Friday, June 5, 2009

“I Bike, Therefore I Am”

Ready for a surprise about me? Here it is: I LOVE bike riding. No, I’ll go one step further: I NEED bike riding. I think everybody craves an opportunity to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with their spiritual selves and the simplicity of nature. For me, that reconnection happens on two wheels, with my hair flying in the morning breeze. I live at the base of the mountains in Utah—June mornings are brisk and dewey, and the sun sweetens the streets like a kiss. The roads arch up and down just enough to keep it interesting (and to make sure I’m awake!).

It’s the perfect activity! I feel like nature and I are sharing a special secret—it’s like the birds are tweeting just for me; like the flowers are opening for my eyes only; and the mountains are in full color, all jagged peaks and glorious tree lines. It’s a wonderful way to draw closer to my Heavenly Father because although I feel so small surrounded by such majesty, I also feel special and loved. What can I say… it’s awesome! I return home, muscles screaming, head clear, I’m perfectly happy and ready to tackle the challenges of the day. Pull your favorite two-wheeler out of the garage and discover the secrets of a bike ride for yourself!




17 comments:

  1. I have been wanting to get a bike for 6 months, but have found various reasons to put it off. This entry has inspired so, that I WILL be getting one this weekend. Thank you for the push I needed, and the glorious pics of your surroundings.

    ~Erin

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  2. Jeanette!! This is the coolest secret ever!!!! I love, love, love cycling. I am going on my first bike tour in 3 weeks (all women, easy beginner ride through the Tetons!)

    Anyway, next time you're in San Diego...I have an extra bike. The only thing that rivals a ride like the one you described, just might be a ride along the San Diego Coast (Coronado, etc.)

    So now that I know you share the love... I need a cycling stamp set!!!!! I keep suggesting it. I know you can draw something stinkin cute!!
    Dawn Heuft (Bren's Dawn)

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  3. Jeanette:

    I was so excited to read that you ride bikes too! You know how I feel about bikes- I ride every day. I love my pink bike with hearts. It makes me happy, happy, happy. If you don't own one already- you need to get a bike like mine (It is by Electra- Pajama Party). Since you are the queen of CTMH you defineately need a bike with hearts! Big smiles,

    Tina

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  4. What a beautiful post...it really made me think of my dad. He loves taking pictures of the scenery, flowers in particular, and is an avid cyclist. In fact, we live in Michigan, but he's currently in Kansas, bicycling his way across the U.S. to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I'm so proud of him, and just wanted to brag on him a bit!!

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  5. Wow...what great breath taking scenery to look at while riding. You are very fortunate.

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  6. Hi Jeanette!
    I too,love ot bike ride! The views you see on your rides are GORGEOUS! I love living by the beach and passing by Palmetto Trees but seeing the goregous mountians in your photos is breath-taking!
    Have a wonderful weekend!
    SMiles,
    Amy

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  7. Can I come visit...You can bike ride and I'll jog along and take photos too!!!

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  8. wow! That's another thing we have in common. I wish we lived at the bottom of the mountains tho! Even after 3 years of cycling I'm still driving the bike to my favorite spot to ride it :)
    Thanks for sharing! Have a tea-rific day!

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  9. OK Jeanette...WHEN are you going to write your first NOVEL??!! No kidding....who says "...the sun sweetens the streets like a kiss." YOU DO! You have the most descriptive and interesting way of telling stories! I love reading your posts! Make sure you let me know when your first Book Signing will be!

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  10. Well you learn something new everyday? I had no idea. How cool are you.

    I would enjoy biking if:
    1. I didn't have to go uphill, ever.
    2. I didn't have to wear a helmet. (Can you imagine Julie Andrews wearing such a thing in Sound of Music???)
    3. I owned a bike that had a cute basket that I could put fresh flowers, fruits, or veggies in. Any or all would work for me;)

    Happy trails friend!

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  11. You used just the right words Jeanette. I feel the same way when I"m on for a walk. My husband just bought us new bikes for our 25th anniversary and we are going out for a ride with our son this afternoon. Thanks for the words I know I wouldn't have put them down so nicely.
    Glenda

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  12. My husband and I enjoy cycling together, but don't have great scenery. We dream of moving somewhere with fantastic views for cycling. Until then we can drive to some favorite spots. Thank you for sharing your interests and passions.

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  13. You are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place, and to be able to ride your bike!
    I tried at the beginning of the spring, and consequently my eczema flared on my arms :( I'm so sad not to be able to ride until it's cleared...when I can try again!

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  14. Jeanette,
    I love your descriptions of the world! It so makes me want to hop on that bike under the covering in the backyard. Love the feel of the exercise but hate making that first step to actually do it!

    Oh, when I grow up I want to take pictures like you! The rocks and flowers (Iris?) are beautiful...care to share your secrets????

    Have a lovely day!

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  15. OMG! I would give ANYTHING to be able to run and/or bike ride in such a GORGEOUS setting!!!

    Thanks for sharing with us.

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  16. Love your pictures...how beautiful! My husband was stationed at Hill AFB, UT and we long to go back! Our son was born there too...such fond memories! So fun to learn how much we all have in common- the love of bike riding! We are having fun sharing that with our children too!

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  17. We don't live anywhere near the mountains, but I love vacationing there! I get that same small but loved feeling you describe. One of the most inspirational place I have visited is Angel Glacier in the Canadian Rockies. Truly spectacular, but waking up to this view every day would be amazing.
    You are blessed!

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