Rediscovering the joy of pedal power

After checking out the extended forecast and seeing a 60+ degree, sunny Saturday on deck, I decided I was going to break out a bike for a jaunt. The first half of the ride, I was trying to push myself as if it were a typical training session. Just a little before the halfway point of my circumnavigation of Mercer Island, it occurred to me that I should be enjoying the ride. There was no one checking my progress, expecting a certain number of miles or a better average mph. For the first time in years, I wasn't out for a training ride; trying to prepare myself to meet some self imposed goal.

I stopped and snapped a picture of Mt. Rainer at the bottom of the island. It was a blue bird kind of day and the peak's white top stood out majestically against the azure sky. I snacked a bit before resuming my ride. For the duration, I was smiling and noticing the scenery as I remembered just how much I loved biking. I ended up with a 32 mile ride in 2 hours and 26 minutes. Not too bad for my first "real" ride in about 6 months. The best part was, while I still put in a decent amount of miles, I felt great at the end! Oh, I will be sore, to be sure, however it's like the pleasant climbing session/volleyball evening kind of sore!

The theme for 2010: rediscover the joy in cycling. I used to look forward to a day in the saddle and it's time to get back there!