Monday, May 28, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Riding with Bood
I have been riding a bike for some time now. When asked about what accomplishment I have achieved lately, I always reference riding in 5 Century (100 miles) rides during my 51st year. Biking is something I have always done....when I was younger, my friends and I would ride out to where 2 of our Dad's worked. It was far, hot and a wonderful experience while riding my Blue Western Flyer (not as good as my sister's; but that's another story).
Over the years, I stop riding, then something prompts me to get on what ever bike is hanging in the garage and off I go. When Bood and I lived in Albuquerque, I rode for several years with good intentions, free Sundays and a desire to conquer the road.
Fast forward, and here I am riding again.... I took a little break from the 5 Century Year, and now am committed more than ever to put some serious butt time in my saddle. In an effort to eliminate some neck problems, I picked up a mountain bike. My theory was that it was a more upright ride, heavier bike and I could ride in the mountains right behind my house (which will ultimately make my "skinny tire" riding much easier).
Woke up this morning..grabbed "mountain blue" and headed off to the mountain. Nice ride, took everything I had to get to the trail head, then coasted down over to my sister’s place to taking in the Sunday paper and yesterday's mail (the family is off enjoying a Memorial Day Weekend) and finally rode home (1 1/2 hour in all)...whew!
As I drove into the driveway, there was Bood getting ready to ride a bit. Now Bood is not one for riding, but he purchased one of the "auto-shifting" bikes and seems eager to spend a little time riding with me. I have been bugging Bood for a couple of years now to start riding...so here he was. We adjusted his bike seat, I made him wear one of my helmets and off we went. Not too far Bood reminded me, he hadn't been on a bike for a long time and was feeling just a bit uncomfortable. Off we headed, east and up hill....I could hardly keep up with him. As he made a left hand turn and down a hill behind our home, Bood realized that not only could he go up the hill faster than me, but he joyfully accelerated going down the hill. As we made a huge loop around our neighborhood, I realized that I had not been in the lead once…here was Bood riding like he had been doing it for years, while I was forced to enjoyed the view from behind the entire way.
As we pulled into the garage, Bood remarked "that wasn't so bad; I think I'll take my bike to Moab next week so that I can ride with you again".
Yikes!
Over the years, I stop riding, then something prompts me to get on what ever bike is hanging in the garage and off I go. When Bood and I lived in Albuquerque, I rode for several years with good intentions, free Sundays and a desire to conquer the road.
Fast forward, and here I am riding again.... I took a little break from the 5 Century Year, and now am committed more than ever to put some serious butt time in my saddle. In an effort to eliminate some neck problems, I picked up a mountain bike. My theory was that it was a more upright ride, heavier bike and I could ride in the mountains right behind my house (which will ultimately make my "skinny tire" riding much easier).
Woke up this morning..grabbed "mountain blue" and headed off to the mountain. Nice ride, took everything I had to get to the trail head, then coasted down over to my sister’s place to taking in the Sunday paper and yesterday's mail (the family is off enjoying a Memorial Day Weekend) and finally rode home (1 1/2 hour in all)...whew!
As I drove into the driveway, there was Bood getting ready to ride a bit. Now Bood is not one for riding, but he purchased one of the "auto-shifting" bikes and seems eager to spend a little time riding with me. I have been bugging Bood for a couple of years now to start riding...so here he was. We adjusted his bike seat, I made him wear one of my helmets and off we went. Not too far Bood reminded me, he hadn't been on a bike for a long time and was feeling just a bit uncomfortable. Off we headed, east and up hill....I could hardly keep up with him. As he made a left hand turn and down a hill behind our home, Bood realized that not only could he go up the hill faster than me, but he joyfully accelerated going down the hill. As we made a huge loop around our neighborhood, I realized that I had not been in the lead once…here was Bood riding like he had been doing it for years, while I was forced to enjoyed the view from behind the entire way.
As we pulled into the garage, Bood remarked "that wasn't so bad; I think I'll take my bike to Moab next week so that I can ride with you again".
Yikes!
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