Saturday, August 7, 2010

No surfing, but lots of cycling!


No waves! The west/southwest winds have really flattened my favorite surfing spots. It's been almost two weeks since I had a decent surf night, and it doesn't look like it will be that much better anytime soon. Although, a developing storm system in the eastern Gulf might bring in some waves during the next couple of days. Until then though, I'll enjoy my other sport: Cycling. I started cycling seriously about 18 years ago. I say seriously, not because I was training to race, but because that was the first time I went out with a serious cycling group and rode approximately 40 miles. The distance seemed long back then, but now, on most Saturdays, I ride at least 60 miles. (It sounds like a much longer distance than it actually is when you consider that it can be ridden in under four hours.) Cycling is a big part of my life. I'd ride everywhere if I could do it safely and in a timely manner. That's not always the case; at least, not on the roads around here. Our roads have alot of traffic, and the drivers of the cars are often in a hurry. I have ridden my bike on a couple of occasions to work. I enjoyed the ride, but I didn't feel entirely safe. I know people, though, who ride to work every day or, at least, almost every day. They take the same route I would, so I guess I shouldn't use safety as an excuse. I probably should just resolve to ride to work more often. I have showers waiting for me there, so I can't even use my "sweat" as an excuse.

Lately, I've been participating in the Tuesday night paperclip rides. I hadn't ridden that ride for awhile, and it wasn't until I started riding it again recently that I realized how much I missed them. I need to keep it up. Not only does it keep me in shape, but it also strengthens my spirit!