This Covid summer seems to be one of early morning bike rides. The sun is just peeking over the San Tan mountains, filling the valley with soft yellow light. I came to escape the stresses of the world, with a nagging feeling that I’ve been here before.
5:30 a.m. and I pedal through the soft sand to the trail. There are more people already hiking and biking than I would have thought, but then again, we all adapt to the early morning to try and beat the summer heat. No one seems too worried about the virus. I have my face covering though, as I continue to try and be a good global citizen and do my part.
I love the mighty Saguaro cacti that dot the landscape, as I try to spot birds and owls that may be living inside. You never know, maybe I’ll get lucky and spot a bobcat or snake as well. I haven’t yet, but I think it may only be a matter of time.
I can’t recall how far I ride, but it doesn’t take too long before the sun starts cookin’. I climb the last hill, then descend quickly back down to the parking lot, letting the wind cool me off.
I see that it’s now 7:30 a.m. and 102 degrees. I quench my thirst with the last drops of water from my bladder, pack up the bike and head on back to quarantine.
I’ve got to keep up a healthy lifestyle in these Covid times.