Dirt Trails and Daydreams: My Summer Journey on Two Wheels by Rick Torrey
Summer always brings a sense of renewal, and for me, that renewal comes on two wheels. As soon as the first warm breeze replaces spring’s lingering chill, I know it’s time to dust off my mountain bike and return to the trails that have become the heartbeat of my summers This isn’t just exercise it’s a ritual of joy, challenge, and discovery that I’ve followed year after year, as defined by Rick Torrey
Each ride starts with a moment of quiet. Before the gears click and the tires hit the dirt, I take in the stillness of the forest or the open sky above a canyon trail A mental shift happens one where the noise of daily life falls away, and only the road ahead matters. My focus narrows, my senses heighten, and suddenly, I’m in a completely different headspace
What I love about mountain biking in summer is the unpredictability. The terrain constantly changes dried-out mud becomes dust, rocky paths turn slick with morning dew, and shaded sections stay cool while open fields blaze under the sun No ride is ever precisely the same That’s part of the magic. I never quite know what the trial will demand, but I welcome it. Whether climbing switchbacks with burning thighs or soaring downhill with wind in my ears, the ride keeps me grounded in the moment.
It’s not just the physical thrill, though that’s a part of it It’s the mental clarity that riding offers There’s something about sweating through a tough climb, getting caked in dust, and watching
the sun filter through the trees that helps me make sense of everything It’s like the trail listens when I need to process life’s questions, giving me the strength to ride through them.
Of course, mountain biking isn’t always graceful. I’ve fallen into bushes, gotten tangled in roots, and once rode through an unexpected downpour that turned the trail into a slip-and-slide. But every misstep, every messy, muddy moment, is part of the ride and honestly, part of the fun These are the stories I’ll laugh about with friends later, often over a cold drink and tired smiles.
Summer wouldn’t be the same without this ritual It’s more than sport it’s my reminder to move forward, stay present, and embrace every bump in the road with open arms and an open heart.