My bike rides last year were carefully planned out between runs and swims. I had mileage spelled out in my date book week by week and rides felt like work. It was all in my head, and when I got to RAGBRAI, I was completely brainwashed. The heat and the hills were hard, I was sick, I was recovering from mono... I talked myself into hating my bike and my tent, two of the things I love more than anything!This winter I got hooked on spin classes. It was a different ride. I "spun" twice a week at least. I loved that I didn't know how far I rode and I didn't have to go if I didn't want to.
When the weather started to turn unseasonably warm a few weeks ago, I took my bike out to check out the High Trestle Trail.
I was expecting a struggle, but I got from Madrid to the bridge in no time flat, and I was loving it! I rode the rest of the way to Woodward and sat down to catch my breath.
I was loving the wind in my face so much that I didn't notice how tired my legs were.I took a little break to have a snack... When did I become a rabbit? Eh...
And rode back.
12 miles in all, and I considered another 5-6... I went out once more last week when I was having a rough day. Just rode to the bridge and back. I found myself smiling on the drive back into town. All of a sudden when I'm not "training", riding has become a love of mine again. So I'm not going to train for a triathlon this year, I'm just going to work on my relationship with cycling and enjoy a leisurely ride for what it is.
On another note, I always try to fill my gas tank and grab a Gatorade at the local gas station in Madrid when I ride the trail. Just doing my part to boost the economy and give a little "thank you" to the community for building the trail through their back yard.
I'm no longer the "mayor" of the YMCA on foursquare, but I'm a day away from being the "mayor" of the High Trestle Trail. And I'm okay with that.
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