I started my 15-mile circuit on my bike today. Straight up Man’O’War to the airport and back. It feels good to ride again. 

Just realized one of my new favorite things; riding my bike to the airport, watching some airplanes takeoff (I saw an old biplane take off today). Coming home, taking a shower, then heading up the street to hit up the taco truck. This was the perfect ride. 

Today was a gorgeous day for riding. On my way out to the airport, I started with a 10-knot tailwind. Unfortunately, that meant I also got a 10-knot headwind on the ride home. I stopped at the airport and piddled around for about 30 minutes. 

Someone flew the bird at me while I was riding my bike today. God bless them (I really mean that). It wasn’t any of you fine gentlemen, was it? Or I suppose maybe just a random act of kindness? Everyone just LOVES cyclists, you know. I think I might have an idea who it was actually, but I won’t say. And greetings to you too good sir! 

I blew my rear tire on my ride tonight. My first impulse was to call for the “support vehicle.” But then I rethought this idea and decided to walk home instead. It was an excellent decision. I’m always rushing around needlessly to get here or there. Sometimes it’s best to just unplug. I walked for four miles as puffy white cumulus filled the deep blue, pink, and red horizon. The sun beat down upon my neck and shoulders. I made eye contact with several passersby as they sped down the boulevard at their reckless pace. Some yahoo yelled obscenities at me from his car window. The wind evaporating the sweat from my arms gave me a slight chill as it blew through me. A bicycle is an amazing way to see every minute detail of the countryside that escapes you in a car, but walking the same path is even better. It always gives me inner peace. 

Bikes in the shop for the entire week. Getting a whole new drive train. The guy at the bike shop said it sounded like a Sherman tank. I guess I’ll have to go to the gym this week. Boo. 

I pulled out the old Wal-Mart special tonight. She is certainly not my GT. I had my reservations, and it took me a while to talk myself into going. It looks like a granny bike with a seat made for fat-bottomed girls. The gears don’t shift smoothly, and it weighs a ton. I thought the tires might be dry rotted since the bike hasn’t been ridden in years. But she got the job done. Albeit I’m a little sore after my normal jaunt “down the street.” 

Journal entry: Day three riding the ugly bicycle. 

A granny with three Pekingese leashed to a tricycle laughed at me as she passed. We were on a flat and level sidewalk. I tried to give the bike away to the Salvation Army. They said they didn’t do charity and told me to try Grogan’s Wheelchair and Accessories. (I think they were lying). Grogan’s said it was too slow for their needs. So, then I approached a pair of Mormon boys on sabbatical. They told me to go away, I was bothering them.  

Naa…just kidding. Thank the Lord I’ve got a bike to ride. That’s more than some people have to their name I suppose. I can’t wait for my GT to get out of the shop. Off to eat some rabbit food, I guess.