There are tons of YouTube clips that show crazy bike tricks and awe-inspiring rides.  However, these films rarely capture the essence of riding a bike as adeptly as this, Andrea Dorfman’s Thoughts on My Bike.  The film’s narrative poem articulates that magical “wind-in-your-hair” feeling of freedom that takes years off our spirits and brings joy to our hearts.  It’s a feeling that’s not just for neighborhood kids – I’ve found more joy in bike riding as a grown up in a city than I ever did in a cul-de-sac.

Whether or not you agree with Dorfman’s view of the economic and climactic challenges that current and future generations face, you cannot argue with her assertion that a bike ride truly is therapy in motion, a place of new appreciation for the world around you and a source for inner peace.  So, before winter brings its winds and its chills

Let’s dust off our bikes, put our wheels to the ground
Let’s take to the streets; let’s make our hearts pound

However, as evidenced by this stunning video, inspiration doesn’t always have to come from mainstream sports.  Danny MacAskill, who rides for the aptly named Inspired Bicycles team, does stunts that other bikers have never imagined possible -  maybe never imagined, period.  He approaches bike riding with unparalleled determination, skill, and artistry.  With these talents and a truckload of imagination, Danny transforms the streets of Edinburgh into an urban obstacle course and skillfully battles gravity, reason, and probably local law enforcement.

As kids, our own imaginations turned community ice rinks into Olympic arenas and backyard tosses into Super Bowl winning throws.  These fantasies gave us endless energy and the drive to pursue our dreams.  (To be fair, they also caused us to do some stupid things, which led to bumps, bruises and broken bones.)

Though we are older, wiser, and much more cautious, that doesn’t mean that we can’t find inspiration through imagination.  Perhaps if we let our minds transform that next run, ride, or swim into an unimaginable accomplishment – be it a 2:30 marathon finish, a late-in-life personal PR, or an Olympic win – our legs might feel a little lighter, our arms a little stronger, and, who knows, we might just find ourselves on the precipice of the real-life version of that accomplishment someday.

Our training sessions might not be as exhilarating and magical as Danny MacAskill’s rides, but with a little imagination, they could be a helluva a lot of fun.