These thoughts keep coming to me when I ride along the Little Miami Trail. Often I think of Cheryl and our life together. The end of it was less pleasant but I am glad for the grace that she taught me. I am glad to the life skills she taught me. I am glad for the short time that I had her in my life.

I am often impatient with myself. I suppose that is a common trait for a man. But when I put my mind in “bicycle” mode I have a calmness that enters my thoughts. It seems to appear as I load my bike onto the rack behind my car and as I attach and tighten all the carrier straps. It is funny in a way. It is like putting a small child into the car seat and checking to be sure all is secure. I squeeze its tires to see if more pressure is required. regardless of the squeeze test I attach my little battery powered air pump. Three different bikes need three different pressures. Each has different tires. Regardless of my thumb test, the gauge tells the tale, the air pump awakens and runs for a little bit every time.

On my way to the trailhead that I have picked for that day, I am okay with the anxious drivers wanting to get to their destination 30 seconds quicker. Their life may depend on it. I do not know nor am I concerned about their urgency. I find the parking lot and it is blissfully unattended. I assemble my kit to myself and remove my bike from the rack and ride off. A deep calm descends as I settle into the rhythm of the music I selected.

Persistence is keeping the drum beat going until the end. I listen to jazz these days. some old some new some new age. I like it all. It is not the music of my youth. It takes me away from the nostalgic sadness that dwells in my heart for Cheryl. It helps me to enjoy the surrounding nature. If I want to go fast there is a steady rhythm to help pedal along. Music helps the zen.

The zen feeling of lost in my own thoughts sends my mind elsewhere. Walking in someone else’s shoes for awhile and understanding their needs or trying to understand those needs is empathy. As I ride along I think more about Cheryl. I think of how much she would have enjoyed walking on this shady tree lined trail or the view of the river where I stop to look myself. I am riding a bike now but with her I would have been walking. I cover more ground on a bike by myself but we used to cover a lot of ground on foot.

Excitement about what your are going to do or what you are doing is enthusiasm. These days, without her, I am enthusiastic about bike riding. There is a peacefulness.

Apologies to you fast riders keeping your pace as I am lost in my thoughts.

Carpe Diem.