On my ride this afternoon, I stopped quite often along the country roads. I had my Whitman along, as usual, and on my frequent stops I read a few lines, took note of the beautiful landscape, and swallowed some reviving water. I need to do this more often. Why do I dash along on so many of my rides? Where am I trying to get to so fast, and why, for heaven’s sake? There’s much to be seen along the picturesque pastoral roads in my part of the world. There’re acres of corn, right now, fully six feet high and bending in the breezes. There are stone fences of the kind of strength and grace that needs to be studied. Why not give the bike a rest now and then and take a look around?

-- July 22, 2007