Reflections and New Beginnings

Surprise!! Yeah, I'm back at the blog. It's been months since I posted here. Truth is I had nothing to say. After Elephant Rock and summer vacation, my desire to get on a bike hit an all time low. So, I didn't. For months. The last thing in the world I wanted to do was walk down to storage, mount up and pedal. I can't say why, for sure. I can tell you that my attitude was not just limited to cycling. It spilled over into most aspects of my life. I talked to my doctor about it at my annual physical and she offered a suggestion. "Let's increase your depression meds."
Within a couple of weeks, I began to see a difference. I had days when I thought, "Wow, I'm really happy today." It had been a L-O-N-G time since a typical day resulted in a general feeling of happiness. But, I was having more and more of them. Gradually, I started to ponder my bike. I took it out for a little jaunt around the neighborhood just to test it out. Everything seemed to be working fine. I was not fit any more but I could ride. I was back at the beginning again, back on familiar ground.
Since then, I have been doing some weekend riding, weather permitting, when I take Lucas to the skate park. The Denver Skate Park is located on the Platte River at 20th and I-25. The Platte River Trail runs right beside it. It's pretty tough to argue that I'm better served sitting in the car with a good book than riding my bike along that trail.
******
Oh brother! I just reread that last paragraph. Let's think this through... Is it possible that the weather would be good enough to ride a skateboard through the bowls and over the waves but not good enough to ride a bike???? Truth be told, there are conditions in which you can ride a bike but not a skate board but not the other way around. OK, note to self: If you are going to the skate park, take your frickin' bike, put your ass on it and ride somewhere!
******
So, where was I? Oh, yeah, so I am back on my bike. This last weekend, I rode about 10 miles before the winter storm arrived. Snow is on the ground now and will be for the next few days. By next weekend, however, it will be near 50 degrees and I will get back on my bike.
As for my goal of 1855, well not this year. Although I have until March 1 to complete my miles, I won't make it. I'm not certain I am even half way. But, I am looking forward now. I'll keep the same goal for the coming year. I'm not going to attempt that crazy Elephant Rock in June. I have signed up for a different event. I am going to ride for Eddie and MS research in the MS Bike Kansas City ride in September. To be ready to complete that two day ride, I will need to ride regularly and often throughout the summer. Until the weather is consistently agreeable, I'll ride when Lucas skates (and he skates if it's above freezing and the park is clear of snow), get my bike tuned, and eat healthy.
It's good to be back in the saddle again.