Moonbathing

Last monday I was in need for a break.
It was already evening, and I could just as easily have gone to bed early and read.

But Lukas was eager to go for an evening stroll, and I needed some peace and quiet outside my four walls.

So I went to that little hill top that is just a 15min walk away from home (dependent on how much time Lukas wants to spend examining the scents along the way).

Even though the day had been quite warm, at least as in how "warm" spring in Norway can get, it had cooled down a lot at 9p.m., and I was delighted to put on merino longs, a warm jacket and one of my favorite beanies (I loved the cozy feeling of warm clothes when it's chilly outside).

The moon was out, and it was just in the midst of my view from the little top.
So I did some moonbathing - let the moon shine on me.

Lukas was watching over me, and even relaxing a bit too, which is rather unusual since he is the genuine passionate explorer.

Moonbathing is going to be an activity for me in the future, definitely.

It felt so good 😊

The bike - my safe place

Sometimes, it feels as if my bike really is my "safe place" - when most other things are overwhelming, riding my bike is surprisingly simple.

Of course, the getting dressed for the weather outside can be quite a task when you are not feeling great to start with, but when I have made it through all the decisions, which bike to take out, what to wear, what nutrition to bring, where to go, it gets surprisingly simple.

I am just sitting on my bike and pedaling.
There is really not much more about it.

While riding on the road, most of my atttention is focused on the few meters of road right in front of me, and the cars behind and in front of me, and the rest is mind-wandering or a casual glimpse at my watch to check for heart rate.

I must admit that even when the traffic is a bit daunting, my bike still feels like a safe place.
As for the possibility to get hit by a car, that possibility is there just as much when I am on the road driving myself, or when walking or crossing the road.
So I just try my best to be a "decent cyclist", meaning that when I am on narrow roads, and hear a huge truck from behind, and know there are few chances for him to safely drive by, I slow down and give him space if possible.

Why being a stubborn cyclist, claiming a huge part of the road when I can be decent and give way for someone that is probably driving his truck to make a living, while I ride my bike for the pure joy of it.

A few seconds more or less, or even minutes, on my workout total don't bother me at all.

I'd rather be a friendly cyclist and ride safely and share the road so I can have a good experience, and feel "safe".

One funny thing that doesn't happen very often, is that I got hot on the bike because I had dressed too much for the outside temperature.

After all, yes, it was sunny, but it was also end of august and by definition, fall was approaching fast.

I usually love sleeveless tops for bike riding in the summer (for the freedom of movement and better tan lines) but chose a bike jersey.

And it got soo hot!
And while I often wear a really thin sleeveless top underneath so I'd be more flexible in terms of how many layers to wear, I didn't this time.

Well - it was still nice bike ride.
The hills were long and beautiful, the sun shining and the view excellent.
My legs felt fine and I didn't bother too much about how fast or slow I went on.

Just had a good time on my bike, and a break from my usual overthinking.

Yep, my bike is still my safe place.