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March 6, 2008
Freedom
Ahem. Attention please. I want everyone and all to hear. I RODE MY BIKE OUTSIDE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!! What's that? You didn't hear me? Well okay. I RODE MY BIKE OUTSIDE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!! I RODE MY BIKE OUTSIDE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!! I RODE MY BIKE OUTSIDE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!! I RODE MY BIKE OUTSIDE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!! I RODE MY BIKE OUTSIDE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!
I couldn't believe my good fortune. O had told me at dinner last night that it was supposed to be dry and in the 40s today and we briefly discussed the possibility of me riding outside. But then we just as briefly dismissed the idea because by the time I got home from work there probably wouldn't have been enough daylight. I think I just didn't want to get my hopes up.
Fast forward to this afternoon after work as I walked outside. It took me about 3 seconds to decide that yes indeed I WAS going to ride outside. And once I have my mind set on something WATCH OUT!!
I went into RIDE OUTSIDE MODE. I power walked up the hill to my car (I would have ran but I was carrying an incredibly big, heavy bag full of swimming gear from masters practice this morning) and then drove home FAST (not too fast, don't worry mom ;). I was praying the whole way home I wouldn't hit any major traffic or an accident to back things up. My drop dead time to leave on my ride was 4 pm and I knew I was cutting it close.
I pulled into the garage at 3:32. Haul my crap into the house, let Roxy out, feed Roxy, get the mail, make a quick phone call (that I couldn't put off or trust me I would have). Next up? Change into riding gear. WHAT TO WEAR?! I checked the weather quickly. It was sunny and amazingly beautiful outside. And get this - 45 degrees!! Tights or leg warmers? I settled on the leg warmers and shorts. Long sleeve. Cycling jacket. Gloves. Socks. Helmet. Sunglasses (yes, that's right - SUNglasses!). Road ID (after I got hit this summer while riding and didn't have any ID on me and was unconsious, my mom bought me the Road ID bracelet - I recommend it for everyone). I was on a roll!
Now the problem was - which bike?! I had been thinking about this the whole drive home. On one hand the TT was in one piece and was in working order (it's the bike I always ride on the trainer). But then again the tire was looking BAD on that particular back wheel due to much trainer riding. That's just asking for a flat.
The road bike was my other option. But it was lacking some key pieces. Namely a back wheel and pedals. I've not tried it before but I suspect it's difficult to ride a bike with only one wheel. But I had convinced myself that stealing the pedals from the TT and putting on the back wheel that was just laying around in the basement would be quick work and that the road bike was ride of choice today.
I checked my watch as I headed down to the basement for bike repair. 3:48. Okay - 12 minutes to get A bike, ANY bike in working order. I can do this!
I grab the extra wheel and of course immediately can't get the dang road bike to accept it. I'm the kind of person that can get a back wheel on about 85% of the time on the first try. And if I don't get it on then, call in the husband because there is NO WAY I'm getting it on. Unfortunately back wheel would not budge and there was no husband around. And Roxy isn't very good with back wheels either. CRAP!! Now what?! I struggled with it some and then just gave up. The TT it is! Change back skewer, pump tires and PRAY I don't get a flat on that nasty looking back tire.
And at 4:01 pm I pushed off on my first outdoor ride since January 11th.
And it was more glorious than I have words for.
I haven't felt that good on the bike since last October. It was amazing and wonderful and warm and I'm here to tell all those people that have been riding their trainers for the past 3 months that you are SOOO much stronger for it. The trainer makes your legs strong and when you get out there on the open roads you will fly!
I rode for close to 2 hours and was sad to turn towards home. I considered doing my long ride TODAY but of course I was barely going to make it 2 hours in daylight so adding another 1.5 wasn't going to happen. But that was just greedy thinking.
For the first whole 15 minutes of the ride I thanked God over and over again for such a beautiful day. For being alive. For finally getting to ride outside. Then for the next 15 minutes I thought of all those people still imprisoned by bad weather and prayed for them to catch a weather break too. Then for the next 90 minutes I didn't think. I just smiled. And smiled. And smiled some more.
It really is the simple things in life isn't it?
Posted by beth at March 6, 2008 9:03 PM
Comments
Oh yyipppee, Beth! I was smiling for you! WAY to soak it all in! We are not close yet...20F -30F today, but we still have 4+ feet of wet snow...so we are getting there...I hope. :)
Posted by: Jennifer Harrison at March 6, 2008 10:23 PM
Yay for outdoor riding! The stars aligned for your today to get your ride in. Where there cartwheels at the end?
Posted by: Danielle at March 7, 2008 6:09 AM
its getting that time of year that i love... after the gloom of winter sping is glorious...
Posted by: Kranky C Dale at March 7, 2008 8:40 AM
its getting that time of year that i love... after the gloom of winter spring is glorious...
Posted by: Kranky C Dale at March 7, 2008 8:40 AM
its getting that time of year that i love... after the gloom of winter spring is glorious...
Posted by: Kranky C Dale at March 7, 2008 8:40 AM
its getting that time of year that i love... after the gloom of winter spring is glorious...
Posted by: Kranky C Dale at March 7, 2008 8:40 AM
Riding outside is the best! Simply the best!
Posted by: Andrea at March 7, 2008 9:24 AM
That's so great that you rode outside! It's getting warm here too and it's SOOO exciting. The roads aren't quite defrosted yet but maybe next week I'll be able to get out on my bike. Enjoy the warmth!
-ness
Posted by: Ness at March 7, 2008 1:48 PM