While it may be true that once you learn you never forget how to ride a bike, that doesn't necessarily mean it comes easily. I took up cycling when I was going through my divorce, nearly 20 years ago. I rode plenty as a youngster -- that's how we got where we wanted to go back then. Then one day my nearly-ex husband started whistling the Wicked Witch of the West song as I rode past him and that was it -- I was determined to ride like the wind. The year I was divorced I logged several thousand miles on my bike. I completed a handful of metric century tours, which is 62 miles each, and even one full century ride - 100 miles. I was so proud of myself. But then, like Forrest Gump and his running, I just stopped riding.
No one will ever confuse me with a bicycle racer -- I never wanted to go fast, just far.
At the urging of my friend Mary, I took my nearly new but dusty, flat tired Trek bike in for a tune up. I had only ridden it twice and the second time I came close to being hit by a van, crashed to the ground and broke the mirror on the handlebars. I rode the bike home, put it in my neighbor's garage to gather dust, and didn't drag it out until Tuesday. I brought it home tonight and took it for a spin. After adjusting the seat and trying to re-familiarize myself with all of its nuances, I headed up my street. One mile later and another near collision with an impatient car, I pulled back up to my neighbor's garage and set my bike in the corner. I told Helen I'd be getting it out again, often I hope.
I don't know if I want to do really long rides again but it could be just what I need to get in my daily exercise. So far on the 17 Day Diet I've lost 12 pounds. Which is really like 17 pounds because every time I go to Denise's on vacation I end up gaining 5 pounds. I know, faulty reasoning, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Funny, I used to ride 15 miles a day when I was going through my divorce. That was about 14 years ago. I got really fit that way! I just started riding again a little bit. I no longer have the cool gear and shoes, but my muscles are starting to remember. It's much harder at age 49 though!!
ReplyDeleteCourtney
~happy biking & be safe! ;-D
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