Literal miles, on the bike that is. This new journey of mine into the cycling world is really something. But they, whoever they are, did lie to me. Have you heard the saying it’s like riding a bike? It just means that it comes naturally. Well, these last two weeks have been nothing but natural peddling around town. There are so many things to figure out and adjust to. Roll with me through the week.
The first thing is first. I didn’t decide to ride a bike just for the fun of things. While I figure out my new car options, I am using environmentally friendly transportation. Way back in the dusty corners of the garage, we got out my ride. My dad and brother in law cleaned it up and gave it a test run. All set to go, a little old, but the basic pieces and parts were good to go. A little online Amazon shopping to complete the look, I got a helmet and some gloves, safety first.
When I say I haven’t ridden a bike in over a decade, I mean it. Random spin classes on a stationary bike do not count. Getting back on that seat and testing it out myself was a sight. I am sure the neighborhood got a good laugh from. I wobbled all over the place, unsure of the peddles and footing. Looked like a kid who just took off the training wheels. After about a mile or so, I did get in the groove. Even after a week and a half, I’m still not 100% balanced, but I am way more sure of myself.
Some things you don’t realize are lacking until you have to use them. I, for one, never realized that so many streets are lacking pathways or sidewalks. Or what about the sidewalks that didn’t plan for giant electric or light poles right in the middle of the walking space. Riding in a safe lane can be difficult. I live in a quiet neighborhoo, but my job, which is 2.64 miles away, is on a busy six lane street. The main street crosses over the freeway and narrows to a two lane street with gravel driveways. The only way to not be off roading on the side of the road I had to find quiet side streets.
So far, the tally of miles is 45 miles, give or take. Work days are a little over 5 miles, but on Saturday, I took the bike on a longer ride to get it looked over at the cycle shop. I knew from the age of the bike and riding it for a week that the break pads were shot. I was correct, so I got those fixed and new handle grips to get me through the week. I will take it in for a full work up after work Friday. I also had them help me adjust the seat height to make things easier on my knees and legs.
There are a few things I am still struggling with. Riding is a literal pain in the you know what. My bum has not adjusted to that hard seat. A little better each ride, I’m still working my way up to ride out of the saddle, standing. Helps to stretch the legs. The other thing is my appetite. My metabolism is going up the more I peddle, the longer the ride, I am constantly hungry. I will have to find that magical cocktail of vitamins and protein to offset the extra calories I’m burning and the muscles I’m building. Does anyone have suggestions?
Overall, it takes some getting used to, but I have been enjoying it. The weather, minus the rain and snow today in Las Vegas, has been really nice. I am saving money, and I am getting in daily exercise. I have a solid 30 minutes each way to listen to audios or think about my to do list. Just quiet time to get my thoughts in order and absorb the sunshine. I would recommend anyone give it a spin. Ha ha pun intended. 🤣
The Distracted Damsel 