When I'm out on my bike, I am separated from all the stress, needs and trials,
of regular life. Many of you have read previous chautauquas that have resulted
from these rides:
Zen of the Mask
Psychology of CPAP
Today's ride was going to be my Clear Creek ride to the South Platte river.
I have done this ride many times. I was thinking of how to make it different
today, and thought I would take some pics for the folks at cpaptalk.
As I thought about it, though, it seemed boring to me. I've seen it many times.
So, my chautauqua was to view it as if I had never seen it before.
It made for a really fun time. I did view it as if I had never seen it before.
Here are some of those images.
Clear Creek at the start of the ride
Along the South Platte river
Remember the pics of the ride up Mt.Evans
This is a view of Mt. Evans from the edge of the Great Plains
Confluence of Clear Creek and the South Platte river
...and just as the first men did 150yrs ago, a lone figure trys to coax
a little "color" out of the river.
Along one of the canals that come from Clear Creek
Someone else, trying to coax a different kind of "color" from the creek
The most fun in riding in the fall, though, are the leaves on the trail.
Each leaf, be it cottonwood, elm, russian olive, locust or willow, has it's own tone.
As the tires of my bike impact and crush each leaf, it releases a single
unique tone. Depending on how dry and how it lands on the path,
determines that unique tone for each leaf.
The speed of the bike determines the tempo of the tune that is played.
If it is just a small patch of leaves, it is a short stacato nature rhythm.
If it a 100' of multiple kinds of leaves, it is an entire symphony.
...and as I was covering the final miles home,
the true chautauqua for the day was presented to me.
Always be thankful for and never, ever, ever,
take for granted these beautiful places and
the ability to ride my bike there to enjoy them.
