So I got the bike out of the garage today and pumped up the tires. I hadn't ridden it for awhile - Wyoming winters (and the cold, unusually wet spring we've had) make cycling a bit difficult.
But after this week's pie fights, I needed something to change my perspective.
So come with me over the Orange Squiggle of Doom on my bike.
I haven't been taking good care of myself lately. I haven't been eating right, haven't been exercising, and I'm pretty massively out of shape. And I know that when I'm not taking care of myself and not in decent shape, I have less energy to do the things that need to be done. You know, put food on the table, do fun stuff with the boy, defeat Republicans.
Every time I went into the garage, there it was. Dusty, neglected, a cobweb or two. Glaring reproachfully at me - "you need to ride me, dammit!"
I couldn't ignore it any more.
We finally have nice weather, after a rainy, chilly spring that has left the mountains overloaded with snow and the rivers overflowing. Gonna make riding on the partially-flooded river walk interesting. But I couldn't ignore the bike any more.
Plus this week's pie fights have left me, um, a bit disillusioned.
So out to the garage I went. Got the bike out. Got a damp cloth and wiped it down. Got the pump. Pumped up the tires. Checked the pressure. Pumped up some more.
Then I went for a short ride around the neighborhood.
Just a short ride. About 10 minutes was all.
During those 10 minutes, I discovered:
1) Man, am I ever out of shape. :::gasppantwheeze:::
2) My knees suck. But I already knew that.
3) It feels damn good to be out pedaling around, 1 and 2 notwithstanding.
4) Oh yeah, I can save on gas by riding this thing!
5) I keep riding, 1 and 2 will take care of themselves.
6) Pie fights? What pie fights?
I'll keep you posted throughout the summer on my cycling. And on how my physical and mental shape improve.