Well, it is that time of the year – time to put together a new playlist for the season. Each season I like to create a new playlist that I’ll listen to when riding my cyclo-cross bike, warming up and cooling down for races. This playlist is essentially a collection of my favourite songs of the moment. I’m currently “testing” the playlist out – basically trying to get the songs in the order I want and listening to it – to see if it is what I want.

Yesterday, I snuck in a second ride. It was such a beautiful day and I really wanted to get out on my cyclo-cross bike for a spin in the woods. Besides, I needed to test my 2011 playlist! So I rolled over to my local riding grounds – listening to music and letting my legs spin at whatever pace they wanted. I’d have to say, it was one of my best rides in the woods of late – no agenda, no plan – just ride and listen (to the music and my body).

Perhaps one of the top moments I’ve had on my bike happened rather dramatically yesterday…. Just as I entered the single track and was surrounded by towering trees, green grass and the quietness of the woods, k.d. lang’s version of Hallelujah started playing on my iPod. Wow – it was a perfect moment. I slowed right down and really just took it all in – the stirring sounds of k.d. lang’s voice combined with the stillness and peace of the woods was really quite dramatic. This moment ended up setting the tone for my ride.

I just rode within myself and had pure out and out fun on my bike. Perfect really. I’m super happy that I decided to squeeze in a second ride.

I thought you might be curious to know what some of the songs are on my 2011 Playlist, so here goes (hopefully I don’t embarrass or age myself too much with this selection of artists and songs!):
ABBA – Dancing Queen
AC/DC – Shook Me All Night Long
Alive and Kicking – Simple Minds
All I Need – LoudLove
Danger Zone – Top Gun Soundtrack
Fully Completely – The Tragically Hip
Hallelujah – k.d. lang
Good Mother – Jann Arden
Kick – INXS
Comedown – Bush
My Body – Young The Giant
Not Ready To Make Nice – Dixie Chicks
The Power of One – Teddy Pendergrass
Rolling In The Deep – Adele
Rumor Has It – Adele
Footloose – Footloose Sound Track
She Drives Me Crazy – Fine Young Cannibals
You Get What You Give – New Radicals

Admittedly this playlist is a bit long right now with 58 songs – so I need to create a second one that works for warms up and cool downs.

Well, here’s hoping you can have some top moments on your bike. Really makes you realize why you ride. As usual – with thanks to the bike.