With the BRR Bicycle Ride last Saturday, many people are thinking about cycling again — and not just the hardcore riders. A bit of warm weather gets most all of us thinking it is springtime, at least until a February blizzard brings us back to reality.
Even so, it does feel like it is bicycle-riding weather, at least that is what my wife, Jolene, tells me. She has been an avid cyclist in years past and wants to get those tires rolling again — and she wants me to join her.
We have the bicycles. We own the gear. We know the paths. 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 and 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.
Jolene, 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). And then she must air up the tires (every time she rides) to the exact pressure. She then 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? I am sitting on my bike patiently waiting for the right time to ask if she is ready. And, of course, there is no right time to ever ask if she is ready. She will tell me when she is ready. After nearly 30 years of marriage, I am still learning.
It may be a few more months, but on the trails we will go. We hope to see you there. If you need water, just ask Jolene. She will have a spare bottle.
Thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@dmcityview.com
641-755-2115