Monday, June 05, 2006

I Love It When I'm Cruising

This time of year is a favorite because the weather is usually agreeable enough to allow for more bike riding. I simply adore riding my bike.

When I was in my teens, before I had a car, my bike was my alternate transpo. When I wasn't walking or taking public transportation, I was on my bike. Usually for transportation, sometimes for exercise, but sometimes, oh sometimes, it was just wheeeee! Freedom.

On Sunday I rode 12 miles to the PTG. I'm supposed to be logged in by 9:00 a.m. so I leave home at 7:30. The goal is to arrive by 8:30, leaving plenty of time to freshen up and get prepared to work.

I grab my backpack, water and tunes; usually Madonna or Stevie Wonder, as my cassette collection is now very limited (yeah cassettes-not part of the MP3 nation) and safety equipment. Off I go.

Mile 2 is when I get my rhythm. Cruising along pretty smoothly until around mile 7. I'm stopped at a light, take a drink or two, sit through the light a cycle or two, garner my second wind and then I'm off. Around mile 9 I start to think about the bridges. The distraction of the music is not enough for me to forget about the bridges. I really detest going over bridges-especially on a bike. The two bridges in question combine two of my biggest fears; heights and large bodies of water. Falling from a great height into into said body of water--Oh. My. Goodness!

The bridges come up at mile 11. I am sufficiently prepared to take them, ruthlessly, fearlessly-I do however, get out of the street-what? Me ride over the open grating? I. Don't Think. So.

Whew, that done, I survived both bridges and cruise into the final leg. I lock by Bella Vista Cruiser at the bike rack, go in, freshen up and log into the phone/computer system at 8:50 a.m.

For the next 4 hours I ask and answer questions, record and assess responses and make notes. At the end of my shift, I log out, go and get back on Bella Vista. Ride 2 miles to the nearest train station. Bella & I get on the train and go home.

Still freedom, but a woman can take only so much wheeeee!




3 comments:

  1. There's nothing like a nice bike ride, rain or shine. Sounds like a great morning.

    I used to ride my bike to work, but it was only eight or so miles. And there was no train to catch on the return trip.

    I share your fears of large bodies of water and bridges.

    Suzanne

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  2. Suzanne, yes it was a great morning. Riding clears my head like nothing else does.

    I ride home from work, on occasion. Much depends on what the rest of the day looks like and what kind of energy will be required to deal with it.

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  3. Doris & I recently got new bicycles with high banana handlebars & big fat seats, gears & mountain tires. Built for comfort for old fogies!! hehe.

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