Hi - I'm Back...With a Twist (LONG)!
Hi Ladies!
I am sure some of you will remember me and the tumultuous year I had last year.... fracturing my pelvis in April (dog accident while riding) and then losing my dad to a car accident in October. To say that 2005 was the most difficult year of my life is an understatement. I managed to go through the paces, not get fired from my job, nor divorced from my husband, but it has been hard. Lots of tears, lots of grieving, and lots of introspection.
One of the things in my world that took a big hit was my cycling. I was back to road riding last August after my accident, a bit fearfully and with some hip pain, but after my dad died, I just couldn't bring myself to get back on the bike. And as many of you know, the longer you stay off, the harder it is to get back on. I dreamed about riding, I thought about riding, but I just didn't want to be out on the roads with motorists and dogs. I still don't. I think losing my Dad (who drove a tiny little Honda Civic) to a driver in a huge, honking pickup truck reminded me of how very small and defenseless I was on my bicycle out amongst motor vehicles of all shapes and sizes, and how very lucky I've been over the years to ride thousands of miles without serious incident until my own accident (and that didn't even involve a motor vehicle, thank goodness!)
So, I hadn't ridden since October. My husband and I got into hiking and spent all winter and spring doing longer and longer hikes, around home and in the NC mountains, and culminating in a trip to the southwest US the first two weeks in May, where we hiked in 6 national parks, including a rim-to-river and back (in one day!) Grand Canyon hike of 18.2 miles. It was simply amazing, beautiful, and deeply fulfilling.
But I still missed cycling. Finally I could stand it no longer. I'd heard a gal at work talking about mountain biking on some local trails and wanting some companionship, so I raised my hand and joined her for the first time this past week. I had a BLAST! We started easy on packed gravel fire roads, no single-track for now (she can handle it, but I need to work up to it and get used to my MTB again), but I couldn't wipe the grin off my face the entire time I rode. It was slow and only about 8-10 miles, but I've been on a high ever since. And we've talked about making this a weekly thing, which I'd love.
Boy am I saddle sore! I had forgotten how well the body adapts to riding, and how hard it is to start again. But it's worth it!
So, for the first time since 2-22-2006, I am taking a peak into this forum, where I used to spend so much time. I have really missed you gals. I've been lurking a little in the "Mountain Biking" section and am planning on learning more. I have an inexpensive hardtail (REI Novara Bonita) that I like, but if I really get caught up in the bug, I may eventually go for a full-suspension. It's way, way too early to tell, but I think I may have just found the answer to how I can continue cycling but not ride in fear. :D I might just have to become a dirt chick! :cool:
Anyway, that's all for now. Hope y'all have all been doing well and riding lots! I look forward to reading more and catching up.
Big hugs,
Emily
best news I've heard all day!
Emily, so good to hear from you! You've been in my thoughts, too - missed your enthusiasm and unbounded support for other riders. There's an old Holly Near song that came to mind as I pictured you smiling on your mtn bike...
"I have dreamed on this mountain
since first I was my mother's daughter,
and you just can't take my dreams away."
Thanks everyone for the wonderful welcome backs!!!
Wow, it was great hearing from each and every one of you. I am truly touched. I will try not to be a stranger, though I am incredibly busy at work right now and don't have quite as much "forum time" as I used to, but I sure love it here. I really have missed you great women!
Thank you so very much.
Emily
P.S. JoAnn, have you fully recovered from your injuries!? I hope so!
