If there’s one good thing that’s come from the global tumult of the past 18 months, it’s that interest in outdoor recreation is exploding.

As indoor activities continue to be discouraged, parks and trails have become our primary venues for relaxation and rejuvenation. And, as travel restrictions ease, many people are venturing further afield, seizing the opportunity to visit places that might have once been only a dream.

In the United States, national parks, forests and recreation areas are reporting record numbers of visitors, with many reaching daily capacity within minutes of opening their gates. While there are widespread concerns over the environmental impact of this massive surge in traffic, it’s heartening to see so many folks seeking solace in nature—and hopefully building a connection that will transform their lives with a sense of freedom and adventure.

At the same time, an unprecedented number of people are using mountain bikes as an outlet for exercise and exploration. Every day, new riders discover a truth all mountain bikers come to know: Every ride is an adventure. This edition of Freehub is a celebration of this truth, and a meditation on how adventure leads to discovery, both of the outside world and within oneself.