The Art Of Actvity - Cycling Video 2

One night, not long ago, I decided to go for a run out on Galveston Island. It was a really strange night, the wind had picked up and it began to rain. After arriving at the sea wall I changed my mind and decided to leave. It was dark out already and I just didn't feel like getting wet and cold.

I went back and fourth a few times about staying or leaving. Finally I decided since I had gone through the trouble of driving all the way to the island, about 50 miles from my place, to "go for it!". I donned a light jacket that I put on over my running gear and set out. As I started I headed north/north-east. The wind gust were just incredible. I was barely moving, it was foggy and there was a harsh misty spray continuously hitting me in the face. My guess is the wind was a constant 20mph, with gust into the 30s? I was moving almost as slow as I usually walk, but putting in a running effort. I could not see more than a few hundred feet ahead. Not even the traffic lights were visible through the fog and rain until I was under a quarter of a mile from them.

As I reached the half way point I turned around. Now with that wind at my back, it was all I could do to stop from falling over onto my face. I was trucking along almost being pushed over by the wind. Needless to say the last half of the run was about twice as fast as the first.

Even though it was a rainy, windy and cold night out it ended up being pretty neat. Seeing the distant lights from the few boats over the choppy water, the sound of the wind, the spray of the salt air, the deep feeling of being in that moment and just letting my mind roam was really cool. I even stayed pretty comfortable once I got out into it and began moving. The human body can be such an amazing machine. The feeling of accomplishment I had afterwards was great as well. I was on cloud nine all the way back home.

Another time (a wind story again...lol) I was riding my bike close to Port Aransas. I departed headed in a northern direction toward the top of the island. Once I got to the middle of town where the restaurants and ferry are I turned around. The wind was once again blowing hard south, this time probably in the 15 - 20 mph range. Getting up to the top of the island had taken a 'harder than usual' effort.

Once I headed south the magic began. About 10 minutes into it I realized I was in a wind vacuum. It was very surreal. I was clicking along around 20 mph without hardly any effort. I was in my biggest gears just casually pedalling. Sweat drops would fall from my brow straight onto my handlebars and hands. I had no headwind or breeze at all. No air was hitting my face, which was very unusual. Every noise was so much clearer than normal. Without the extra air pressure there was nothing abating the noise flow to my ears like under normal conditions. The gear cogs running over the chain and the creaking of the leather in my cycling shoes were strangely clearly audible. It was wild!

The probability of me ever experiencing a similar moment again is pretty low. Timing and other factors would have to be so perfect for the same scenario to happen again. Due to this rare experience I will never forget the wind vacuum ride. I know there will be other 'magic moments' during future activities. Fantastic moments are one of many reasons I love to participate in athletic endeavors.

I have been blessed so many times with great memories while outside doing things. I have encountered so many neat country roads, cool old bridges, beautiful evening skylines, old stores and other fond memories. Even in what some would consider unfortunate experiences, like flat tires, I have ended up meeting some really interesting and helpful people. The thing is that any situation has potential to be good or bad depending on your outlook on life.

Some experiences have been hard and in some instances dangerous. Running and cycling can involve risk. Then again, you hear of the people that get injured from falling off a porch or tripping over a curb? I am definitely not telling you to participate in crazy or dangerous activities. What I am telling you to do is experience life.

Even a simple activity like sitting with your coffee in the morning as the sun comes up can be a memorable experience. Watching the sun set is a great activity as well. Being on a evening or morning fishing trip, taking the time to teach somebody something, gazing at distant stars, working out, exploring old buildings down town or trying something 'new' are just some of the ways to get the most out of life. It doesn't always take a lot of money or fancy equipment to have an invaluable experience. I have had some great times on a beat up loaner bicycle. There is so much to see right outside our own door we often forget about. Sometimes we just get too caught up in our daily routines.

In the end there is no replacement for the feeling you can have getting out and living. We all need to stop from time to time and realize how valuable life is and how amazing it is to be in the world. It is my honest opinion that humbling ourselves in the glory around us makes us better people. We are all connected and we all know it...sometimes we just choose to ignore it.

I have finally finished Part 2 of the 3 Part Amputee Cycling Series I am doing. I have had so many good times riding a bike since becoming an amputee. Cycling was so important in my physical and mental recovery. I still really enjoy it. It is my hope that someone may gain helpful information or inspiration from watching the video.

Amputee Cycling (part 2)

This particular video was edited using Linux software and is far from fancy, but I think it gets the information across.

[ 3/25/10 - There has been a snag in the video with YouTube. During one part of the video I included music by the band Guns N' Roses. The video has been tagged as possibly violating copyright rules. I am currently trying to clear this up with YouTube and the record label. For the time being the video is barred from mobile devices and in certain regions. My apoligies if you are not able to view it. I'm currently away from home, once back in my production area I will probably re-release the video sans the music.]

Take Care!
Ty :)