It Is Called Recreation For A Reason

Ok full disclosure, all too often I ride my bicycle with a few set objectives for the day. Usually a minimum distance along with certain amounts of time in various heart rate zones and/or power zones. Although I always enjoy my time on the bike (VO2 Max intervals not withstanding) I don’t always take the time to truly enjoy the Outdoor Recreation aspect of bike riding. 

Thankfully my good buddy and fellow avid mountain biker John recently took me on a scenic, sometimes challenging loop, or four, in the La Quinta desert / wilderness area. We’ve been before but this time he played tour, native wildlife (all too fast to grab a photo), geology, and botany guide. 

Wow, when you know where and how to look there is an abundance of beauty in the desert. 

These Beavertail Cactus in bloom were an amazing and extremely rare sight. 

Although the rising temperatures got the better of me so we doubled back a bit early the time spent in true recreation instead of merely hammering on the pedals chasing the wheel in front of me was well worth it. 

Slow down, enjoy life outdoors.