Our trip to Portugal is fast approaching. Yay! As mentioned in a previous post, this will be a bike adventure. Having received our itinerary, we’ve been reviewing our daily schedule. So exciting! Because of the 8-hour time difference, we’ve decided to enjoy a little “Pre-Tour” experience. That means we will arrive three days early so we can rest up some and relax before our official tour begins.
With the exception of our 5-mile warm up ride on Day One in Evora, the daily mileage increases as we make our way through the towns of Redondo, Castro Verde, Mertola, then into the Algarve. On average, we’ll be cycling about 30 miles per day, so we thought getting in some riding beforehand would be a good idea.
Having been on previous bike tours, as well as having trained for cycling events, we know the importance of saddle time. Normally, I’d be adamant that we put in X amount of miles in preparation, but something’s changed. Maybe it’s an age thing, or the fact that we have e-bikes now and we’ll be riding similar ones on this trip, but I’m just not worried.
From my journal: September 26, 2026, Newbury Park, California
“…got on our bikes early enough to run into a herd of baby deer on the fire road…so beautiful and graceful…”
When I read this journal entry, it occurred to me that something else may be at play here. If you follow this blog, you know each month this year I am focusing on a mindfulness activity. From mindful cooking to eating to speaking, I am reminding myself to be in-the-here-and-now. And I think this may be contributing to my more chill attitude. Every ride we’ve taken, whether along the bike path hugging the Pacific Ocean, or up and down the Sycamore Canyon Trails in Pt. Magu State Park, I am not taking note of the miles. Instead, I am taking note of the beauty that surrounds me.
Now that I think of it, this makes perfect sense. Biking can be meditative. I’ve been noticing that my breath seems to be in sync with the rhythmic and repetitive motion of my pedaling. I can feel the sturdy weight of my bike beneath me and my muscles stretch and contract as I ride. I’ve been noticing the sounds of birds chirping and wind blowing, and when on the trails, there’s the rustling in the brush. I’ve been noticing the shimmering blue ocean water on the bike path and the canopy of trees in the canyons. I’ve been noticing the briny aromas wafting along the coast and earthy smells emanating from the trails. And I‘ve been noticing the taste of cool water in my camelback and the waxiness of my lip balm.
Just like other types of meditation, while biking lately, I’m finding my thoughts come and my thoughts go. Once acknowledged, they are released. I’m also finding a sense of peace and stillness within me, although I am in constant motion. Reflecting on my recent cycling experiences, I am reminded of what Jon Kabat-Zinn, an American professor of medicine emeritus, author, and mindfulness practitioner wrote in his book, Wherever You Go, There You Are. He said, “In the meditation practice, the best way to get somewhere is to let go of trying to get anywhere at all.” Perhaps that goes for bike riding, too.
