Quote Originally Posted by DarcyInOregon View Post

Anyway, it was interesting to view a bike widow's perspective. She is not a happy lady.

Darcy
I know a bike widow as well but with a very different attitude. Like you, Darcy, I too have become increasingly fit over the last year from biking and people have noticed. One day this past Jan I was talking with a neighbor who noticed and wanted to know my "secret." Naturally this opened the door for me to tell her about cycling. It turns out, her husband rides every day all spring/summer.

He has several bikes including a tandem to use with the Mrs. He has gotten his twin 12 yo sons into riding as well and the one son actually goes with him on long event rides. She just laughed when she was telling me about him because of course, like you, I was very interested in hearing about what he rides, where he rides (they live just up the street from me), and how far he rides.

She was totally supportive, not particularly interested in joining him and just accepts this as his "thing." Not to mention he's in great shape.

My own DH is a bit of a bike widower. He's been trained to know when he looks out his office window now that if it's warm and sunny, don't expect dinner to be waiting on the table when he gets home! He (and my kids) are just really proud of me, not feeling frustrated about the time away or the cost.

It's a shame your aunt has so much frustration associated with the Mr's riding.

As for missing a day of riding. I went through a phase where I would get myself all wound up if I thought I should be out riding and I wasn't. Particularly recently when I brought the Girl out of the basement during a warm spell and haven't brought her back down to the trainer (or gone riding) since.

I've decided it's ok to be very zen about the whole thing. Spring is coming - not winter. Soon I'll be out nearly ever day. If I miss a week or two now during this cold rainy spell, it's not the end of the world. It's all good.

Try not to beat yourself up when you miss a day, particularly to pay your respects. Contrary to what some cyclists might have you believe - there really is more to life than -just- cycling. Sounds like you got to see some family, spend some time with your hubby and get a great hike in with your dog! A good day all around

T

PS: I love that you are wearing cute new outfits! Enjoy!! It's so fun!!