I really just want to experience the outdoors as much as possible. I’m a cyclist (mountain, in this context), and I used to snowboard, but as a I age these activities feel a bit riskier (meaning I may hurt myself) to me personally. What are some good ways to experienced the outdoors with relatively low risk of injury?
More words:
I don’t want to be inside anymore. I was on a river trip this weekend. At some point I was floating in the river and taking in the scenery when I realized I feel like I’m doing nothing most of the time. I work from home, but it definitely has me inside most of the time. I find myself in mood to do whatever I need to, drastic changes, buying equipment, etc, to change this.
I just can’t do it anymore. I need to outside doing something. If I need to sneak off during the workday to do so, so be it.
I’m biased but birding. Just go to a trail or anywhere with some binoculars and some apps (Merlin bird id and eBird) and that’s it. Just walk around enjoy nature pay attention to the little things. You will begin to see just how beautiful the world is
I too am biased in favor of birding. I didn’t say in my original post but this is a hobby I already have.
Thank you anyway, and may your life list grow long.
Trail maintenance. I spent over a decade doing work on neglected trails in western NC. Hours upon hours of hiking, weed eating, sawing, taking, etc. It was more exercise than biking the same trails.
I’m struggling with the loss of the mountain biking I’ve loved for a long time. I’m trying various changes out to keep some biking in my life. I’m biking more slowly and for diminished distances. Also my wife bought me an emtb that I’ve been trying out on the trails. Less fatigue means I’m .asking less mistakes while out.
I hope you find an outlet you enjoy. The loss is truly life altering.
Is trail maintenance something you need to be registered to do?
It really depends on where you live. For instance, in Western NC, I was completely left to my own devices on the trail systems. local IMBA group asked that I just keep track of my hours so they could add to the volunteer sheet that they turned into the forestry service. I was given the ok to take anything out I wanted; chainsaws, mowers, weedeaters, sickles, etc. In my new area, it’s more structured so I joined a FB group for the local club and asked them if I could do maintenance on the trail closest to me. They gave me the go-ahead so I go out to that trail when I want to do work.
I always try to find the most unused trail in the area to work on as I prefer the solitude when being out in the woods.
If you live near water, kayaking can be an incredibly immersive pursuit in nature that doesn’t really tax the body (unless you want it to)
Trail running is another one of my favourite things to do, but while much safer than MTB still can have some risks… minimal though, comparatively speaking
Rock Climbing is a sport that gives you a lot of control over risk. Once you understand the technical safety aspects, you can evaluate risks of a particular course of action.
Climbing mellow routes with a top rope is quite low risk.
It’s a longevity sport, at crags and gyms it’s pretty normal to see people over 50 still at it.
I have a fear of heights, but part of me wants to do it anyway.
