Surfing's the source. Bodhi
Cycling is a form of surfing. My bicycle is my surfboard. In both activities, one must peddle or paddle to attain the freewheel, the soar, and the surf. Where surfers align their selves with the sea, cyclers align their selves with the land. Both are elemental activities (and not just 'outdoor'), the wind and the flow being essential attributes.
Where surfers profess a longing to be one with the ocean, cyclers profess that longing in their union with the land, the land being none other than an ocean of its own at a different spatio-temporal setting.
Thus, the strath of Clyde where Glasgow and I rest is, to those who can see, whether it be the shamanic cycler or the seafaring surfer, a great ocean of swells (hills) and breaking waves (braes)... to be pedalled and paddled, surfed, cycled, and loved.
Paisley Canal Circuit via Bridge of Weir and Lawmarnock
What a great little circuit, all car-free on the Sustrans 75 path from Paisley Canal train station with the exception of a small piece of road between Bridge of Weir and Kilbarchan. In fact, this piece of road is so quiet that it's one of my favourites around the greater Glasgow strath, not least because some thoughtful souls have put three benches (of serenity) alongside it at regular intervals. There is also a choice of two routes when you leave the path at BOW: the shorter route up to Auchensale, and the slightly longer route up to Clevans and Barnbeth. I almost always stop at the third bench just beside Law and marvel at the vista looking east over the strath. Moreover, this little interlude between BOW and KB is one of the few places in the greater Glasgow valley where you cannot hear the sound and the distant hum of cars. For this reason alone it is a blessed circuit. Indeed, this year alone, I have cycled it over a dozen times making it the most cycled of my circuits so far this year. It's that good. And today, the Sustran oldies were out with their wheelbarrows and brushes (no leafblowers here!) clearing autumn off the path.
The orange circle (lassoo) in centre of photo, starting on right at Paisley Canal train station.
There is also the opportunity to coffee or lunch en route at BOW or Kilbarchan where there are more than a few delightful little eateries and pubs. Right at the beginning of the route in fact, just out of Paisley Canal, there is Canal Station bar/bistro, which I pop into on the way back for a water bottle refill. I have yet to eat or drink there but it looks lovely inside and the staff are always very friendly to me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)