BRRRR(oad)RRRRR(ide)RRRRRR

Those of you who live and ride in the North and Midwest can go ahead and smile condescendingly or shake your heads right about now. But yesterday during my first real road ride, I was chilly. I was cold. I wore my arm warmers for the entire ride. And I had the best ride I can remember in a long time!

The bike I've borrowed (from Lauren) doesn't have a working computer, so I don't know exact mileage or speed...but sometimes you just need a ride that's simply about the ride.

I overcame my fear of the skinny tires blowing up at the slightest obstacle when I hit railroad tracks and rough cracks in the pavement early on. I was pleased to have my new Tifosi sunglasses (orange lenses as it was overcast and shady) that kept the frequent headwinds and occasional bugs out of my eyes. I was so into the ride I failed to drink regularly (something I don't normally forget).

It was a thrill to cycle the flats in the big ring, feeling the muscles in my legs flowing smoothly under the skin. It was an even bigger thrill to tackle some of the climbs (Plum, Walnut) and maintain a good spin, or test my standing climbing ability.

After a little over two hours I came home with pink cheeks, an appetite and sore hands, without the sore pardukey and shoulders I was expecting. I came home with a huge grin on my face and happy descriptions for my husband. I came home thrilled with biking, being outdoors and having a relatively fit body and spirit.

Today I go to the shop and will have them put my pedals, a computer and make some adjustments to my new steed. I hope to have it tomorrow or Wednesday. Pics to follow.