An Unforgettable Ride

At times I feel so tired mentally and physically that it’s as if I have been emptied out from the inside, my arms and legs feel like jelly and of no use. When I wake up in this situation I am in a very bad mood because I don’t know how to cope with the new day and all its problems. Nevertheless I try to do my best and with my willpower I convince myself that everything is going to be alright.

It helps to start with a good breakfast which consists of my favorite cookies and fruit juice. I then vigorously shake myself like a wet dog does when it gets rid of the water on its coat. In spite of the fact that I am so tired I get on with the things I have to do and among these there is my daily bicycle ride. This I have decided not to give up because I know very well that it will help me to get back on track again.

I dress up like a real cyclist and my assistant helps me to get on the iron chair which has taken the place of the bicycle seat. My feet get strapped on the pedals and I am ready to go.

I hold the handle bars with a strong grip, although I am tired and shaky I don’t give up. I know that if I manage to pedal for the first few minutes it will then get better as I go along. Gradually I gain the right rhythm. I start feeling a good sensation, the pedaling is now easier and without forcing myself too much I proceed with regular and smooth movements.

I close my eyes and ride where my memories are waiting to be picked up. I fly through the years when I lived in South Africa, where I often cycled with my friends through the wonderful nature of Natal.

Photo by jjay69

Although it is early in the morning and not yet hot, the bright sun high in the sky shines its golden white light and its reflections can be clearly seen on every smooth surface.  The green grass grows up to the edge of the road and a multitude of multicolored flowers seem to greet me as I go by.

Photo by mmmavocado

I cross huge pastures where tall trees sway in the breeze, the majestic Drakensberg mountains with their blue-grey peaks seem to pierce the light blue sky. I turn into a white uphill path that wanders into the forest. My pedals turn at a regular pace without effort, my breathing is regular, the only sound besides the birds is that of the wheels turning on the paths sandy surface.

Photo by Mr.Obelix

I reach a great lake, the mirror of the water is creased with small waves caused by the light wind coming from the sea. Although I am not tired I stop and lie on the soft green grass near the water for a few minutes, my eyes are full of the beauty and infinite multitude of colors that surround me.

Photo by javier.losa

I start riding downhill and the going towards the Indian Ocean is easy because the road is flat and smooth. The small waves break on the sand making patterns, the water is then sucked back and a new wave takes its place and this goes on forever. I gaze hypnotized at the coming and going of the waves and I have to pinch myself to see if I am awake.

Photo by Federì

The road goes now back towards the mountains, so I pull back the brakes of my exercise bike and the going gets tough as the track gets steeper. Although I am hot and sweating, my breathing is deep but regular and without too much strain I am almost near the top of the mountain. I stop to rest and look behind me, what I see is breathtaking and I stare in amazement at such beauty and vastness of the horizon where the sea and sky meet.

Photo by somadjinn

My ride for today is finished, the mist that filled my head has vanished and I can now think clearly. The tiredness that held my body prisoner has vanished and I have only an indistinct far away memory of it. I am hungry so I am going to lunch. In the afternoon I will take my tape-recorder and try to recall another story.

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