What an absolutely gorgeous day!! Blue sky, puffy white clouds, a slight breeze and a free afternoon to do as I pleased. I was going to hit the gym with a couple of friends from work (they're trying to talk me into taking a Zumba class), but wires got crossed and we wound up not going. But as luck would have it, I got my bike tuned-up last week and have been anxious to hit the trails.
So, after taking Annie-Dog for her walk, I hopped on my bike and headed out. I rode my usual route, but now I have a fancy wireless computer that showed exactly how fast I was traveling, how far I'd gone, how long I'd ridden, and best of all, THE TEMPERATURE! ;) It was a balmy 60 degrees and I rode 11.2 miles in almost exactly an hour. It felt so good to be out enjoying the beautiful weather. While the above photos show some sights from my ride, I have to confess that they're from my archives. Our trees are not leafed-out, nor is the grass that lush and green. But it won't be long.
There's nothing quite like the first warm spring day of the year.
I rode past a baseball field and heard the crack of a bat. OK, not really a crack. More like a ping. But what a great sound!
I heard two cardinals calling out to each other from the tree tops.
I heard the squeal of a small child in a swing at a playground.
I saw dozens and dozens of people out enjoying the weather. People were walking, jogging, biking, rollerblading, and walking dogs. I saw kids playing touch football in a backyard and several homeowners cleaning up their flower beds, anxious to start planting, I'm sure.
I haven't felt so full of joy and happiness in... well, months.
Life is good.
I cannot even begin to tell you how envious I am of your ability to hop on a bike and ride around without having to worry about being chased by dogs. So, so envious.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place to be able to ride. It's funny you know, because one thinks of the country or a rural area as being great for bike riding, but really it isn't -at least around here. There is just one designated path in a state park. The main roads are curvy and hilly. As I think about it, I hardly ever seen kids on bikes anymore. When I was a girl I lived on my bike, and went all over town. I wonder what's different? Inside electronics, maybe. More car traffic? Anyhow, I'd love to be able to take your bike ride!
ReplyDeleteI love this post. We have a bike trail system where we live that's just wonderful but I have yet to get a bike!
ReplyDeleteI've been getting bike fever. You're lucky it's fairly flat there. My husband is heading to the mountains shortly to mountain bike. I just called and asked if he'd tune up my road bike before he leaves. Hopefully it won't rain tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteWow!! I loved your pictures and I'm so glad that you had such a beautiful day! The weatherman is predicting 70 degrees by next Thursday here in Michigan!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so ready for spring to arrive that it didn't even occur to me that these pics couldn't possibly have been taken recently! But soon! They're talking 70's soon for us.
ReplyDeleteNancy - I used to live out in the country and was terrified when the unleashed dogs would chase me as I rode past their houses. I'm still a little nervous around unleashed dogs, especially when I have Annie with me. But for the most part, people keep their dogs on leashes.
ReplyDeleteNan - We have such a great trail system here in Lincoln (and in the country nearby). Lots of places to ride safely.
Come visit. We have an extra bike! :)
Ti - Thank you for your nice comment. Isn't it great to live somewhere that encourages biking! This is your year to buy one. :)
Melanie - I should be out biking right now, but we just got back from the dog run and sat outside on the porch enjoying the warmth of the sunshine, sipping a glass of wine. We're in for some wonderful weather all week, so I'm sure I'll get back on the trail at least once or twice.
Staci - And today's just as beautiful! Good-bye winter!!!!
Lisa - I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to have the sun shining and the temps in the high 50s. Heavenly! To think I took this all for granted when I lived in San Diego...
Sounds like a wonderful time! I am hoping to get a bike early this Summer although I wonder just how crazy I am to even try to bike around in the Texas heat! haha...
ReplyDeleteLoved reading this post. Hope you have a lot of joy every day!
You know our paths are almost identical! At first I thought, "Ho did Lesley get a picture of my bike path?" Our bikes are, too. Is yours a mountain bike? Mine is, and I'm thinking of switching to a hybrid, but there's not enough money right now with car repair expenses. Anyway, bicycling is my sport of choice, and I join in your joy. I only hope it warms up a little bit here! See you on the path, so to speak. ;)
ReplyDeleteIliana - It was a great ride. I went out again a couple of days ago and the wind was awful. I felt like I had to pedal twice as hard to go half as fast. Very tiring.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I pretty much never rode my bike in Texas. Too hot and not a lot of safe bike trails. At least not where we lived.
BTW, it's so nice to see you here again! I've missed you. :) I hope you're doing ok.
Bellezza - Are they really? I guess that shouldn't surprise me. :) Yes, my Trek is a mountain bike. It's ancient, but I can't see buying a new one for a few more years. A hybrid would be nice. A little smoother/faster ride, right? I love to bike...and walk...and paddle. I miss running, but I guess that's life. These old knees aren't what they used to be.
Hope you get some sunny, warm weather soon. It was 86 here today!!
See you on the trails. :)