Sorry to have been M.I.A. but we had a busy 4 days of celebrating...and when the mother-in-law is visiting, there is no time for computers! We had a wonderful family gathering to congratulate two graduates and wish them both happy birthdays, toast our anniversary, and honour hubby for Father's Day. There was wine, good food, and way too many pies!
In between all the special occasions I have been making time for some cycling. Inspired by the Blue Zones Solution book I have been riding my bike every day. I bought a new helmet, basket, modest bike shorts (the cushioned, snug part inside, regular loose shorts on the outside), and a good lock and have been trying to use the cycle instead of the car for actual errands. I peddled to the farmer's market and bought fresh sourdough, berries, honey, tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes - all I could fit in the new basket. I felt very healthy and happy being able to eat fresh, support local farmers, and get exercise at the same time, not to mention saving the environment by leaving the car in the garage (small contribution, I realize!).
My legs are slowly getting stronger and my confidence riding in traffic is too. Although I have always ridden a bike, it was sporadic and casual at best. I never made a real effort to use it daily but now that the time is right in my stage of life, I am enjoying it tremendously. Once I focus on something, learn the proper way to do it, equip myself, and practice, I become completely passionate. I've been so excited to get out and pedal that when it's a rainy day I'm sad the bike stays put. I think about cycling when I go to sleep and when I wake up so I know that I'm hooked! It's that wonderful feeling of kid-dom, freedom to go where you want without worrying about parking or rushing, wind in your hair. I love all the smells in the air (roses, cut grass, bar-b-ques, camp fires) and it's amazing what you notice. Sadly, there is also cigarette smoke, pesticide (the WORST to ride through a cloud), exhaust, etc. but the good definitely outweighs the bad.
We have planned several excursions and wouldn't you know it, the kids have been riding with us too! One daughter is really getting caught up in it also and we have been riding together after work. I love how they follow our example and it is a fun thing to do as a family. We also have reserved a bike tour during our summer vacation and I cannot wait to go. Finally, because I'm me, I've put my name on a list to take a maintenance course. The basics of fixing tires and adjusting gears, plus general maintenance and know-how, are covered and a manual is included (I LOVE manuals!). I'm really looking forward to it and hate waiting for the class to be scheduled...
Hoping for a sunny summer!