Posts tagged ‘friends’
#330daysofbiking & back on home turf
- Xtracycle evening … #330daysofbiking Day 169
Finally … nothing Italian. 😉
#330daysofbiking has continued – missing the gelato stops and getting lost within small villages, but with beautiful Tennessee autumn weather, cooler temperatures, boys home for Fall Break(s), cruising the Riverwalk in Chattanooga, and on the road with the “fast” boys. Riding for fun, and riding to get the job done (errands, groceries, library, bike shop).
And some important news from coming via our friend Jeff … If you live and ride in TN, or plan to visit and ride, please take a moment to participate in a quick 9-question survey from the folks at TDOT on the state’s bicycle and pedestrian program. TDOT wants to hear from you! (And by October 30th please … my apologies for getting this posted so late.)
Although a couple of days were lost in transit (Italy), #330daysofbiking count is still on target. As of today, have ridden 189 of the past 208 days,with 159 days remaining. And so it goes.
(Coming soon … tales of a new city bike, “Elisabetta”. 🙂 Photos and details to come; stay tuned.)
the "fast" boys ... #330daysofbiking Day 175
the crunch of leaves ... #330daysofbiking Day 178
Fall Break ... #330daysofbiking Day 182
bicycle "gang" (heh heh) on the Riverwalk, Chattanooga ... #330daysofbiking Day 183
Irony: picking up a (car) bicycle rack - by bicycle ... #330daysofbiking Day 187
#330daysofbiking Days 32 & 33: friends and family
riding with friends; Jeff & Sarah, and Jeff's beautiful new Salsa Casseroll
Crazy time of year. Endless stream of end-of-school-year events and activities, family visiting from out of town… all things I enjoy and cherish, but sometimes I just wish they didn’t have to happen all at once.
I squeezed in a very brief road ride on Sunday (officially Day 32 – no pics), as the rains were moving out and before heading to the airport to pick up visiting relatives. No riding on Monday and Tuesday; spent time with family, headed to the tennis courts for last matches of the season, and attended Jazz Band concert at the HS. It felt kind of strange to be off of the bike for those two days … but there are some things that just can’t be missed.
Earlier today, we said our goodbyes to departing family, and friends Jeff and Sarah came out to the house in the afternoon. Jeff just got a wonderful new bicycle – a Salsa Casseroll. I had been anxious to see it – a stunning bike, down to every small detail – and I was anxious to get back on my own bike. So we headed out for a nice road ride together; relaxing, fun, laughter. Such great company, a beautiful day, a wonderful ride.
It may sound selfish, but it felt great to get out and have some time to do something for myself – even for just an hour or two. Almost like re-fueling for the week ahead. I love being there for my boys, and with my family, and I wouldn’t miss these milestone moments for anything – but a little dose of open space, a little breathing room, a little fresh air can really restore some inner balance.
beautiful day, beautiful ride, beautiful bike - Jeff's new Salsa Casseroll
I ❤ the chili pepper! 😉
#30daysofbiking Day 19: caffeinated
- my friend Sarah: concert violinist, coffee lover and cyclist
Rode into town this morning to meet my friend Sarah for coffee. She is one of the most amazing women I feel honored to call a friend. Accomplished concert violinist, adjunct professor of music, cyclist, gardener … and one of the most positive and upbeat people I have ever met. It was one of those hard-to-get-started Monday mornings where I needed to tap into her vivaciousness and energy. A little caffeine and an apple fritter didn’t hurt, either.
Sarah and her husband Jeff are both passionate/committed/avid cyclists (and after yesterday’s post, I hate to even try to figure out the correct adjectives). They deliberately chose to buy their house close to the university where Jeff is teaching – where he rides his bike or walk to work every day. Sarah rides locally as much as she can, although her teaching and playing often take her a little farther out, and not always within cycling range. They both recently rode in a local charity cycling event to support Habitat for Humanity. They’ve planted a wonderful organic garden in their back yard, and are always so conscious of their low-impact/no-impact lifestyle choices. I’m always inspired by them.
After coffee, I stopped at the garden center for a few small items and then headed home. Would’ve liked to have ridden a bit more, a little farther today … but it was another day of HS tennis for Grant, and I just couldn’t find the time. Feeling a little over-extended in keeping up with family, friends, photos, biking, blogging … and laundry.
But the best part about a bike commute – the times when I can incorporate a ride into daily task – is that it really gives me some breathing room. A pause from the routine. Even if it’s just a trip to town for coffee, or a stop at the garden center – it’s infinitely more satisfying than driving in a car. (Now if I could only figure out a way to do my laundry by bicycle! ;))
- errands
#30daysofbiking Day 14: I get by with a lot of help from my friends
End of a day I am glad to see over with and behind me.
I have four wonderful, inspiring, intelligent, beautiful, amazing sons. If I have left a small mark on the world, it is only through them. When someone takes them for granted, mis-treats them – especially an adult who knows better – well, my fangs come out. And that’s all I am going to say right now.
During the mess that was today, I can only say I got by with a lot of help from my friends. I include my bicycle in that group … the brief ride I managed to take today cleared my head, calmed me down, reminded me to breathe. Anyone who rides knows the sanity-inducing power of pedaling, the simple sensation of moving forward, the meditative act of the inhale and the exhale. The rhythm.
Feeling a little more peaceful as the sun sets. Grateful for friends.
shebicycles 