Amazing what a bike ride can do for you

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day! Bright, sunny, no wind and a balmy 45 degrees. I decided to get away from the keyboard and to do what I've been missing so much since my ride across America. I have an amazing environment to ride! The foothills and even a mountain bike park are just a mile or so away. While I could tell pretty quickly that I hadn't been out in a while (physically) but even more evident was what I was missing emotionally. Whoever originally said "you can't be in a bad mood when riding a bike" had no idea how right they were! 

What a complete joy to put all the craziness of the world out of my mind and enjoy the quiet and beautiful scenery!  Today's ride wasn't long compared to my daily averages I was making in the summer of 2017, still the exhilaration and just overall calmness cycling provides can be enjoyed anytime without needing to ride cross country. 

Though the advancements in bicycles would make the ride easier, the main thing is to ride! Below is the bike I took out today. The first mountain bike I ever bought, way back in 1986. A Raleigh Elkhorn mountain bike.