Biking definitely helps me out. Being "in" nature and the change in scenery sort of makes me feel refreshed.

It's also a kind of sport where I feel totally in control - I decide the pace, the route, how long I ride.

And the focus I get while on the bike is amazing. I feel locked in and in tune with my surroundings.

Besides that, the bike itself is a tremendous distraction. All the components and parts have little upgrade streams and each little upgrade (done right) can help make you faster, lighter and more comfortable.

Overall, it's just a positive distraction with so many health benefits. And the more I ride, the more fit I get, the clearer I'm thinking.

And that's not even the coolest part. My favorite aspect of the sport is the adventure and the sense of achievement I feel when I go places. I love shocking friends and family when I show pics of where I go. I go places that already seem far by car. Or even if it's near by, it seems like a different world.

All in all, it's the exact opposite of when I feel down - where I feel overwhelmed, stuck, helpless, tiny, alone, powerless.