At last, my repeated requests for a relatively short drive in the surrounding forests alongside my female cyclist friends got accepted. In a situation as everyone is busy, I managed to convince three of the girl cyclist friends to go on a new ride deep in the woods.

The path to Shilan forest is near the city of Talesh, in the province of Gilan, Iran, and is one of the nicest routes for cycling around this area. On the one hand, driving off the freeway, means fewer cars getting in our way, and the relatively smooth paved road with less cracked asphalt is great for cycling.

On the other hand, before getting to the jungle and afterward, on both sides of the road, extensive, lush, and charming rice fields inspire the desire to ride further and more ahead.

When we reached the Shilan forest, the trees on both sides of the road bend over and give new impetus to pedaling.

The sound of birds from far and near may seem like the only sound of the forest, but in my opinion, the music that the trees play, and the song that the leaves sing, is louder.

The other good thing about this path is reaching the beach in the continuation of the route. The pleasure of standing on the beach and the passionate view of the waves. An attractive route that includes not only forest and farms but also includes the beach and the sea.

My friends are always energetic and determined, despite all the challenges that society poses to them. Each of them has its own story and the burden of life has challenged their endurance in some way, but a bike ride through the woods is enough to put a smile on their faces, albeit for a short time.