March 25, 2010

Bike Fever!




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.

10 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. What 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!

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  3. I love this post. We have a bike trail system where we live that's just wonderful but I have yet to get a bike!

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  4. I'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.

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  5. Wow!! 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!!

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  6. I'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.

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  7. Nancy - 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.

    Nan - 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...

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  8. 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...

    Loved reading this post. Hope you have a lot of joy every day!

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  9. Anonymous6:44 AM

    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. ;)

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  10. Iliana - 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.

    Yeah, 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. :)

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