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OUT ON THE TRAIL
Biking With C. MacDonald
NEAR THE BEACH--I look forward to riding my beachcruiser along the
spectacular sandy landscape from Seal to Sunset to Huntington to
Newport and beyond. It's invigorating, it gets the heart pounding,
it cleans the cobwebs from the mind, it makes me happy, it educates
me about people, dogs, pelicans, seagulls, lest terns, cloud
formations, sail boat races and the wind.
I'd love the wind always to be behind me, coming back from a 20+
mile journey but usually it isn't. Most of the time, the wind's
behind me when I head out, and in my face, while returning. "So, why
don't you just reverse your direction?" you might be thinking. Not a
bad idea but sometimes that just doesn't work because the wind will
shift. I've started off riding into the wind and heading back with
the wind still in my face. Funny thing that wind. I like it because
it often blows the pollution away and helps me with my muscle tone,
especially when I'm meeting (struggling with) it head-on. I do like
the challenge of "taking on" the wind when it's blowing at maximum
force. Don't ask me why. Maybe it's a David vs. Goliath thing.
The wind can be unpredictable and so can the people and animals
along the way. When you're peddling on weekends or during the
Summer, on a beach trail, you've got to keep your eye on the folks
around you. I've seen it all.
--REMEMBER, MOST FOLKS ARE TUNED OUT WHEN THEY NEAR THE BEACH
Some have things in their ears, listening to music or talking; some
are chatting with their friends alongside them; some
are mesmerized by the beautiful Pacific, the waves or what's in the
water (I even saw a whale last week; dolphins are much more
frequent); some think they own the spot they grace and everyone else
should stay clear; some are inebriated and don't know what's going
on; some are walking with a dog (one woman had 5 canines), if
another dog comes along, there may be a peaceful get-together or one
may viciously attack the other; some cyclists are racing along the
trail at high speeds, others may be doing stunts, as if practicing
for the US Open....
--DON'T TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED
One huge football player-type guy was walking innocently in front
of me, then turned to the right heading for the sand. (Seems simple
enough.) But right as I start to go around him to the left, he
decides to spin left and we both got knocked to the ground. (I
needed to whistle to let him know I was there.)
--WATCH OUT FOR GROUPS
If you see a bunch of people, they may act like a Slinky--they could
break like bowling pins, heading in different directions; a kid
might all of a sudden dart away from the pack and run right into
you; some are carrying things and might walk faster to get rid of
their load sooner, while others dawdle. At Christmas time, I came up
upon a group of probably 30 dressed-up Santas on rollerskates. You
really never know what's going to happen. That's both good and bad.
Variety and the unexpected make life exciting but it can also ruin
your day.
--ALWAYS KEEP A POSITIVE & PEACEFUL ATTITUDE
One thing I've learned in many decades as a bicycler, I try not to
let anything get me down. It's great seeing several of the same
regulars each day. I smile and say, "Good Morning" to nearly
everyone. Remember the phrase: "A stranger is a friend you haven't
met." If someone does something really dumb or outrageous, I don't
let it bother me (at all or for long, depending on what it is). I
keep focused on the trail and if it's uncongested, I look for the
good and the beauty around me--newborn ducklings waddling with their
mom, pelicans gracefully soaring through the sky, whale's spouting
offshore, the fascinating tide, coming and going. You never know
what odd things you might see. Sometimes movies and TV shows are
being filmed; a couple of days before the recent Academy Awards
Show, I came upon Sandra Bullock, walking in a black tight outfit in
Sunset Beach. She was alone and I really wanted to wish her good
luck in getting the "Best Actress Award." But I didn't. I decided
I'd play it cool, give her her privacy and I just smiled. Thought
maybe I'd see her again around there. Little did I know....
--DO IT EVEN IF YOU DON'T WANT TOO
Some days, I really don't feel like going on a bike ride; maybe I'm
1/2 asleep; maybe I have a headache; maybe I'm lazy and just don't
want too, period! But almost always I kick myself in the behind and
get the heck out there. Hey, life's short. You gotta grab for the
gusto; you gotta realize how darn lucky you are, even having the
opportunity to go on a ride. And, you know what, I'm ALWAYS glad I
climbed up on that bike and headed out.
--IT HELPS YOU "LIVE"
"Exercise is the best medicine." (I think Jack LaLanne said that and
he's almost 96.) And bicycling is one of the best exercises you can
do, not only for your body but your mind. I'm a writer and I think
up all sorts of new ideas, while on my bike. Sometimes, I'm able to
develop an entire story, song or poem on my trip. This "creativity
while crusing" should carry over to any occupation from homemaker to
psychiatrist. My dad used to say, "If you have a problem, ride
around the block 10 times and you'll either be able to figure out
how to solve it or at least you'll feel a lot better." He's right.
--DON'T HAVE A BIKE?
If you don't have one, check out bikeshops in your city. Employees
often are very helpful in assisting you in finding just what you're
looking for at the price you're able to pay. If you find things too
expensive, try garage sales, swap meets (like Golden West College in
HB every weekend), police auctions, thrift stores or a neighbor may
have an extra to give or sell you cheap; sometimes it's just a
matter of opening your mouth to your friends or co-workers.
MAY IS NATIONAL BIKE MONTH
So you need to get out there and bicycle. Whether it's a short ride
or a long one, chances are so good that you'll be glad you did. You
can bike alone or how about with family members or friends. It will
open up a lot of new opportunities for you. Some people have gotten
new jobs from fellow riders. You'll meet new friends, see new
things, get in better shape and have a heck of a lot of fun. Why not
even try to ride your bike to work? You won't be the only one. May
17-21 is National Bike To Work Week and May 21 is National Bike To
Work Day. To find out more, go to bikeleague.org. Some cities have
events and special deals for bicyclists. Happy Biking!
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