How to escape reality for a half hour.

I ride my bike so I can escape. No screens or chimes from email or Slack. It’s just me, my bike, and nature. I’ve been taking biking to a whole new level with what I call ‘The Sunrise Ride.’ It’s the quietest time of the day for me and may set you on a path for greatness. 

The bike I ride goes back to my days in college. It’s a vintage Peugeot that I bought for $40 from a pal. I’m no longer in touch with her, but I think about her sometimes when I ride. I know she’d be blown away to know I still use it. 

The bike started off as a 10 speed, but is now down to three. The remaining gears are kind of clunky when shifted. I’ve had to replace the chain and do some mini tune-ups. A can of WD-40 sure is handy. I know I could get a new bike. I’ve even tried my husband’s modern model which is sleek. But it’s just not the same. This Peugeot is like my mini time machine, taking me back to flying around my college campus when I was in my twenties. And that is a feeling money can’t buy. 

The challenge I’ve been giving myself lately is The Sunrise Ride. Dappled light comes through the leafy trees. Fewer cars on the road means I can check out the sights, smells, and sounds of the day waking up. There are tons of critters joining me: Bunnies bounce and hide as I approach, deer scatter at the sound of my pedaling, and so many different birds swoop past me. 

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN SUNRISE RIDE

THE DAY BEFORE

• Check your local weather forecast to see what time sunrise is and that it’s not going to rain.

• Set an alarm for 10 minutes before the sun comes up.

• The night before, set yourself up for your ride: fill your water bottle and lay out the clothing you are going to wear.

• Make sure your bike is accessible: If it hangs in your garage, take it down. If it’s in your basement, bring it upstairs. You want to make hopping on your bike as easy as possible come morning.

• Get to bed a little earlier than normal.

THE DAY OF

• When the alarm goes off and it’s still dark, remind yourself you are doing something new and fun. Do not hit snooze.

• Get out of bed. Get dressed. Get on your bike.

• By now the sun should be rising.

• Off you go to enjoy what could be the most memorable part of your day.

WHEN YOU GET BACK

• What did you think? Would you do this again? Please leave me a comment below and share your experience.

• Who knows: This could be the start of something new.