Thursday, October 14, 2010

Biking and Life

We just returned from “Up North”. The fall scenery, a kaleidoscope of colors, was awe-inspiring. The lakes in their many moods, the glorious sunrises and romantic sunsets, the eye popping shades of foliage from the magnificent trees to brush, wildflowers, and vines, the rock formations, and raging waterfalls; all combined together to imprint their beauty into our memories.

My husband and I enjoy biking, so took our bikes with us to take advantage of the fantastic bike trail system they have between the small towns where we stay.
We can leave our cabin on Big St. Germaine Lake by bike, and ride to the towns of St. Germaine, Sayner, or Boulder Junction. We can go to Crystal Lake for a picnic, Cathedral Point on Trout Lake, or many other stops on lovely lakes along the way.

If we want to load our bikes onto the car and drive, every town in that part of the Northwoods has a bike trail. The intent is to connect all the communities in the area by trail eventually, and they are well on their way.

Refreshingly different from our part of the world, is that “Up North” the municipalities, businesses, and homeowners support the trails and encourage them to pass through their area. There never seems to be brouhaha about trails going through citizen’s yards, or businesses not wanting the trail in front of their establishment.
Areas vie for the chance to have the trail in their towns. They have fundraisers to help with the trail expense, and they get government grants. A winery in Three Lakes sells a wine that if you purchase it, a certain amount of each purchase goes to build the local section of the trail. We road that trail this year and it was well worth it.

No one ever tried to keep the Bearskin Trail in Minocqua as a railroad track.

Alternatively, the businesses use the trails to their advantage, selling the outdoor enthusiasts food, drink, ice cream, and supplies along the way. They rent out equipment, sell gas, and tempt the trail users to visit the shops in their towns. It’s a win, win situation for them, and Central Illinois could learn a lot from their attitude.

The trail between our cabin and Sayner is very hilly. I strain to pedal up the hill, and then fly down the other side, wind hitting my face and whistling through my helmet. Sometimes I get enough momentum that my speed gets me half way up through the next rise.

I repeat the scenario, strain, and difficulty, and then joyous release as the biking gets much easier.

After riding fifteen miles one gorgeous afternoon, I started to think the whole biking experience was analogous to the ups and downs of life. We hit those mountains in life, we huff and puff, straining to get over the hump. Then when the situation peaks, and we fly, life is easy and going great. Suddenly another prominence looms ahead. Sometimes, if we’re lucky, we have enough momentum to carry us up the hill, other times we struggle, but the important thing to remember is, eventually we all make it to the top and experience the joyous descent.

Enjoy this beautiful season, and here’s wishing you more coasting and less tough pedaling in the days to come.