Riding Light and Having Fun!

[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!