“It’s fine to ride your bike for exercise, as long as you maintain a distance of at least six feet…"
—San Francisco Mayor London Breed, SFGATE
“The steady rhythm of thousands of pedal strokes during a ride bring a sense of normalcy to an uncertain and chaotic world.” —Scott Mercier
During Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Covid-19 March 29th Update he said: "This time in our lives is disorienting, frightening and disturbing and has turned everyone upside down, but urged people to find things to smile about and to make others smile. You do the best you can…find a way to create some joy..." Amen to that.
So why biking at this time. The coronavirus paradox of a bike is that it simultaneously gets you out of doors, in touch with fresh air and nature and almost always allows you to stake out six feet of distance from other riders.
Most doctors agree that biking Improves cardiovascular fitness, reduces body fat, builds strength, improves circulation and reduces the risk of developing diabetes and cancer. I ride—and I know my riding companions Jimi Hunter and Bill Rothenberg seen in the photos will agree—because it makes us feel happy. How you feel about yourself, your life and the world around you, especially at this most challenging time is just as important as your physical health.
An American Psychiatric Association poll 36% of Americans reported that the pandemic has had a serious impact on their mental health. Mental health officials believe that physical activity such as biking can be as effective as medication and counseling in overcoming and even preventing anxiety and depression. An hour of biking can improve your mood and well being. It is a great adjunct to relaxation and mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, yoga at home, and meditation to bring you back into a state of equilibrium. To be able to travel about purely through the pedaling action of your own two feet with an added electric assist for steep hills is an indescribable cathartic experience.
Most of these photos were taken at the Vasona Lake and Reservoir, various neighborhoods in Los Gatos and Saratoga, the creek trails, the top of Overlook Drive with a magnificent view of Santa Clara County, and in front of the 19th and 20th-century Mediterranean Revival, Italian-Style Mansion nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This was the former estate of James D. Phelen, the three-term mayor of San Francisco who would go on to become California’s popularly elected US Senator. From there it was a harrowing ride downhill from the estate into downtown Los Gatos, before heading home to complete our exhilarating 20 mile excursion.
Postscript: These were taken during two different timelines this past week, one with my friend Bill and the other with Bill and Jimi who led the way to the top of Overlook Drive.
