Back on the bike!

What brings you joy? For me it’s riding my mountain bike.

There’s something about leaving the city behind and pedalling along a tree-shaded track that makes me feel truly alive.

Unfortunately, in April 2022 while riding in Woodhill forest, I decided to hug a tree by falling into it, and fractured my shoulder. It took many months to heal, by which time I was in the middle of major house repairs, followed by the upheaval of an office move.

I didn’t get back on my bike because I simply got out of the habit.

Last Christmas I promised myself I’d go riding three times a week over the holiday break. That’s a big commitment which may not be possible every week, but I’m pleased to say I managed six rides in my three-week break.

It was a revelation.

I remember making the early morning drive to Woodhill and managed to be one of the first on the track. Within five minutes I witnessed four deer cross my path. Then I was accompanied by a wild boar for a few minutes. It was an amazing experience that made my day.

What are the magic moments that make your day?

My mentor Dr Fred Grosse has a name for these. He calls them ’10 out of 10 experiences.’

Dr Fred urges us to identify the magic moments that are special to our lives. They recharge and refresh you. When you’re super-busy at home, stretched at work, or challenged by a big, hairy goal, you need to have something special in mind, just for you.

Mountain biking on a dewy morning at Woodhill is my 10-out-of-10. I’m going to build it into my schedule and make sure I get my fix.

It’s good to have goals – but not too many.

The other lesson I’ve taken from this is to keep things simple.

I’ve learned that setting myself up with too many goals just creates stress. It’s better to have one or two things that really matter – like jumping onto a mountain bike once a week – than to pile on the pressure to achieve everything all the time.

What are one or two things that keep you sane, happy and connected to what matters in your life?

Make time for them on a regular basis.