With Guthrie Center being named as an overnight town for RAGBRAI, I started thinking more about bicycling. Of course, it is not bicycle-riding weather yet, but that’s not stopping some people from pumping up the tires in anticipation, including my wife, Jolene. She has been an avid cyclist in years past, and she can’t wait to get those tires rolling again — and she wants me to join her.
We have the bikes. We own the gear. We know the routes. But, we have differing views of what bicycling is.
I spent most of my childhood on the seat of my bicycles. I rode them to the swimming pool, to the Little League games, to my friends’ homes. My bikes were nothing special, but they were my sources of transportation — and freedom — and riding was so easy. Jump on and start pedaling. I still have that mindset today, except I now prefer a motorcycle over a bicycle.
My wife, on the other hand, sees bicycling as a form of exercise with many steps to the process.
First, she has to dress in the full uniform with spandex shorts, bicycling shirts, gloves and pedal-locking shoes. Then, there are the water bottles (yes, plural) that must be filled with just the right amount of ice and water and placed securely in the metal bottle holders (yes, plural). Next, she must air up the tires (every time she rides) to the exact pressure. Then, she adjusts the seat, cleans the biking sunglasses, straps on one of the assortment of helmets (yes, plural), and she is almost ready to go.
And me, when I join her on a bicycle ride?
I sit on my bicycle patiently waiting for the right time to ask if she is ready. And, of course, there is no right time to ever ask is she is ready. She will tell me when she is ready. I am learning.
It won’t be long, and we will hopefully be on two wheels — Jolene on her bicycle and me on my motorcycle. And, if you need water, just ask Jolene. She will have a spare bottle.
Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707