Valley Trails and Irrigation Roads

 One of the most enjoying things about riding a bicycle are the amazing sights that you would otherwise miss zipping by in a car. It is truly baffling to see all the surrounding beauty from a saddle just five minutes from your own home. The trick is to find the roads less traveled away from the noise pollution and exhaust of automobile traffic. Surely as a child you knew every bicycle shortcut in a 10 mile radius from your home and beyond. To often as adults we get caught up in commercialized gear, lightweight bicycles and publicized trails. Sometimes the real enjoyment is in our own back yard. With this

 approach to bicycling suddenly the "I just don't have time" excuse disappears. The after work ride now is your time to clear the mind, get the exercise that you desperately need and still have time for whatever else you do with family and friends. You will find yourself craving the beauty the earth has to offer; every smell and every blade of grass you will begin to miss as you are away from the ride in your daily tasks. Everyday becomes a new day instead of all the days running together.
Most people work a day shift but it doesn't matter because a sunrise or a sunset will do just fine. I find

these times are some of the best to enjoy. Not that I would turn down a middle of the day ride. Whatever your preference is enjoy the ride, always bring a spare tube, patches or both and be smart.