8 reasons It feels great to ride

Today I went for a  68 mile ride.  Why do I do it?

Solitude:  Bike riding is a time for me to clear my mind; think through a problem:; have quiet time.  So much of our world has noise.  I use my car time to keep up on major news stories, weather and traffic.  At home I will listen to music during the day.   An hour or more provides the time to mentally clear the board.

Get my respiration up  We all typically breath shallow breaths.  Cycling get me breathing harder and that is good for my lung health.

Heart rate increases.:  My heart health improves with my activity.  I may have to stop the activity briefly  to stop the wheezing, my recovery time is shortening. 

A sense of accomplishment: Being able to go hour after hour is something that I can do now and I feel healthy.  I remember the days that I would walk from the bedroom and sit down at the kitchen table to catch my breath.  I am so thankful to be able to do this now.  I realize that at some point i will get sick and be set back.

Fresh air:  I was out in the forest  for most of my ride.  Near the end I could feel the oppressive odors.  I could smell the lawn fertilizer and the fumes from the traffic.  The temperature felt  hotter and the humidity added to the discomfort.  The moisture in the wood gave a coolness to the air.

Birds and butterflies:  Around most of our homes we do not see the butterflies.  I could hear a variety birds.  Near the house traffic noise drowns out the birds.  I can hear them in the morning at home.

Other natural life:  Today I saw wild turkeys, deer, rabbits, chipmunks, and a snake slithering across the asphalt path.

The runner high:  Exercise gets the brain to pump these hormones to make you happy.

Accomplishing a goal: and treats:  Today I set aside the time to complete this long ride.   I worked in some special stops to get a treat (ice cream, a drink, a special spot or whatever is good for you.)

Can you think of some others perks?