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?

 Belle Isle is the largest  city owned in the country; nearly 1000 acres.  It is currently leases to the State of Michigan and is run as a State Park.

I am setting up a family bike tour day for the family in a couple of weeks and I wanted to map out the route.  Today was a good day to do that.  This trip took place on a Saturday evening and activities were still going strong, but by sunset the outdoor groups were closing down.  Outdoor open pavilions may be rented.  There is a half mile public beach.  Wedding receptions and other events going strong in the buildings. 

In several hours I traveled the roads through out the island and covered about 14 miles.  I am glad to see it now because there has been some flooding and roads have been closed. 

Enjoy the photo highlights of my exploration.

 I look forward to a good Sunday ride.  It had been awhile since I went to the local Metro Park.  There is a 6 mile loop around the lake.  Sometimes I will take the road the goes around the lake also. With Sunday traffic, I wanted to use the trail also.

​On the way  in I found these turkeys having a feast. 

Half way through the a downpour  popped up fast, but I found shelter under a pine.  Luckily it was not a thunderstorm and it did not last but a few minutes.  The wet pavement lasted the rest of the ride.

At my water stop the sun came out and  gave  a beautiful  scene. At the exit I see that they had  made a new protected bike path on the bridge over the highway.   Find photos in the day ride section.

​