OUTDOOR

The wind in your hair

If you have been paying any attention to the weather lately, you may have noticed it has been quite windy. Wind is caused by differences and interruptions in the pressure of the atmosphere mainly caused by temperature changes and again, if you have been paying attention to the weather, there has been plenty of temperature changes over the last several weeks. It stands to reason then that we would have our share of windy moments. As I gazed out the window readying myself to write this column, I saw the branches swaying in breeze which changed my direction, and lucky for you, because who wants to read about baseball again?

The wind has such awesome power that it just makes sense to give it a little literary love in “Outdoor Adventures.” If you consider how the wind affects the things we do outside, positively, and negatively, it may be a bit shocking for faithful readers that this column has not come out sooner. Think back to your childhood and kite flying. Did you ever try to fly a kite on a calm day and quickly learn the importance of wind when it comes to a successful outing? Too windy and your Scooby Doo double tail kite will end up having the line snap and depart your field of vision, never to be seen again. That was a very sad day. Have you ever tried to ride a bike on a windy day? What about going to a baseball game (you knew it was coming) and anticipating a few long balls as the wind was blowing out to left and the guys on the bump were known to hang a few meatballs on occasion. Golfing, being it with clubs or discs (frisbees for us older folks) can get a bit dicey if the wind is blowing. When the wind is but a gentle breeze on a warm day, there is nothing much so relaxing. When it is blowing hard with a storm on the horizon, it is time to batten down the hatchets, toss some holy water around the house (mom’s remedy to keep the house safe) and get your butt to the basement.

An often-muttered phrase is “to feel the wind in your hair and the sun in your face.” Have you ever asked yourself, “why should I feel the wind in my hair?” To be honest, I never have either so it can be a fresh thought for all of us. It might even become an “ah-ha” moment if you let it. We all have stress in our lives. How we deal with stress differs for all of us, but one surefire way to reduce the level of tension in your life is to feel the wind in your hair and the sun in your face. The ways to do this are many and the best way to do it is to get outside. Sure, you could open a window and let the breeze blow through but seriously, why? Being cooped up inside could add to your stress.

Unfortunately for some, the ability to get out and feel the wind in their hair and the sun on their face is impossible as physical limitations exist that have stifled such joy in their lives. That is where Hastings Cycling Without Age comes in. What is Hastings Cycling Without Age you ask? Cycling Without Age, according to their website (www.cyclingwithoutage. org) “is a global movement building intergenerational relationships on cycle trishaw rides.” Locally, this is offered by the Hastings Area Rotary Club, who currently own two trishaws with two more fully paid for and on their way from oversees. The program serves area residents who are no longer able to get out on a bike under their own ability. This serves residents of area care facilities, senior citizens, veterans and physically challenged individuals. The local Rotarians are 100% volunteers and as you might imagine, to operate a service like this for our community, the club of 30 individuals need additional help.

On Thursday, May 5th starting at 6pm, there will be a Hastings Cycling Without Age “2022 Kick Off Event” at the Hastings Public House (the old Country Club), located at 2015 Westview Drive in Hastings. A “Cinco de Mayo” meal will be provided in addition to a presentation about the program and volunteer needs and opportunities that exist. If you are interested in finding out more and possibly becoming a “pilot” to help others feel the wind in their hair and sun on their faces, be sire to R.S.V.P by email at [email protected] by Saturday, April 30, 2022. The trishaws are “electric assist” bikes and fully training is provided. If you are looking for a great way to make a difference in your life and the lives of others, this could be it and what does it hurt to check it out? Oh, and it is a chance to “Get Out and Enjoy the Great Outdoors.”