Bicycling

Category: gardening among the rocks | Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 5:04 pm

Whew. OK, I'll admit it. I let things go over the winter. And the fall. And, OK, much of summer too. But lately I'm back to riding my bike again, even today. Today, when I discovered that someone moved my bike out of the garage to make space for the *gasp* car. And left it where it would get wet if it rained. It did and it did. So my tucas is wet, but I am unswayed.
After I had that lousy stroke in 99, and couldn't drive a car for several years due to eyes that refused to work together (and are both blind on the right side anyways) I started to ride my bike. It gave me some sense of control over my life. My goal was to work up to being able to ride to the little grocery store, just over a mile and one steep hill away. You'd have thought I'd landed a dismount on the moon the way I trumpeted when I was finally able to ride up that steep hill without pushing partway. From there I went on to further challenges until I could ride the 10+ mile round trip to the library and back, all while DD was in school for the day.
About two years into my riding I began experimenting with driving a bit, first to the end of the driveway, then the end of the road, then to the grade school. I'd park there and ride out on my bike. But as I became steadier driving, my eyes cooperating better, the problems I was having with bicycling began to be less tolerable. I was nearly swiped by cars a couple of times, a close call or two with a logging truck, a doggy that didn't take kindly to me, I gradually became discouraged with bicycling as a means of transportation, and decided my limited range of driving would have to do. I eventually stopped riding entirely . Problem was, my mood suffered from it. Perhaps as a side effect of the stroke, I don't know. But I was becoming pessimistic, and introspective, horribly negative at times. I was in a stalemate place where I was entirely too aware of the limitations and inabilities in my life. That, and flabby muscles, drove me to start cycling again.
I did have a brush with a logging truck this morning. But then I also came really close to a fat brown rabbit breakfasting on the roadside. Several swallows felt the need to inspect me as I passed the nest boxes placed on fenceposts by the local scout group. And even after writing all this, my bum is still wet.
It's all good.

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Droopy wrote on Tue May 20, 2008 5:14 pm:

You've got my total admiration and lots of cheers! Studies show that fresh air and moderate exercise does wonders for both mental and physical health, which is why I'm thankful for my girls and horses that get me out on chilly, wet days as well as those days perfect for gardening. Enjoy your bicycle, and may I ask that you please bring your camera with you next time?

eileen wrote on Tue May 20, 2008 8:24 pm:

Mary you are an inspiration!!! If I could ride a bicycle your post would have me out on it right now. Apart from the wet nether regions I'm sure your going to have some memorable bike rides to tell us about. Go girl go!!!!

tschnath wrote on Wed May 21, 2008 2:17 am:

CP, good for you. I also ride. I've got a trailer for DD#2 and we just ride all over. Exercise is good for your mind and your body. Kudos to you to be doing it after a stroke. Sounds like you've come back strong. Keep up the riding and yes, I'm with Droopy, please bring your camera next time.

glendann wrote on Wed May 21, 2008 5:47 am:

I use to ride bikes all time but my first heart attack was triggered by pumping Heather around here and Dr.wont let me ride them anymore.My heart beats to fast and I have to take meds for that.I am glad you can ride as I have missed riding so much.You keep on riding wet tush or not.

toni wrote on Wed May 21, 2008 12:46 pm:

Mary, glad to hear you are getting back on the bike. That will do you a ton of good, fresh air, sunshine, the rush of adrenaline from the near misses with logging trucks..... except for that last one, those are all good for your mental and physical well being :)

Yes, we need pictures of things like the rabbits and swallows.

woodlandfey wrote on Thu May 22, 2008 6:08 pm:

Wow! I am inspired! I can not imagine doing what you've done. I'm proud of you. You should be proud of you too! I'm contemplating on riding to work. It's a short 5 miles with several steep hills too. But.....I guess action is the key here.
Thanks for sharing this with us!