sucking wind…and just plain sucking

Friday morning, I hopped on my bike for my first real ride in nearly two years. Big Sis, Big Bro-in-law, their children, Mom, her new hubby, L and me all set out for a bike ride. It started out easy, allowing me time to get reacquainted with Donna (otherwise known as my bike). A short time into the ride, we passed the “hill” and began heading in the opposite direction. It wasn’t long before Big Sis and L suggested that we take the hill on our own and regroup with the family afterwards. I looked back at what seemed like a short but very steep climb. Big Sis and L were nearly drooling as they waited for my answer. I nodded and they were off to attack the hill.

Right away, I was sucking wind, my quads were burning, and I was in my granny gear. I thought about abandoning the effort but kept on. As I passed a few joggers who where heading in the opposite direction, I began longing for my running shoes. The entire time, it felt like I was on the verge of falling over. With just a bit more to go, L returned to offer me encouragement. It worked. Just moments later, the road leveled off.

At the top, the decision was made to continue on. Big Sis was sure that we’d be able to meet up with the family on the back side of the hill. I went along with the plan. We enjoyed a short but rewarding ascent following by some rolling hills and seriously lovely scenery which included L’s seriously strong [read: sexy] legs and tight tush — not that I was looking.

L and Big Sis picked up speed on the back side of the hill and I fell behind once again. My legs were toast from two days of hard running coupled with a lack of cycling. Seriously, the lack of cycling was the issue. How could I have let this happen?

In spite of my suckiness, it was good to be out and I was enjoying the ride. I caught up with Big Sis and L at the stop sign where a call was being made to Big Bro-in-law. It seemed that Big Sis didn’t actually know where they were after all — not exactly. The connection was unsuccessful so we chose a direction and rode onward hoping to make contact further down the hill.

It wasn’t long before Big Bro-in-law called back and righted us to his exact location. The family reunited and we rode on together. Along the way, while stopped to fix a flat on the tandem, we discovered the bones of a unknown animal. The kids were very excited at the discovery, but not as enthusiastic as Big Sis. It made for great conversation on the road back. Also, I took a few pictures with hopes that you, my internet friends, might be able to ID the mystery animal.

And…

In case you were wondering, we did go back up that hill. I am motivated to get back on the road again soon. I must to redeem myself as a cyclist. I seriously cannot be that out of shape.

Addendem:  I forgot one other minor, but funny detail that I knew you would enjoy.

I have always had this issue getting my left foot clicked in to my pedals.  So, when I successfully clicked in after a stop at the restrooms, I was thrilled.  I sort of did a dance and then slowly moved down a sloped area to where the rest of the group was waiting.  This was when I began to wobble…hop, hop…and then fall.  All the while I was laughing hysterically (which did not help matters).  I knocked over Big Sis’ bike as I fell in slow motion.  Then I lay on my back, with my foot still clicked in, laughing so hard that I could not get up.  Of course, L just stood there smiling at me.  He offered me his hand but I was laughing so hard that I couldn’t take it for a minute.  Who knows what was going through his mind. 

Yup.  I’m keeping it real alright.  I’m having a lot of fun doing it too.