Like any sport or hobby, cycling has a learning curve. Everything from road safety to changing a flat tire are things which I am learning as I shift my focus from running to cycling. Given that it is all rather new to me, at least at this level, I’ve found myself on the side of the road a time or two. Actually, twice in this weekend alone.

Both times, I did my best to keep my amusement as I struggled to perform simple things like removing my back tire from my bike in order to fix the 1st of the 2 flat tires I would encounter in the 2-day weekend. It would seem that I have a bit of learning to do about the differences between my new bike and my old Bianchi, how to properly use the CO2 cartridges so that no additional air is required, how to find the darn cause of the flat, and the essential amount of supplies to carry on a ride. All these essentials skills are ones I must acquire…and FAST.

In the meantime, I am finding that there are a whole lot of good samaritan cyclists who are willing to lend a hand, pump, or CO2 cartridge should it be needed. One even gave me one of his tire irons after I broke mine trying to wrestle my tire back onto my wheel. Although I need to learn to do this myself, it sure is good to know that there are people out there who are willing to help. One in particular, whom I was venting to and getting tips from via text messages, was willing to drive down and rescue me. Although seriously tempted, I declined his offer as I was determined to learn the skill then tried to stay amused as tireirons and fingernail broke on me.

At the end of the weekend, I logged 42.7 miles. Covering 36.8 miles on Sunday, I just met my goal of a 35 mile long ride. And although I was slightly disappointed with the distance ridden given the amount of time this ride took, I am pleased to have met my goal.

I arrived home to find YaYa had taken a few lemons from our tree in the backyard and turned them into lemonade. Lucky for me, my timely return home made me the perfect test subject. After I downed the 1st glass in record time and asked for another, he said, “Well, okay but could you drink it slowly; I want to sell the rest in my lemonade stand.” And so I helped him set up his business and tend to his customers for a bit before hitting the shower and reflecting upon how I too had, in my own way, turned lemons into lemonade instead of tears