This Strenuous Age

My employer recently hosted a team building and day of meetings for which we had a bit of homework to do. I was originally regretting the thought of having to do homework again (I thought I gave that up on graduation!), but regardless I cracked open my folder and began the readings.
One such reading was Stephen Leacock's short essay This Strenuous Age, a part of Frenzied Fiction, a collection of short stories, which he wrote in 1918. It's a satirical take on prohibition and quite a good read, if you're into that sort of literature. I can't say I was originally taken by the work, but as time went on I began to think about it more and more.
Today on a long ride through the agriculturally rich countryside around Guelph, I again began thinking about it. One of the points Leacock makes really spoke to me as a cyclist. Where he claims his friends go for walks to clear their heads (in place of alcohol), I can relate.
Cycling to me is my one time where I can just think. I've had a tougher than usual time lately with work being quite busy and my girlfriend travelling to Asia for an extended period of time. Not that I am complaining, I love my job and I look forward to seeing Amy again overseas, but it gives you a lot to think about! My time on the bike is when I can put aside all the little thoughts and just plain think. It really clears my head and lets me just relax and enjoy life how it was made to be enjoyed. Being on the bike, rain or shine, is where I smile the easiest. Cycling is my shangri-la.
So, although Leacock equated this need to 'clear ones head' with an omission of alcohol in ones life, even today with alcohol being plentiful, I think everyone needs to find their own shangri-la. Hopefully, it's as alcohol-free and as fitness oriented as mine!