A Different Kind of Park

This week a new bike park opened in Boulder, Colorado – the Valmont Bike Park, to be exact. It’s a short bike ride from my sister’s house here, so we rode over on opening day to see what it was all about.Check out the website HERE, and the video from opening day on my sidebar. You’ll get the impression that the bike park is for advanced riders, but there are many rolling trails that are suitable for beginning and intermediate trail riders, too.

The older I get the less risks I tend to take, but I did pedal around one of the intermediate loops, going over a skinny bridge in the process. I’m not sure if my heart was pounding from the workout or from the excitement of trying something I haven’t done since we left the single track trails of Cameron Park in Waco, where we used to mountain bike ride over a year ago. It was exhilarating and a great test of my new and improved bladder control.

I snapped a photo of this bathroom sign because it rang true to my condition by the time I usually make it to a bathroom (this day was no exception). Exiting the ladies’ room I saw a guy riding off on his bike with an above the knee prosthetic leg, and I then ran into these two women who were having a great time. It really did feel like a place where everyone who could ride a bike has a place to be, and I was impressed by the efforts this community has taken to provide a healthy, free and FUN destination.

June is officially bike and walk to work month in Boulder, which you can read more about right HERE. If you can’t ride or walk to work, consider taking a spinning class at your gym, or find a park and walk a few loops. I’ve recently begun teaching spin again and have quickly remembered what a great workout a good spin class can be. Whatever way you choose to move, just get out and do it! You’ll be glad you did.

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? Mary Oliver