With only one month to until departure, I thought I'd post my old bicycle blogs that began this whole adventure but never saw the light of day on "Perfect Circles." So, please enjoy them and keep in mind they are from 2012 and 2013. This is 2 of 5:
Bicycle Blog #2: When I ride, I feel His pleasure
Today is October 1st and Fall is well under way, technically speaking. The weather is still great bicycling weather and for that I am grateful. I brought my 15-year-old bicycle to my apartment a few weeks ago, dusted it off, pumped up the tires, lubed the chain after wiping it down and adjusted the seat. After doing such things, I did not expect what happened next: a smooth ride. That day, a few weeks ago, I rode 20 miles. Regardless to say, I exercised some muscles that I forgot existed. As I rode to Spong’s Landing Park and through downtown, I could not help but feel free. With the wind in my face, I breathed a sigh of relief. When I ride, I feel His pleasure.
When I hear people say that they are ready for rain, I cringe and think, “I am not.” That willmean I will have to walk, run and bike in the rain. I know that day will come and by “day” I mean “months and months.” But that will not stop me. I cannot let it stop. That day, when the rain will come, non-Oregonians will take out their umbrellas like they are afraid of thewet droplets like they are acid and if they make contact with the skin or their clothes, something awful will happen. The dedicated, and the living will ride, golf, run, play, splash, walk, dance, and jump in the outdoors. It always astonishes me that when I walk through a popular park like Riverfront on a hot sunny day, the park is crowded and the next day at the same time, when one cloud is in the sky, the park is close to deserted. It astonishes me but I am also grateful for it because the crowds are diminished for people like me who are unafraid of clouds or cold or wet or the elements that God has blessed us with. Therefore, I will walk, I will run, I will ride, I will play and when I get wet or cold, I will
press
on and know that a hot cup of hot chocolate or coffee or something is waiting for me. But that cold wet day has not come yet, but I am just waiting in anticipation.
I look forward to the day I do purchase a touring bicycle. However, my old bike will suffice as a commuter in the meantime. It is by no means long-ride worthy, but around town it works great. The chain still grinds sometimes and the handle bars are sticky, but I can rest assured that for now I don’t have to put money towards a tune-up or replacement parts. For cross training, I have been walking about 4-5 miles a day which I hope to turn into part-jogs/runs in the future if my body will allow it. I have also been doing my best to eat healthier…fruits and veggies, etc. and cutting back the calories. I have lost about 14 lbs since this time last year. Just to be clear, though it is something I need to do bit by bit, it is not my goal to lose weight. My primary goal is to live a healthier lifestyle and get/keep in shape…especially since I am planning a 11-week bicycle journey. But always keep in mind, “Train for the tour or the tour trains you.”
Here’s to an active October…get out and do something fun or new…sleep on a hill, swim in a lake or river…sleep under the stars…start listening to Christmas music…oh snap!
When I ride, I feel His pleasure…
(**First written & published on October 1, 2012**)
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