Amber's Adventures: Stopping to Smell the Flowers

What a busy couple of weeks, but they've been packed full of all the things I like to do. The flight over here went smoothly, and it's great to be here with Conrad. Time seems to pass by so quickly at times.

I think I've done more cycling in the past 2 weeks than in the past 2 months. Actually I know I have. I did a handful of trainer rides in the weeks leading up to my trip, but in the winter I'd rather run. The dogs also prefer the runs, so the cycling has fallen a bit by the wayside.

I've made up for it though. Yesterday was a brilliant solo 6 hour "coffee shop" ride along the coast. Conrad had some crazy session and I heard he say something about 300 Watts and I said no thanks. My actual riding time ended up being about 5 hours and I stopped to watch seals play, stopped to just look at the stunning view, and stop to watch and chat with the surfers. Incredible views and weather!

It's fantastic to just enjoy life. Often we get so busy with work and waiting for all the fun things in life to happen. It's also a blessing to not be training and just riding for the sheer joy of riding. It makes me wonder if all the work is worth it, or if I could work less and live with less. What brings happiness at the end of the day? Unfortunately I have a fondness for shiny carbon fiber objects on 2 wheels. The rest of the rat race I can pass on, but I really enjoy being able to travel and have a nice bike or 2 or 3.

I see and work with so many people on the work treadmill. Needing bigger cars or bigger houses. Stepping back really makes me think what is my priority and why.