CYCLING VS HIKING, 10.23.17

Long distance cycling is so much different than long distance hiking. What I have always enjoyed about hiking is that half-a-mile or so onto a trail the world changes drastically. There is nothing but the wood or field or lake or mountain. Views open, in some cases without a sign of humans. I can walk by streams and over mountains alone with my thoughts and a sense of peace that I simply can't put into words. It gives me the most sustained sense of God's presents that I have ever had. I can sit virtually anywhere along the path and feel relaxed and happy.

It also subjects one to a pack weight from 35 to 60 lbs and mashed toes and extremes of weather. For nearly two hours one time I walked up and along a mountain trail in a torrential driving rain with lighting strikes all around: there was nothing to do but keep walking. Like a turtle you carry your home on your back and if what you want is not in there, it might take days or weeks until you can find it. 

Cycling is much different. People often honk at me or revere their engine as they scream past, apparently annoyed at my presents. Some people yell at me, although in some cases I think they think they are yelling encouragement, it is so obnoxious as to be indistinguishable from abuse. There are the road shoulders that are wide and clean and those that disappear leaving me trying to ride the white line, hoping that passing cars will go around. Most do, some seem to make of point of coming close, I presume to let me know that I don't belong there. There are shoulders that are wide but so filled with trash, course gravel, breaks in the pavement, and sharp objects that I either ride on the white line or dodge the obstacles in the road, often for miles. It is hard to stop, either to check the map or to take a break. Not just because of the road or traffic, but often because there simply is no good place to take a break. This is especially true in the desert. While doable, it often causes tension and a sense of being out of my element.

In the cities, even small ones, the roads are often not wide enough for a bike and much of my time is spent wondering if the cars see me. This does not address the ugliness of the cities either. The dirt and trash. The dilapidated buildings and surrounding areas. While there are many wonderful areas in cities, the ugliness often seems more constant and obvious.

And then there is flying down a hill with the warm sun on my back and the wind in my face, feeling, almost, like a kid again. There are endless views. When compared to hiking there is access to stores and restaurants and hotels. There is a sense of progress on the path and often warm and friendly people who are interested in the journey.