Social Distancing

#followcamfriday doing my best to remain at a safe distance from the general public in Sedona. My bicycle is the right tool for the job. 

We are living in a time that will be remembered as one of the darkest and most chaotic in history. Each new day brings more bad news and negativity. I stopped looking at Facebook. Not that I have ever been a fan of the idiocy that is passed around on that platform, but come on... Fuck Facebook. It is pure brain-rot right now. The absolute last thing anyone should be staring at currently. Facebook should be suspended immediately. We would all be better off. 

If you are fortunate enough to live in an area that is not on lockdown, and your local trails remain open, I strongly recommend that you ride as much as possible. Your body needs the vitamin D and the exercise. In moderation, both will help the immune system. No, of course I am not a doctor, but I do know one thing, riding feels good. Riding lifts the spirits. Riding improves the mood. We can all use a dose of "feel good" right now. 

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I felt a bit selfish posting an episode of Follow Cam Friday this week. Aren't I lucky to not be on lock down... Aren't I lucky to be able to work and ride, and basically function as normal... If you are not, I definitely feel for you, and wish you well. I do however feel like the world needs entertainment right now. Something to break the cycle of negativity. Something else to focus on, even if for only a few minutes. As long as I am allowed, I will keep trying to make episodes for the people. I feel a certain responsibility to bring the stoke, to lift the levels. 

As of tonight, all of the bars and restaurants, gyms and public places are closed in Sedona. This week has felt like a magical fairytale, as if Arizona was a safe haven, largely unaffected, largely normal. It was starting to feel a bit strange. This is a tourist destination after all, and many people from all over the world pass through here. It was just a matter of time. The first case was confirmed in town today. Here we go. 

I am not entirely sure what I am trying to say here, but it somehow helps to type out some thoughts and feelings as I sit in my van, parked as close to Whole Foods as possible, stealing their internet and hand-wipes at the front door. As it turns out, when you are traveling in a van without a toilet, you don't actually need toilet paper. Social isolation is my normal, things don't feel that different. But they are. 

I usually keep this blog pretty light. No politics, religion, or sensitive topics, just stoke and bikes, but this situation is making me very uneasy. I feel very fortunate that my current job and lifestyle basically insures that I am in the best shape possible and have been training, and being "healthy" for my entire adult life. So, at least there is that. That is my choice. This sounds terrible to say but, if you have been neglecting your health and wellness  for your entire life, things will probably be getting very real for you in the near future. I am most sad for the older folks that have lived the healthiest life possible, only to be in a higher risk category, due to age, and will likely be infected by people with a better chance for survival.  I feel less remorse for the smokers and morbidly obese, that are finding themselves in that same high risk category. This sounds bad, but you get what you signed up for unfortunately. I certainly don't expect any sympathy from you if I die in an avalanche while skiing in the backcountry, of break my back while taking excessive risk on my bike.  Many would consider my life "reckless" but I feel the reward of health will always outweigh the associated risk. Those are my choices. I accept them.  And you are free to make yours. People die in the Isle of Man TT every year. People keep racing. The risk vs reward equation is different for everyone. As harsh as that all probably  sounds, this is the unfortunate reality of the situation the world is currently facing. The elderly and those with weakened immune conditions are at a distinct disadvantage. So very sad. I wish nothing but the best for my fellow man, and feel terrible for the older folks in the world that have to deal with this mess. 

Sorry to be so dark, it is soothing somehow to type these thoughts out. We can't hide from this, but at least we can have a positive outlook. Positivity will not cure a virus, but it will greatly improve the current vibe and mood of life. Everyone is on edge right now. We can all really benefit from banding together, joining teams, and putting our petty differences aside. Look out for your fellow man. Make a positive impact on someone's life. Try your best to be a good person and give people the benefit of the doubt right now. No one is thinking clearly. Let's all try and show compassion and work together. This is our only hope. The world works in strange ways to teach people lessons of how we should always have always been living in the first place. 

Tomorrow I will be riding with Lars and Alex in Sedona. I will try to be extra nice to everyone on the trail, at the grocery store, and driving around town.  Social distancing is important, but let's all try to be better people in the process. I hope I can remember all of these important lessons I am learning once life eventually returns to normal. Hopefully sooner, rather than later. Thank you bicycle, you have saved me. Without bikes, I would be in the high-risk category, for sure. I was obese and actually smoked darts before I started riding bikes for a living. Thank you bike, thank you.
Positive thoughts and health to all of mankind! Keep the levels up.