I've nearly always ridden my bike without any input, but over the last couple of years I've started walking more (sometimes with a podcast, mostly with nothing) and noticed that I enjoy the time to think which leads me to not thinking. I don't even listen to the radio in my car anymore. I think this has given me the ability to actually single-task, which may be the opposite of what get-it-done-ers will tell you to do, but when the activity that I'm doing (walking, riding, driving, doing dishes) becomes my only focus, it also becomes more enjoyable and worthwhile somehow, no longer a task to cross off a list, but an intentional act of living. $.02
I’m a walker. It builds bone density. It improves core strength. After my bike crash/broken pelvis, the doc told me that walking would strengthen the muscles and bone that would help recovery. Six years later I walk more than I ride. Music is good sometimes, but birds are good all the time. Enjoy spring, your Florida summer is coming.
Great to see you, Chris! I get amazed at the folks I see riding a bike with a blasting boombox (i.e., no head phones). I can hear them from tens of meters away. I dislike even approaching them for I know that they are not engaged with the surroundings and can readily fall victim to a collision.
I recently went backpacking. I shut the phone off and just navigated by map and compass. I felt so present and not mindlessly walking as I normally do. I’m all for leveraging technology to its fullest, but we need to limit it when it becomes a hindrance or is used maliciously.
On most of my local trail rides, I'll come up behind someone with earphones on. I'll ring my bell, gently at first, and then progressively louder if the walker/runner doesn't hear me. When I finally get their attention, they are always startled. I once followed a runner for over a mile, and couldn't pass. In these situations, I think "what if I was a mountain lion?" (I have encountered mountain lions numerous times on my local trails.)
Wonderful to see you on a Monday AM! No electronics on my bicycles, I don't walk with my phone out of my pocket. I'm sure my age has a lot to do with both those statements, but riding and walking with myself for company is simply essential. Hope you're doing great, Chris!
Hey who would have thought that old tech ie lack of tech. Would be the secret behind mental wellness. Thanks for sharing. I never go outside to enjoy the outdoors with some distraction in my ears. However I’m constantly trying to pass those who can’t hear me warning of my presence. Have a great day
This is why I don't use a bike computer unless I am bikepacking or need navigation. Strava and other tracking apps bring no additional joy and focus my energies in unhelpful ways.
Walking in the woods I started talking to woman about what I'd just learned about - the Japanese call it "forest bathing". She mentioned a word she said seemed related. I went home and googled it. She was using the actual Japanese word for my translated term. I've still not learned that word. Get into nature unburdened.
I've nearly always ridden my bike without any input, but over the last couple of years I've started walking more (sometimes with a podcast, mostly with nothing) and noticed that I enjoy the time to think which leads me to not thinking. I don't even listen to the radio in my car anymore. I think this has given me the ability to actually single-task, which may be the opposite of what get-it-done-ers will tell you to do, but when the activity that I'm doing (walking, riding, driving, doing dishes) becomes my only focus, it also becomes more enjoyable and worthwhile somehow, no longer a task to cross off a list, but an intentional act of living. $.02
“Over due”he says!?! Man, GREAT to see you…as in you’re doing “ok”! Thanks for the update. MMD is very…comforting, and mind clearing too!
I’m a walker. It builds bone density. It improves core strength. After my bike crash/broken pelvis, the doc told me that walking would strengthen the muscles and bone that would help recovery. Six years later I walk more than I ride. Music is good sometimes, but birds are good all the time. Enjoy spring, your Florida summer is coming.
Great to see you, Chris! I get amazed at the folks I see riding a bike with a blasting boombox (i.e., no head phones). I can hear them from tens of meters away. I dislike even approaching them for I know that they are not engaged with the surroundings and can readily fall victim to a collision.
Phones stay in my bag or pocket Rides and walks are time to just enjoy the day. Great episode!
I recently went backpacking. I shut the phone off and just navigated by map and compass. I felt so present and not mindlessly walking as I normally do. I’m all for leveraging technology to its fullest, but we need to limit it when it becomes a hindrance or is used maliciously.
On most of my local trail rides, I'll come up behind someone with earphones on. I'll ring my bell, gently at first, and then progressively louder if the walker/runner doesn't hear me. When I finally get their attention, they are always startled. I once followed a runner for over a mile, and couldn't pass. In these situations, I think "what if I was a mountain lion?" (I have encountered mountain lions numerous times on my local trails.)
Wonderful to see you on a Monday AM! No electronics on my bicycles, I don't walk with my phone out of my pocket. I'm sure my age has a lot to do with both those statements, but riding and walking with myself for company is simply essential. Hope you're doing great, Chris!
An excellent book on the subject is "How to walk" by Thich Nhat Hanh. Focus is key.
Have a great week Chris!
You too!
Hey who would have thought that old tech ie lack of tech. Would be the secret behind mental wellness. Thanks for sharing. I never go outside to enjoy the outdoors with some distraction in my ears. However I’m constantly trying to pass those who can’t hear me warning of my presence. Have a great day
This is why I don't use a bike computer unless I am bikepacking or need navigation. Strava and other tracking apps bring no additional joy and focus my energies in unhelpful ways.
Walking in the woods I started talking to woman about what I'd just learned about - the Japanese call it "forest bathing". She mentioned a word she said seemed related. I went home and googled it. She was using the actual Japanese word for my translated term. I've still not learned that word.
Get into nature unburdened.
I mentioned this in a previous video. Enjoy.
Spot on!
de gustibus non est disputandum...
One demerit for making me google 😆