Traveling by bicycle is the third most intimate way to travel: the first is by walking, the second is by running. However, to cover ground most efficiently is to do it by pedaling. No mode of transportation beats the energy efficiency of the bicycle. More appealing than that is that all the senses are involved in the process: touch, smell, sight, sound, and even taste though it may not be as apparent most of the time. Of course, I don't travel by bicycle with these reasons in mind. It's just because it is almost impossible not to be smiling when riding a bike!!

I needed to get creative after I took up mountain biking a couple of months before turning 55. How was I supposed to combine road riding with mountain biking? Here's a corny poem I wrote to tell the story for me:

Mountain Bike Riding

Mountain bike riding is a funny sport;

Bikes for me have always been for transport.

Nevertheless, I decided to try it out

After decades of riding roads all about.

Putting a bike on a motor vehicle

Was a foreign idea difficult to adopt with zeal.

But, a weekend of Revelstoke trails with my son

Changed my mind; it was so much fun.

At first, even the slightest bit of gnarl

Produced an anxious gasp, grimace, and snarl.

Son: “Mom, I know no one who rides more than you.

Trust the bike and you can do this too.”

Indeed, his advice turned out quite right;

Soon enough, my grimace transformed to a smile bright.

So, saving money for another bike is what I thought;

One year later, my Norco hardtail is what I bought.

Because I ride almost exclusively all alone

I proceeded cautiously my skills to hone.

Still, not long it took from green trails to blue;

Then, at times, black diamond I will even do.

Eventually, continuing the sport I became sure

And saved more money for two bikes more.

A single speed hardtail and a full suspension;

All kinds of trails to ride became my intention.

Yet, the concept of oil and gas to ride a bike

Remained a concept that was hard to like.

Having already a trailer for a kayak and for cargo,

A bike trailer for a bike was my next goal.

On the internet I looked low and I looked high,

There was no such a thing as a bike trailer to buy.

I knew exactly the design to do the trick

So, I built one myself that is decently slick.

Now I can ride the trails where I live

And opportunities for elsewhere my trailer doth give.

Road bike, mountain bike, trailer, and camping gear

Mean riding distances both far and near.

Undoubtedly it is a rather odd sight to see;

However, many who stop to talk will say to me

They feel inspired to ride and drive less;

Being inspiring rather than admired is true success.

Though mountain biking was hard to understand

It has made a good life even more grand.

New friends I make and challenges to meet

And more reasons to be with trees is nothing but sweet.

Mountain biking is not a forgiving passtime;

Included are hard falls and many steep hills to climb.

Constant attention to self and features of the terrain,

At times,there’s pain and losing one’s way again and again.

This sport proves to align with how I choose to live

Where moving is at a pace to the psyche conducive.

Specially as I succeeded at excluding gas motor dependence,

Mountain and road riding can both promote self-reliance!