Submitted by Mike, NC:

When I was asked to write an article for BlueCollarMTB.com, I was a little stumped on what to write about. So I asked one of my fellow mountain bikers for a couple of suggestions. He quickly responded with, “What do you enjoy most about mountain biking? What is the one thing that motivates you to ride?” I thought about this for a few moments, after all, there are so many aspects about mountain biking that appeal to me. The freedom that I feel being out on the trail, just me and my bike, the adrenalin rush of flying down a tight section of single track or the satisfaction of conquering a new stunt or challenge along the trail. After some thought, I decided that one of the things I like most is the peace and solitude that I can get out of a good ride. I find that a good ride relieves me of the stress and worry that goes along with day-to-day life.

When I am really into my ride, the stress and worries seem to disappear. The only thing I am concentrating on is the trail and how my bike and I react to it—feeling the bike roll and pitch beneath me as I spot the next root or rock, set up for the upcoming turn, and shift gears in response to gravity as I fight to overcome its grasp with all of these thoughts and actions happening simultaneously, there’s just no room in my mind to worry about work, or paying the bills, or anything that is not directly related to my ride.

Then, once I make it onto a slow and easy section of trail, I can feel my heart beating from the previous portion. I wipe the sweat out of my eyes, my mind begins to wander slightly, thinking about concerns that I have outside of biking, only to be able to view a problem with a fresh perspective that I didn’t see before. Not only am I getting a great physical work out, and having a blast doing it, but I’m also clearing the cobwebs out of my mind. I gain a new state of clarity and assurance as I ride. Ready to meet whatever challenges the next day may bring. I end my ride and drive home. Looking forward to spending time with my family, ready for the never ending list of chores to be done around the house, and feeling 100% better than before my ride started. It’s amazing what 15 miles of single track can do for one’s sanity.

So my recommended treatment for a stressed mind is to find a long stretch of single track, throw a leg over your bike, and get the heck out of dodge for a few hours. I am sure you will feel much better when you are done, both physically and mentally.