Rob Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 Hashtags rule our fast paced lives these days and with mountain bike season in full swing, a few that are dominating posts in my twitter and instagram feeds are #exploremore #anotherbestride #goplayoutside. The inspiration for today's post comes from MEC and an instagram photo they posted recently with an awesome quote that unfortunately doesn't fit in a catchy hashtag. It goes like this: "Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." Makes you stop and think for a moment doesn't it? In a world where we are forever connected, most things we do can be summed up by a clever #hashtag and we track our rides on Strava it's important to slow down sometimes and take in the beauty of the mountain bike trail which is usually just a blur in your peripheral vision. A challenge, I suppose. Better not record this one on Strava, it'll hurt your averages! I recently had the pleasure to ride at the Mono Cliffs Provincial Park which is a section of the Bruce Trail that extends from Niagara to Tobermory. It's a beautiful area with several, flowy single track loops that get alot of traffic from local trail riders. For me though, it's about so much more than that. See, I grew up riding these trails and after being away for several years, I found myself stopping regularly at some of my favourite spots just to take in the view and that smell you only get deep in the forest on a sunny day. Out comes the iPhone - snap, snap, snap...OK, keep riding...stop, iPhone snap...repeat. Every ride is #anotherbestride for different a reason. After this one, I got back to the car and felt invigorated by a mellow ride and a collection of photos that aren't going to win any awards but show that there's alot out there to see if you just logout, forget about pace and remember that #yolo. Seriously, sit on the side of the trail and feel the beauty and wonder of what surrounds you. Can you even believe that plants can grow out the side of a huge rock?! Happy trails! PS. for the record, my rides are not always this introspective! I love to log a fast ride and rip a burmed corner but once in a while you need to stop, breathe, take it all in and maybe take a picture (even if it is with your smartphone)! For more like this, follow my iPhone adventures on Instagram! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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