I bought my bicycle in 1989, the year I graduated from college. I had had a succession of bikes before that, of course, but this was my first Serious Bike that cost around two hundred dollars. It's a Raleigh 12 speed with upright handlebars and semi-rugged tires.
That bike stayed locked to the porch outside my small apartment in a historical Classical house in Brookings, South Dakota where I attended graduate school. Except when I rode the bike daily to campus, a mere six blocks away, or took it on more adventurous outings, up to twenty miles and more.
Then there was the time in 1992 when a recently married couple drove nonstop from Minnesota to Telluride, Colorado for the Bluegrass Festival, and upon arriving in town, sleep deprived, 8500' altitude, hopped on the bikes and pedaled through town to festival headquarters. Major lightheaded rush!
Then I had kids. And it all kind of stopped there, with short interludes, much like my music playing. I am happy to have hopped back on the bike today, after getting it tuned up at a local shop. I rode a bit less than five miles, and found out bike riding is not much like running. I'll know more when I ascertain which muscles are sore tomorrow.
5 comments:
One of the best things about biking is that one can do it into very old age. I know a 75+ gentleman who still rides daily. As your children grow older and you have more time for yourself, you'll be glad to have that old friend around!
With all your running, I don't think it will be leg muscles that are sore.
Butt.
When did bike seats get so hard?
That was my experience anyway.
Timely! I haven't had a bike since I was a kid, but I'm thinking that it's time now. And I'll mind the seat. Don't they sell really cushy, gel-seats now?
When we were in Cumberland and on the bikes, all I could think of as my behind ached... "it's like... riding a bike." Finding your center and just taking off, and hoping your rear end will adjust. :c)
Webb- My dad, who is in his upper sixties, has been an avid cyclist for a long time. Before he retired, he commuted to work every day on his bike when the weather and daylight were good. Now that he has retired, he probably rides every day!
FC- The butt. Yeah, the butt. I have an ancient gel seat cover on there, but it ain't enough!
Madcap- Yes, there are cushy gel seats now. I just think mine is too old and the cushiness has gone out of it.
Jayne- It is amazing how the balance memory stays with us. I just gotta get the shifting gears thing down.
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