Riding Light and Having Fun!

[Veronica]

I haven't felt like going out and riding after work the last two afternoons. It's been in the 90s and I just couldn't get enthusiastic about it. Even though I have put new tires on my bike and I've wanted to test them out on something longer than my commute.

After dinner tonight I had about an hour until sunset and it had cooled down to 83. So off I went. It was late enough that I decided the only emergency gear I was taking was my cell phone. Thom was cool with coming to get me if I needed rescuing (I didn't.) No bag, only one water bottle and new tires. I swear I had a tail wind everywhere I went. Which Thom assures is simply not possible. I upped my average speed 1.2 miles an hour and I wasn't really working. We had just eaten and so I wasn't pushing it.

It was so pleasant to be out riding just to ride, no set distance in mind, no average speed expectation, just to be on the bike. Made me feel like a kid again.

V.

[nuthatch]

Now THAT'S what I'm talkin about!! Every once in a while you get that "kid on bike" feeling again; just zipping around without lots of gear or worries and enjoying your speed. Does this happen more often to mountain bikers than road bikers or do we all carry our "adult" self around with us most of the time? Sometimes I think my preoccupation with having just the right gear, or route, or weather kind of ruins my ride!

[Biking Chick]

Does this happen more often to mountain bikers than road bikers or do we all carry our "adult" self around with us most of the time? Sometimes I think my preoccupation with having just the right gear, or route, or weather kind of ruins my ride!

Yup ... I am guilty of listening to that 'adult' and feeling that I have to have everything in order and ignoring my inner child (after all we HAVE to be responsible - right???) I'm working on not falling into the habit of overthinking.

We have our 'good' road bikes on a bike rack in the dining room; biking attire are in plastic containers in the guest bedroom. It does help to keep everything within easy reach; out of sight = out of mind. With everything easily accessible I'm able to get out and ride when the spirit moves me.

I know I'm making progress re: listening more to that kid who enjoys being out on a bike just for the sheer joy of biking after my folks dropped by on their way home from visiting my sister & her family. They looked at bit quizzical at our bikes in the dining room (after walking by the four bikes hanging up in the garage), passed by the guest room with helmets, shoes, and tupperware containers of clothes on top of the spare dog kennels ... and I didn't apologize or try to explain again why we love cycling. I think I'm finding a wonderful balance between the adult self and that inner child - wish I had figured this out when I was in my 30's but no regrets ... another reason why I love the age I am!

[SadieKate]

Well, Princess Zippy, the fun is what makes you zippy. Strip Fluffy down to the essentials and I think you'll find that he flies along just fine.

Can't believe I have wireless in this rental house. Trying to set up my new Polar so I may be posting "Help me!" questions this evening.

Keep zooming along!

SK