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Diamondback Recoil 29er: Memorial Day Trail Mix and Mixtape Highlights from my memorial day ride in eastern Arizona.

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My woods that I ride in, that I take my dog to, that I take my children to, something awful happened out there and it was closed off, and I've been scared to death to go back out there. I think I'm grieving for what happened, and at the same time grieving for the loss of my "safe place" where I would go to just switch off from life and relax. In the same week I lost my riding partner (that wasn't him at the woods by the way!!). So I guess my whole routine is a bit messed up. I've not gone on my bike, I've been feeling sad. This will pass I'm sure. In the midst of all this madness, cigarettes never even crossed my mind! Hey, like puffing smoke deep down into my lungs, and then blowing it back out, over and over, well that's not gonna change what happened? Almost a whole year smoke free, it's very close now!!! Whoop whoop!!

From smokes to spokes

Sunday morning ride. Feeling calm and energetic. Took the canal route and extended to the next bridge onward. Back around the back of the town, into the Main Street and continued on some more. Overall a longer ride than normal, and I would have gone on even further! Breathing was a lot better today. My riding partner is fit, and he doesn’t hold back, which encourages me to stay the pace with him! And you know what? I feel even better after those rides!! Absolutely just sets me up for the day. Mentally and physically. The wild flowers are just breath taking at the moment. Next ride, I will go alone and take pictures. Oh and breezing over that bridge every time now! 12.4km fast and furious and a mini pitstop. 10 months and a bit smoke free!!!!!

A few days away camping and hiking. Back in the saddle. The local woods is getting a major trim, and have put in a gravel road for the machinery. I've never cycled this part. About 1.7km lap! With a big hill!!!!!! I found it very tough. Not sure if it was fatigue, the weather or the time of day. My breathing got messed up, along with my gears. I kinda felt I was panicking for breath. It wasn't a nice feeling at all. My partner was with me and he suggested breathing techniques to slow me down. It was a weird experience. Anyway, did four laps 6.8km. Tough! Sweaty! But on a high after. 10 months smoke free!!!

A quick spin around town and canal. Alone. Clear the head. Clear the lungs. I gave it my all. Such a great feeling to notice the fitness level getting better with each ride. The fresh air. The beautiful summer growth everywhere. Taking time out to be part of it all. A whole new direction in my life! 8.2km 10 months smoke free!!

Sunday morning. Rain. Don't care. Riding anyway. Took the canal ride a little bit further, at the advice of my riding partner. I actually remember doing this journey months ago and I had to stop, to catch my breath, and drink water. This time I didn't need to stop! Now that's progress on fitness. Progress on health! Delighted. Wet and sweaty and happy. 9.2km and 10 months smoke free!!!