the child seat for bikes, so I may invest in a bike trailer for her.

Anyway, I’ve been thinking. Its time time to name my bike. I am a semi-feminist so yes, my bike will be a she! She is a 26″ Schwann Sidewinder Women’s Mountain Bike. Ha! I just realized the name included my topic wind. Welp, are you thinking what I am thinking? Windy!!! That will be her name!

Welp, until next time. If you have a bike, enjoy it to the fullest! If you don’t, you may want to get you one!