Adventures in the Fens, an exercise in mindfulness

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robsmuddygloves
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Joined: Sat Sep 10, 2016 9:42 pm

Adventures in the Fens, an exercise in mindfulness

Post by robsmuddygloves »

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I've often looked at all the amazing places round the country there are to bikepack with an envious eye. I long to cycle in Scotland, Wales, and so many parts of England, but my family and I moved and made a home three years ago in the fens. The flatlands. I looked at a map of the UK that shows footpaths, bridleways and byways and it's laughable how few there around here in comparison to the rest of the UK. But today I picked one and went out for a ride on a bridleway on my doorstep.

Getting ready for a technical descent.
2021-09-01_10-12-12.jpg
2021-09-01_10-12-12.jpg (134.36 KiB) Viewed 1156 times
Pretty sure that counts as a mountain in the fens.

But the longer I cycled the more I started to smile. When I stopped off for a brew by the river the sound of the reeds rustling and the different wildlife going about their day I had a bit of an epiphany; why am I always looking outwards for adventure and excitement? Looking with a green eye at all the places I'd love to ride. It was then I realised how much my modest ride had relaxed and invigorated me in equal measure and that I should be grateful with my lot. Yes, I do long to ride elsewhere, but there is so much contentment and fun on my doorstep. So I plan to explore as many of the bridleways and byways in my local area and just enjoy them for what they are and what they give me.
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Verena
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Re: Adventures in the Fens, an exercise in mindfulness

Post by Verena »

I think this is wonderful, good for you!

Sure, all places are not equal in terms of scenery and countryside, but I think so much of it is in our attitude.

It is entirely possible to live somewhere like here in the Brecon Beacons, and never have any good "adventures", or rides that just make you relaxed and happy as you describe....plenty of people I know round here who just bomb up and down the same routes watching their stats on Strava, yet they've never explored any of the small tracks or lanes, let alone stopped for a brew and a sit and gone "wow!"
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Bearbonesnorm
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Re: Adventures in the Fens, an exercise in mindfulness

Post by Bearbonesnorm »

Yes, I think it can be all too easy to be blinded and miss what's under our noses :-bd
May the bridges you burn light your way
ScotRoutes
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Re: Adventures in the Fens, an exercise in mindfulness

Post by ScotRoutes »

My experience of flatlands riding is that it can be very tiring as there is never an opportunity to freewheel!

As already said, it's easy to overlook the stuff around us so good on you for appreciating your locale. I'm sure the deeper you look, the more you'll find.
robsmuddygloves
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Re: Adventures in the Fens, an exercise in mindfulness

Post by robsmuddygloves »

ScotRoutes wrote: Thu Sep 02, 2021 10:02 am My experience of flatlands riding is that it can be very tiring as there is never an opportunity to freewheel!
You're not wrong, but the biggest factor is the seemingly incessant wind. I find a mix of laughter and swearing gets me through.
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faustus
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Location: Newbury

Re: Adventures in the Fens, an exercise in mindfulness

Post by faustus »

Contentment and fun is where it's at, so good on you for finding and enjoying those qualities! :-bd

I think anywhere regardless of terrain type can give rewarding riding, and each has it's own challenges. I'm sure the fens have lots to discover..
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Charliecres
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Re: Adventures in the Fens, an exercise in mindfulness

Post by Charliecres »

… seemingly incessant wind …
Delighted to meet another sufferer :wink:
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ledburner
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Joined: Mon Oct 12, 2020 8:47 am
Location: The worsted place in West Yorkshire,

Re: Adventures in the Fens, an exercise in mindfulness

Post by ledburner »

I'm glad you now enjoy your local green space, with out being green with envy about other areas. A well framed picture or the daily adventure will no show the 'private areas commericialisation/ agriculture or urbanisation just out of shot. we're are still in the uk. in West Yorkshire sine I've grown up with the all, I still take it for granted.
Agreed, getting out side is good for relaxing the mind, be it ambling on foot or bumbling on a bike.
also, look forward to railway bridges as the climb of the day.
oh may the wind be always on your back.
I hope you think you know, what I might of exactly meant.
Warning - may contain value odded typos & ither mythspellings..
robsmuddygloves
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Re: Adventures in the Fens, an exercise in mindfulness

Post by robsmuddygloves »

ledburner wrote: Fri Sep 03, 2021 9:20 am oh may the wind be always on your back.
I live in hope, cheers.
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