Bicycle mojo on - Riding again

[turbo6bar]

I allowed a number of silly reasons to keep me off the saddle. I decided I had to make an investment in my physical and mental health. I work with my hands every day, so physically I am not out of shape, but I could feel the pudge slowly creeping onto my frame. Two months ago, I started riding, again.

Wow, it's been years since I rode regularly, but I have the itch once again. I love the air, the sensation of speed, and the quiet hum of the gears. I love how all that consumes my mind during the day fades to nothing. It is a simple dance between the pedals and I.

I got a motorcycle license about 4 years ago, hoping to recapture the fun and freedom of being on two wheels on a limited schedule. Well, if I had to choose between a motorcycle and bicycle, the motorcycle would go without hesitation. Riding a motorcycle requires you to always be on alert. The price for a mistake is so much greater. I really love kicking the turns on the motorcycle, but for me, the bicycle is more pure, more enjoyable.

I guess as I've aged, I've learned to enjoy simple things. I am perfectly happy with my 10 year old bike and 'outdated' drivetrain. I've learned I don't have to be running a million miles an hour to get the most out of life. Sometimes, going slower is more rewarding.

cheers,
Jurgen

[nostatic]

My back still isn't quite "right" to get back on the bicycle. I was able to ride the motorcycle last week without incident so the now 3 months of swimming every day is rehabbing things pretty well.

The problem here is that riding on the streets here just isn't fun at all. Too many distracted and angry drivers (see the other thread here for examples) so it is basically putting your life on the line if you go out and pedal on pavement. Off road is a much safer option, but only downside there is that we have to drive to get to the dirt.

[turbo6bar]

Gosh. The routes I take are deserted. On an hour long ride, I might pass two dozen cars and be passed by 6-8 of those cars. I do ride some busier 2 lane roads, but I found flashing LED lights help with visibility..

I don't have personal experience with the militant bicyclists often mentioned here. I guess it is a perk of living in a flyover state.

[jhynesrockmtn]

I've rediscovered cycling a bit myself. I started riding mountain bikes in my 30's, picked up my first road bike in 2001 and hit a peak riding several long distance events in 2006-2008 around the time my marriage was ending. I backed off and never completely stopped but was not riding regularly. I moved to an area where my friends are all cyclists. We ride at least 3 times per week. I'm lucky to live in a smaller town with lot's of beautiful trails and lighter traffic. The mountain bike gets out as well. The only downside is real winters and no outdoor riding. We transition to beer drinking on those nights. Actually all the rides end with a pint. No wonder I'm not losing any weight!