In the grand scheme of things, my problems are minor. My financial worries are of the ‘balancing what I want to do vs what I need to do’ variety, rather than the ‘food or shelter?’ sort. My personal life is complicated, but I have a partner who loves me. My house needs repairing, but I have a home. I do not have cancer. Despite the positives, I find it’s still perfectly possible to feel weighed down by the little things, so as I dropped my car at the garage this morning for a repair that is probably more costly than the car justifies having done to it, my heart felt heavy.
Climbing onto the bike to pedal home, leaving the car to its expensive diagnosis, the cold and damp autumn air crept in through the thin fabric of my hoody. I cursed my clothing choices and lack of gloves. I swore as drivers passed closer than comfortable or necessary. I grumped as I climbed the hill and my legs felt tired and dead.
And then I turned off the road to the canal, and for a moment looked up. What had seemed like unpleasant cold and damp air was transformed into shimmering atmospheric mist. Watery sun licked my sullen face and I felt the frown muscles ease. Breathe. Let go a little.
I pedalled on, calm water, smooth pedalling, chills forgotten. Dappled light quivering on the roof of a bridge. A haze hovering over the lock gates. An old couple walking a dog. ‘Isn’t it a beautiful morning!’ I exclaimed as I rode past them. And it was, and I meant it. For 15 minutes, my gripes and grumbles didn’t matter – I was pedalling, the sky was blue, and the leaves were turning.
It wasn’t an epic ride. There were no rad lines. The canal path barely even counts as off road. But it was enough. Enough to escape my head a while, make my day a little bit better, and my problems seem a little bit more manageable.
I had forgotten the power of the short pedal. I’ve written this so you don’t.
I really enjoy these sort of articles.
Thanks for the reminder, Hannah. It was nicely put and you included the one piece of advice I remember from a coaching session many years ago with Ian Warby – look up. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve used this, both on and off the bike. It’s a handy little reset.
There is something calming and special about a canal towpath (apart from one unfortunate event on the Avon and Kennet a few years back, but I digress) I’ve always found them an oasis of calm often in the middle of a town or city, not sure if its the water or the sudden greeness around you but they definitely have a relaxing nature to them.
We have been seduced by ever more complex bicycles and unnecessary artificial tracks, made more difficult to stretch riders on those bikes.
I would love to see a return to the simplicity I enjoyed in the 1980s, no suspension, simple brakes, and electric motors only for the elderly and infirm.
someone I know has been writing similar stuff over on Facebook about riding is good for his mental health. I’m sure he won’t mind me telling people about it here – https://www.facebook.com/The-grumpy-cyclists-life-after-depression-118647009894012/
Lovely, nothing beats a ride a along the canal early in the morning.
I cannot agree more. My commute along the Kennet & Avon canal starts the day right and removes the stress of work on the way home, rain or shine. I feel cheated on the days I need to take the car.
Great article Hannah.
Thank you!
I had my own little mindfulness revelation as I pedaled to work this morning, I really must try to get in the habit of it. On the way home the Airbus Beluga gave me a low flypast, (I assume it was for me, it may have just been landing) which was also awesome, but in a different way.
Sometimes you can’t help but look up ….. yesterday as came off of Portland after the usual excellent rocky ride around the island a Sea King helicopter came in over the sea to land at the training base, not much more than 50ft above us! Never get tired of seeing low flying aircraft, even if they deafen you.
Hannah, why is this only in the Women’s section? I got here via a FB link, otherwise I may have missed it. Everyone should read this.
@Scott_Biles it’s not just in the women’s section, but it is in Member’s only. The Singletrack Women section pulls through everything written by female authors, so it’s duplicating the stuff that’s on the site elsewhere, including the main site. Does that make sense?
Hi Hannah, thanks, yes it does. I tend to look at News and Features & Articles unless looking for something specific. I had forgotten about the Members section, doh!
Some of my happiest moments this year have been a local walk or pedal before work or lunch. Simple pleasures, nature, exercise. Good for the mind, body and soul.
A great reminder, thanks. Just a few minutes out amongst nature can make a big difference.
Thank you
I thought there were some pretty rad lines in that article after all…
Currently struggling with working from home and get out for an early morning ride as often as weather allows, I definitely feel better all day on the days I get to ride.