The intensity of mountain biking require total focus. This clears my mind. I can't be preoccupied with work and other matters when I am working my way down a narrow trail at high speed. Paradoxically, mountain biking is a relaxing activity for me.

I can see this with total clarity. I ride my bike up Benedict Canyon to the top of Mulholland Drive. This ten mile uphill is a terrific warm up. Then I get to the dirt roads for the fire patrol in the Santa Monica Mountains. More uphills. And finally, after two hours of riding uphill, I will come cruising over the crest of a canyon rim for a rollicking rollercoaster ride downhill, grinding over loose gravel, shale, dirt, dust and rock to descend into the leafy valley of Sullivan Canyon with its cool stream and shady Live Oak and Sycamore trees. Woo hoo!