Finding Stories in the Spin of the Wheels

There’s something meditative about the rhythm of cycling—the sound of the tires, the steady cadence of the pedals, and the wind against your face. Whether I’m tackling a rugged mountain trail or gliding down a quiet back road, cycling connects me to the world in a way few other activities can. It’s not just exercise or exploration; it’s a connection with the earth. And for me, it’s also a wellspring of inspiration.

When I’m on a bike, I’m present. Every twist of the trail or climb up a hill forces me to focus, not just on the physical challenge, but on the environment around me. The scent of pine in the air, the crunch of gravel under my wheels, the sudden burst of color from a wildflower blooming in the middle of nowhere—it all sparks ideas. These moments of clarity and connection often find their way into my writing.

Nature isn’t just a backdrop in my novels—it’s a character. The trails I ride and the landscapes I explore become part of the stories I tell. The rugged beauty of Oregon, the secrets hidden in its forests, and the unyielding power of the wild weave their way into my books. Every ride reminds me of the resilience of the natural world and, in turn, my resilience and in the characters I create.

Mountain biking, in particular, has taught me about overcoming obstacles. There’s a thrill in navigating a rocky descent or powering through a steep climb—challenges that parallel the ones my characters face. Like on the trail, they stumble, adapt, and push forward, shaped by the terrain around them.

Cycling isn’t a passionate hobby; it’s a way of grounding myself. It’s where I find balance and clarity, where ideas begin to take shape. It’s a reminder that life, like a trail, is full of twists, turns, and unexpected beauty.

So the next time you’re out on a bike, take a moment to notice the world around you. You might just find a story waiting to be told—or, at the very least, a moment of peace in the spin of the wheels. For me, every ride is a reminder that inspiration is everywhere; you just have to keep moving to find it. Now get outside whether your hiking or biking and enjoy everything around you.