things happen for a reason... and dreams

the pouting has ended.  pity party over.  thanks for all the comments and support... 

Today I had some time for me.  I wasn't able to get an appt with my hair dresser for today, so I decided I'd go for a bike ride. After thinking about it a while, I figured since I have my road bike mounted on the trainer, I'd take my hybrid bike out.  Might be safer than the road bike given my history (click here if you're new to reading my blog and want the full story).  I also thought it might be safer for my leg as I have clipless pedals on my road bike and not sure the twisting motion is the best for my stress fractured leg.

So I got dressed and couldn't help smiling knowing that I was finally going to be able to use my RoadID anklet that I ordered, and be reunited with the Garmin. It's been a while since I was only biking indoors for the last month.

Gear ready, got my phone, some change, Garmin, RoadID, water, Clif bar... all set.  Get my hybrid out, and slowly get out to the road, where I can hear the sound of my tire being severely deflated.  Sigh... i've ridden this bike about 6 times, ever.  2 full flats already, and now this.  I twisted off the cap, got my pump and inflated the tire.  Thought it was fine, put the cap back on... could use more air.  Cap on tight, can't get it off.  I tried pulling it and twisting, pushing and twisting, won't budge.  Argh.  A little frustrated, part of me was ready to go back in the house, throw my pj's back on and curl up for some more sleep... but it's too nice a day out for that.  I decided that I'd brave it, suck it up, and go out for an easy ride on my road bike.  I had been wearing shorts but decided to put a pair of long tights on instead.  2 reasons, it was a little chillier than I thought out, and by wearing Under Armour tights, it's gotta protect my legs from any road rash, scrapes, and bike parts slicing into your leg, right? LOL  ok, that's what I convinced myself of anyway.  I just felt a bit safer. It was also chilly, remember, so it was also to warm me up a bit ;)

I get the bike off the trainer, move my phone into the pouch on my bike, and finally i'm set.  At this point, I'm no longer frustrated, happy with my decision to go anyway, excited and nervous to be back on the road bike.  I head down a street which I have yet to ride on because it's been closed for months for a bridge repair.  This was the point I knew this felt right.

I had the best ride ever.  I took it easy.  When I knew I'd have to stop at a light or something, I gave myself plenty of time to twist out my feet... and even though maybe not the "right" way, I unclipped both... just to be safe. I am still fairly new to riding along with traffic, as well as these clipless pedals, so I wanted to do what I felt was better to prevent another accident or mishap. Also, by preparing ahead (which obviously won't always be possible if a car decides to cut me off again, or whatever) I was able to gently unclip, rather than try to jam it out when my foot is "stuck", which happens sometimes... so hopefully better for my leg.

so looking back at it, i'm happy that i didn't ride the hybrid (which I think i'm going to go back to the store with, cuz i paid way too much money for this bike to not be able to use it and continuously change the tube... ) I'm also glad that i got the confidence back to get out there, and glad i went out for a 20k ride.

i also have a new dream.  I've been inspired by someone's stories and want to one day be able to experience something like this.  This dream is something that is attainable, which I have already started researching.  If I ever came into some money, it would significantly expand the possibilities of this dream, but if I want this badly enough, which I do, I can manage.  It's not a short term thing, won't be done this year, maybe not even next year, but I'd like to achieve this by the time I'm 35, so I have just short of 4 years.  That's all the info I will provide on this for the moment...  :)   Good luck to those racing this weekend...