My Bike

rapid transit cycleshop wicker park, chicago 8.5.04

About a month ago I purchased a bike.  Not a motorcycle – but a “mountain bike” type of bike. 

I haven’t mentioned it to too many people (except in one of my messages a couple of weeks ago – which I guess is mentioning to a lot of people…), but I’ve hesitated to say too much about it until I knew that it was something that I would really be committed to for longer than a week. 

No doubt, I’m committed.  I can honesty say that it has turned out to be one of the best moves I’ve made in a long time.

Tonight I’ve been reflecting on why this has been a good move for me.  I’ll share a couple of them with you. 

Here they are:

1. Longer life.

Seriously.  I’ve been out of shape since….well…most of my life.  So the cardiovascular benefits are certainly very good.  My energy level has increased during the day, which in turn has increased my focus (and I’ve also been able to cut back on the Sbux a bit…) 

Most importantly, I owe it to my girls (wife & two daughters), friends, and church community to take care of myself. 

2. It keeps me out of a mental institution.  (Mental breaks during my week…)

Our church campus sits on several acres of beautiful land which is surrounded by some really nice biking/hiking trails.  I’ve begun scheduling in breaks during my week (between meetings, studying, etc…) to just stop what I’m doing and head out on the trails for anywhere from 35-75 minutes.  It’s a great way to break up long, 12 or 14 hour days.  (And yes, I have a shower at my office…)

It’s amazing how just simply breaking away from my work environment frees up my mind and helps me to stay focused on “big picture” issues (which is what I consider a large part of my job to be about…).

3. It helps me to be more aware of my vertical relationship with God.

There are spots on these trails that are so beautiful that you would have to be blind not to see the work of a divine Creator.  While riding, I’ll have my iPod pumpin’ anything from John Coltrane to a classical piece and there are moments while I’m riding that I just feel like I could ride my way into Heaven (like E.T.) 

4. It’s fun.

Even though my butt hurts like a big dog after sitting on the seat of this bike, it’s still a lot of fun. 

5. It’s new.

That sounds kind of weird, but this is a new element in my life that I’ve started since my dad (and beloved friend) died a few months ago.  I’m not totally sure why this is good, but I have no doubt that it is. 

So there.  I’m not sure anyone cares about this stuff, but it’s been good for me to hash out.

I’m curious - what is your daily/weekly/monthly getaway?  Do you have one?  In what ways do these times prove beneficial to you?

Comments

[BW]

Dude (Pastor Dude),

Is that a banana seat on that bad boy??!

I am upgrading my mode of transport, see here:

http://winnjr.blogspot.com/2005/05/only-three-more-days.html

Good times, good times...

I don't have a regular getaway, just haven't worked it in yet. Perhaps with the new wheels I'll be able to head out on Hwy 81 towards Saint Cloud and let the wind just take me! :)

[Betsy]

Scott, this will solve your seat issues.

As for a getaway... the only thing I can think of is shoe shopping. :) That is VERY therapeutic.

It's too stinkin' hot here to get away during the day to exercise. Those who are truly committed will get up before the sun and hike Camelback or something like that. But I can't get excited about that.

[Martin Leeuwner]

I used to take my Seadoo to the lake in Tulsa on a weekly basis. It made me feel alive, it made me feel free...leaving work behind, racing down to the water, throwing the engine into high gear and gliding across the glassy lake...mmm

[Matt]

Glad you've started exercising. When we tried jogging / walking in Tulsa, I didn't exactly see you as the exercising type. It always made me wonder how you don't weigh like 450 pounds with all the food you talk about eating.

My weekly escape, well I run, but at 6:40am I don't think that's really an escape, more a punishment.

Playing X-box is more of my escape, but to avoid addiction it's about an every other month escape. Blowing up friends, the thrill of the game and the total dopamine release is the benefit.

[Ted]

Matt:

I take it you are well versed in the field of Halo?

[abe]

That's one ugly bike - hope you didn't pay more than $2 for it.

From your beloved friend and the one whom you love above all the others.

[Mary Beth]

In regards to butt pains after riding your bike, the only solution I have found is to not only have jell filled seat but also jell filled shorts. They are wonderful, but goofy looking.

[matt]

Ted, I'm not as well versed as I'd like to be, but, yes, I enjoy killing friends with a warm RPG.