The Beauty of Trees
And the Joys of Mountain Biking
By Patty Mooney, Crystal Pyramid Productions
The Magic of Riding Through the Forest
There’s something almost sacred about riding through a forest on a mountain bike. The way the sunlight filters through the leaves, dappling the trail ahead. The scent of pine and damp earth filling your lungs. The hush that settles in the air, broken only by the rhythmic crunch of tires over dirt and the distant call of a hawk overhead. It’s in these moments—gliding beneath towering trees, feeling the cool shade on a warm day—that I feel the deepest connection to nature.
A Lifelong Passion for Mountain Biking
Mark and I have been mountain biking together for nearly four decades, and every week we make it a point to get out on the trails. There’s nothing like the thrill of a fast descent, the challenge of a technical climb, or the pure bliss of coasting along a singletrack enveloped by trees. Every ride is a reminder of how essential forests are—not just for us as mountain bikers, but for the entire planet. Adding friends, snacks and a cold beer after the ride makes for a truly delightful day.
The Legacy of Forest Protection
President Theodore Roosevelt understood the importance of forests and took significant steps to protect them, establishing national parks and preserving millions of acres of wilderness. His commitment to conservation was solidified during his famous 1903 camping trip with John Muir in Yosemite National Park. Muir, a passionate naturalist, convinced Roosevelt of the need for federal protection of these awe-inspiring landscapes. Inspired by their time together beneath Yosemite’s towering sequoias, Roosevelt went on to set aside over 230 million acres of public land, including national parks, forests, and monuments. His vision ensured that future generations could enjoy the beauty and benefits of these incredible landscapes. Imagine how wonderful it would be if every administration today embraced that same commitment, recognizing that the health of our forests is directly tied to the health of our planet and our own well-being.
Many presidents after Roosevelt followed in his footsteps. Woodrow Wilson created the National Park Service, ensuring a system to manage and protect our national parks. Franklin D. Roosevelt expanded public lands, establishing Great Smoky Mountains and Everglades National Parks. Jimmy Carter signed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, safeguarding over 100 million acres of pristine wilderness. Barack Obama designated several key national monuments, such as Bears Ears, to protect important cultural and natural sites. More recently, Joe Biden reinstated protections for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, ensuring that these lands remain preserved for future generations.
Trees: The Lungs of the Earth
Trees are the lungs of the Earth. They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and provide habitat for countless species. They cool the air, stabilize the soil, and protect watersheds. Their presence is vital to our well-being, offering shade on a summer ride and painting the landscape with brilliant hues in the fall.
Some of my fondest mountain biking memories are framed by the grandeur of forests—from the misty redwoods of Northern California to the golden aspens of Colorado in autumn.
The Healing Power of Nature
Beyond their ecological importance, trees provide something deeply personal: peace. Science has shown what we all instinctively know—time in nature reduces stress, boosts creativity, and improves mental health. When I ride through the trees, I feel my worries fall away. I find clarity. The rhythm of pedaling, the whisper of wind through the branches, the occasional deer bounding across the trail, the sounds of birds and frogs—it’s all a meditation in motion.
Protecting Our Forests for Future Generations
While many of our forests remain protected, there have been challenges along the way. In recent years, national park funding has been threatened, and some forest protections have been rolled back. Executive orders have opened areas to increased logging, and staffing shortages at the National Park Service and Forest Service have raised concerns about maintenance and preservation. These changes highlight the ongoing need for vigilance, advocacy, and action.
That’s why it’s so crucial to protect our forests. The United Nations recognizes this, which is why they established March 21 as the International Day of Forests, a reminder that we must care for these irreplaceable landscapes. We need policies that prioritize conservation, communities that plant trees, and individuals who understand their role as stewards of the natural world.
Celebrate and Take Action
So today, on this special day, I encourage you to take a moment to appreciate the trees around you. Maybe it’s a local park, a quiet grove, or a dense mountain trail. If you have a bike, take a ride. Feel the way the trees embrace you as you move through them. And if you can, plant a tree. Because every tree we protect or plant today ensures a healthier, greener future for us all.
See you on the trails! 🚴♀️🌲
#InternationalDayOfForests #LoveOurForests #MTBLife #CrystalPyramidProductions