Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone: Myra Canyon Trestles

I wouldn't say I am afraid of heights, but I do get butterflies in my stomach just driving on the High Five in Dallas! So, what I just did was stepping HIGH out of my comfort zone ya'll! I decided to ride a mountain bike on the Myra Canyon trestles.

The Myra Canyon trestles are part of the Kettle Valley Railway, a historic rail trail that runs through the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada. The trail is famous for its 18 wooden trestle bridges and two tunnels that span a steep-walled canyon, offering stunning views of the valley and the lake below. The trail is about 12 kilometers (about 7 miles) long (one way) and has a gentle grade of less than 2%, making it suitable for riders of all ages and skill levels.

My guide Troy told me this was one of the most scenic and exhilarating bike rides in Kelowna. He also said it was not scary at all, as the trestles were safe and sturdy, and the trail was wide and smooth. This would be a great way to get out of my comfort zone and have some fun.

I was intrigued, but also terrified. The idea of riding a bike over a wooden bridge that was 70 meters high and 200 meters long sounded like a nightmare to me. I imagined falling off the edge, crashing into the rocks, or getting stuck in the dark tunnels. I wondered if I would have a panic attack, faint, or vomit. I doubted if I had the courage, the stamina, or the skills to do it.

But I also felt a spark of curiosity, a flicker of excitement, and a surge of determination. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, that I could overcome my fear and enjoy the ride. I wanted to experience the beauty and the history of the place and feel the thrill and the joy of biking. I wanted to grow as a person and expand my horizons.

So, I went for it! I arrived early in the morning, before the crowds and the heat. I put on my helmet, gloves, and sunglasses, and got on my bike. I took a deep breath and started pedaling. Oh my goodness, I was really going to do this!

It was amazing. The view was spectacular, the breeze was refreshing, the sound was soothing. I felt a sense of awe, a sense of accomplishment, a sense of freedom. I smiled, and I realized that I was having fun.

I continued the ride, crossing one trestle after another, each one different and unique. I saw signs and plaques that told me more about the railway and the trestles, as well as the wildlife and vegetation of the area. I also saw some remnants of the fire that destroyed 12 of the trestles in 2003, and learned about the restoration that was done by volunteers and donors. I was impressed by the engineering, the history, and the resilience of the place.

I reached the sixth trestle, the longest and highest one on the trail, and I felt a surge of

pride. I had made it halfway, and I had not fallen, crashed, or panicked. I had faced my fear, and I had conquered it. I stopped for a moment and took in the view. I saw the valley, the lake, the mountains, and the sky. I felt a connection, a gratitude, a joy. I took a photo*, and I continued the ride.

I completed the trail, and I returned to the parking lot. I was tired, but I was also exhilarated. I had done something that I never thought I could do, and I had enjoyed it. I had stepped out of my comfort zone, and I had grown. I had ridden a mountain bike on the Myra Canyon trestles, and I had loved it.

I learned a lot from this experience. I learned that fear is not a reason to avoid something, but a challenge to overcome it. I learned that getting out of my comfort zone can be rewarding, fun, and empowering. I learned that I am capable of more than I think, and that I can surprise myself with what I can do.

I also learned that there is a whole world out there to explore, and that I don’t want to miss it. I want to try new things, see new places, and have new adventures. I want to live fully, and not let fear hold me back.

I encourage you to do the same. Find something that scares you and do it anyway. Step out of your comfort zone and see what happens. You might discover something or someplace new, something wonderful, something amazing. You might discover yourself.

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