Two-Wheeled Stress Relief

It’s no surprise that mountain biking is a big part of my life.

Amazing fall ride on the Minnewanka Trail, Banff.

I spend every chance I get riding my mountain bike. I don’t do it for fitness, although keeping fit is nice. I don’t do it to lose weight, although being able to fit into my jeans come winter has its benefits. And no, I don’t do it because that’s just what everyone does when they move to Canmore. No, I do it because I love it.

I love the feeling you get when you’ve just finished climbing that long, windy, rooty, technical and, heck, steep singletrack that just won’t let up. I love getting out on my bike with friends, goofing around, hitting a few jumps and drops or just riding something small. It’s all rewarding. There is also nothing like the feeling you get when you’re out on your bike in the middle of nowhere. It’s exhilarating and rejuvenating at the same time.

Stopped to take in the view of Lake Minnewanka, Banff.

Remember the last ride you went on? How did that feel?

Lately, I’ve realized – I suppose I’ve known this most of my life, as I’ve been riding since I could walk – that biking also has a huge benefit that surpasses all others: stress relief. For those who ride, you know exactly what I mean. We all have our reasons to get on our bikes. But, I think you will agree that leaving your worries behind as you coast down some sweet singletrack on one of your favourite trails, with no one to bother you, is one of the best reasons to ride. The simple pleasure I get from being on my two wheels always, and I do mean always, puts a smile on my face and guarantees to put me in a better mood than when I started.

So if you don’t ride, why not give it a shot? And if you do ride, see you out on the trail with a big smile on!

What’s the best part of getting out on YOUR bike?

Peter Oprsal

Peter (Pete) Oprsal is the creator of bikepirate.com, a website for those “looking to get the latest dirt on trails to ride in their area.” Living in the Bow Valley for close to six years now, Pete has been mountain biking since he could walk and is more comfortable navigating the mountain trails on two wheels rather than on his own two feet.