Vox

The Long Ride Home

OK, belatedly giving you the scoop on the first ride.

It took a while to get the nerve to actually start pedaling off, away from the safety of the office, but I finally did it. After half a mile my legs were screaming in pain, my lungs gasping - it truly hasn't been that long since I did this, what is up? I keep pushing. Hit the mile mark and have to stop to catch my breath. Surely I didn't get so out of shape in so short a time, it has to be all in my head, right?

Then, at about a mile and a quarter, it happens - just what I need. I'm riding along in the bike lane and a car comes from behind, and turns from the second lane nearly taking me out. And the driver gives me the look! You know, the look that says "How dare you be riding your bike legally in that bike path when I want to turn illegally here!" And he had to have seen me since he drove up from behind - doofus.

But it got me back in the groove and I was good to go again. In fact the rest of the ride felt great - so great I took a detour which included a stop by my old roommates house to pick up a phone cord he absconded with. It ended up adding about a mile and a half to my ride - and the extra time that went with it. As it turns out, I wish I hadn't done the extra - when I got to my house SG was there waiting for me because he knew I needed some help. And I kept him waiting

Fortunately, he didn't seem too bothered about it - but I felt bad

Bottom line -I made it. My average speed was about 2/3 of my standard, but I was taking it way easy. Next week I will try and get back in a routine, good for my health (as long as I don't get hit), good for my wallet (saves me 1/2 a gallon of gas every day I ride), good for my spirits (the sun is shining, the birds are singing)....

Posted by Vox at October 16, 2004 01:01 AM | general