I am working hard. I started late and I am super sucky at bike riding, but I am trying very hard to overcome my shortcomings. Since I started about two weeks ago, I have been doing 3-4 rides a week and am progressively increasing my mileage and climbing. I've been doing my long rides on Sunday mornings, which usually works pretty well. Every Sunday, I set a new bar for myself of longest ride ever. I try to do one or two evening rides and one or two morning rides during the week. Plus I have ballet twice a week, so I am getting at least five good workouts per week. I am trying to maintain 12 mph, which for me is hard. But dudes, I am getting it done.
There are lots of interesting things to see on each ride and they have all been scenic with tons of different places to go. I don't think I've done the same ride twice yet. I think my theme for the year will be livestock (I also considered cemeteries and old cars - I'll save those for another year).
Last Sunday, I saw lots of horses and cows, donkeys and goats. I got caught in some heavy rain for the last two miles. In some ways it was good because at least now I know what it's like to ride in the rain. Friday night I went for a really nice ride. It was kind of misting on & off the whole time, but it actually felt nice and the roads weren't too wet. I saw horses, cows, a peacock, a turtle looking up at me when I crossed a bridge and a couple of deer crossed the road in front of me toward the end of my ride.
Yesterday, I went for a long ride and surpassed my time/speed goal. I got a later start than I wanted, which meant I didn't finish until after noon and I was riding with a lot less shade than I hoped for. It was hot. I saw more horses and cows (one cow was wearing a pink bike helmet), I rescued a turtle from certain death, I saw a beaver, and around mile 16 or so, I came across a sign for what I really needed... Mt. Energy. Unfortunately, I wasn't going that way and headed for the valley of despair instead. It was really pretty hilly. One bad hill in the last half mile - it wasn't appreciated.I see other kinds of creatures when I get home.
And guess who bought a bike yesterday. Progress on all fronts.
7 comments:
More like beaucoup de "dudes"...
But seriously, Polly, je suis tres impressed! (Especially about the part where you saved the turtle).
Yeah, dudes, I rock. And check out my fundraising.
Polly, that is awesome, dude (I imagined this blog post in the voice of Hurley)! You are doing great and I love the livestock theme.
Holy crap on the fundraising! The rest of us had better get in gear!
You are getting it done! The valley of despair sucks! I've been there. BTW - have you discovered shot blocks? They help. Just tell me to shut up if this is obvious....
I say shot blocks come, and shot blocks go. What are you going to do about it? That's what I'd like to know. (Anyone, anyone?) I signed Jim up, so now we are 8. We should be able to pick up his bike tomorrow. How come no one commented how adorable Monroe is? She is, you know. See ya later, suckers!
Yes, Monroe is totally cute. She could be the mascot for team charlie - especially in her zonked out sleeping stance!
I see you to made Jim's picture on the Ride page a cement mixer - nice touch!
He hasn't seen his page yet, but he really did love that truck. He still talks about it and can't wait until they are reunited.
Post a Comment