Cycling

I’ve been sorely in need of exercise.  Yes, I’m loosing weight. However; it seems that everyone in the know will tell you that  a healthy body requires exercise.  I could argue that my fingers dance across a keyboard all day long and that should be plenty of exercise… but we all know that isn’t true.

I’ve been walking.  I enjoy my walks but I never really feel like I accomplish much other than making my feet/ankles sore.

I love bike riding. I used to race BMX bikes many, many years ago. I LIVED on that bike and could do nearly anything on it. After becoming an “adult” I purchased and rode a mountain bike.  I still own that same bike – I’ve probably had it twenty-five years?  Sadly, it still looks nearly brand new. In fact, it still has the original tires.  I guess I haven’t ridden it all that much.  It is time for that to change.

A few days ago I started riding again.  I figured some short rides to get back into the swing of things was in order.  So, I started with an easy seven mile ride.  The next day was a similar eight mile ride (and so on).  I LOVED it!  This motivated me to give the poor thing some much needed attention.  As time has permitted, I’ve torn down various parts, clean, and repacked bearings.  The whole bike is not done yet but I’m making good progress.

My hands/wrists are paying the heaviest price right now. I quickly realized that I have never spent the time to properly fit/adjust the bike.  Sore wrists generally means that I putting far too much pressure on them – leaning over and forward too much – it still amazes me how much information is available online!!  I adjusted as much as I could and then needed some different parts. So, I’ve ordered a new stem that brings the bars back closer to me and raises them up.  Additionally, I ordered a set of bars that are raised two inches.  None of that has arrived yet so I’m anxiously waiting!

In the mean time, I’m continuing to ride everyday.  I don’t feel the least bit “tired” during or after the ride – only the sore hands/wrists.  So, I’m keeping the mileage down until the bike is better adjusted as I am fearful of messing something up and not being able to ‘dance across a keyboard all day long’ – that would make the people that sign my paycheck unhappy!  Nonetheless, I am really enjoying the rides – the time to think!