You see I decided to treat myself to a new bicycle for my 40th birthday (June 1st) .. Partly to get more exercise, but also to put a dent in my car usage & fuel consumption .. Can you guess how many years it's been since I last regularly rode a bike? 30 YEARS! I used to ride to primary school, and on week-end to get out of the house .. But once puberty hit I was all about catching the bus and hanging with friends *rolls eyes* - you know how it goes ..
Anyhoo, so obviously the first few weeks back in the saddle were all about getting re-acquainted with body positioning, balance, and my thigh muscles!!
Seriously - I walk the dog for a couple of hours most days, and consider myself pretty 'fit', but just a quick spin around the block was all I could manage to begin with, and had me totally knackered *puff'n & pant'n*
Yet just five weeks on (four really as I didn't ride at all last week) I can easily manage 30km missions! On damn hilly / gravely country highway / back-roads & dirt tracks no less .. Plus I've finally got my seat & helmet adjusted perfect :D
I really can't put into words how liberating it feels to jump on and ride wherever the moment takes me .. Stopping for a drink at the river, exploring under bridges, blowing kisses & talking to all the cows, pigs, goat and sheep I pass .. Today there was even a hawk flying parallel, just above the road in front of me - AMAZING experience!
But that's just one of the many things I've been up to, so stay tuned for more ..
~ Clare
