As I write this I'm filled with conflicting emotions. I'm happy, thrilled to bits actually...who wouldn't be? I have MY bike sitting in MY utility room, it's finally here! But I'm also scared and anxious as the reality of this huge commitment begins to settle in on my shoulders. So rather than be 100% giddy with excitement when I look at the bike (which
is what I totally expected myself to be), I'm actually just more aware of the corner I've painted
myself into and it's hit me with all it's reality. I think part of the problem is that I had built this up to be some momentous occasion in my head, fireworks would explode, animated bluebirds would land on my shoulder and in reality the only thing that has happened is my last excuse just melted away with the ice. I now stand facing my challenge squarely in the face and feel I'm woefully inadequate. To make matters even more intense I weighed myself this morning for the
first time in quite awhile and had pictures taken with the bike this
afternoon...it really is a miracle I don't find myself sitting knees
drawn up to my chin rocking hysterically in a dark corner somewhere.
Here it is at last! The bright orange station wagon of bicycles, I love it. It still doesn't feel like mine but I think once I've customized it a bit that will change.
Also in the picture is our sweet dog Beatrix the Staffordshire Terrier, she is the most patient and loving creature who constantly amazes me with her tolerance for Jack.
Here's a picture of me and my boy Jack. When he woke up from his nap to find our gigantic orange bike in the kitchen he immediately began trying to push it along, spun the peddles, squealed with joy and began a speedy ascent to the deck. When we finally peeled him from the bike he cried for 5 minutes so I think it's safe to say Jack loves his bike. Tomorrow we are picking up the trailer and I hope to figure out an easy way to attach it to the bike. The forecast predicts mild rainy weather with high 30's to mid 40's for the whole week, far better than the frigid ice storm we just had.
I have what I hope are reasonable expectations for the first week and my goal is to build up to an easy 5 mile round trip. I've mapped out some routes that appeal to me and found an old rain poncho. I don't have a lock yet or a puncture repair kit and a pump but those things will have to come in a few weeks, either way it's time to hit the road and start having fun on our bike!
Awesome girl. Your gonna be the coolest mom on wheels no less!!! I'm
ReplyDeleteSuper excited for you and Jack!!!
Thank you Kimmy!
Deletei am excited for your new adventure. enJoy that first week getting to know and becoming comfortable with your bike. Ride On!
ReplyDeleteThank you Korieugene! I am really excited to go ride today, hoping that 38 degree weather has melted the ice a bit which I'm sure it has!
DeleteDon't make it work. You don't HAVE to ride your bike, you GET to ride your bike. I get stabby, now, when I HAVE to drive my truck!
ReplyDeleteHey Kevbo- You are so right, totally perception. I am so LUCKY to be able to ride this bike with my boy, I know so many mums would love this opportunity. I'm really excited about a grocery trip the most lol.
DeleteFive miles round trip sounds very ambitious! My first ride was three blocks there and back. Actually my first ever ride after 10 years off was 1/2 a block and I couldn't make it up the hill and came home crying...Oh I am so excited for you! (I am trying the subscribe link, but I don't know if I push it then publish or publish first...I am making it complicated!)
ReplyDeleteStacy- did you get an email? I hope so! I wrote a note pointing out the Subscribe button so hope it works. Maybe 5 miles is too much, I'm definitely going to go with the flow and not push myself. This is more about long term commitment than get out there in the biggest loser style...I expect it to take a long time to get places and just enjoy the ride, no rushing! Thank you!
DeleteI did. I got them for all the comments! Which is more than I needed, but much better than none :) You are up EARLY! My sister is overweight and out of shape and her first ride was 5m r/t, I did a post about it a few weeks ago. I wish I could be there to cheer you on. I will just do it from here... Ride Lindsay Ride!
ReplyDeleteOh so now people will be bombarded with emails- I wish they could make these blogger sites a little more reader friendly and user friendly! Yes, I'm up watching Kipper because Jack wouldn't sleep haha. I really appreciate your support and cheers, thanks Stacy!! I'm going to need it at times I'm sure! Going to look for your post about your sister.
DeleteI don't think 5 mi is to much, especially in this town. When I got my wife to start biking our first ride was 5 mi and she hadn't ridden in years. And it was after dark in February. We just took it slow and we made it just fine. Later that summer she rode 83 miles in a day. My 61 yr old mom rode 16 mi this summer on her 3 speed cruiser and she hadn't ridden more than 3 miles in 20 yrs. Since then her and my dad have done several 15 mi rides here locally. All that just to say, You can do it too! And if you don't make it that far be no less proud of yourself because you still got out there and rode your bike. If your going for 5 today I hope you find some clear streets. It still looks pretty messy in my neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteThanks Luke!! The route I have marked out is completely flat so that will make it easier. Yeah our neighborhood does not look welcoming right now, big patches of ice and chunks of snow all over the road. I think I will wait until it warms up in the afternoon and then attempt to get out. Our house is right at the bottom of a hill so it's even worse right here, I can't even break through the ice!
DeleteI know it looks like a mountain now but give yourself a chance and just take your time. Within a month you'll be more comfortable and 5 miles will look like a very short trip. Trust me, I've been there.
ReplyDeleteGerry :)
Thank you Gerry! You are always so encouraging!
DeleteI live in Portland, in a not-so-flat part, so 5 miles sounds like a lot to me. Then again, my bike weighs more than yours too (the bakfiets is about 90 lbs all on its own). So take all that into consideration, then throw it out the window and feel good about any distance you go your first time out!
ReplyDeleteHere is my biking set of photos on Flickr so you can see I'm not exactly a svelte woman and I've been car-free since May 2009. You can do it! http://flic.kr/s/aHsjvQEEWA
Kyouell- love your bike, so nice! Carfree since May 2009 is very impressive, especially with kids!! Thanks for the comment! Love your little ones helmet! I want to get Jack the Union Jack helmet too!
DeleteYay!! So you got a Yuba - and an orange one at that! Very popular in our hours you know. ;-) I'm so excited for you - I think you will love it. Andrew loves loves LOVE our Yuba Mundo and he now commutes to work with it even w/o the little guy or any gear. The velcro-able padded seat cushion is helpful AND washable. Really nice with kids.
ReplyDeleteSamantha- yes got the orange Mundo and I love it! I took my first ride on it today just for a few blocks because of all the snow- so fun!
DeleteJack already loves it and he hasn't been on it yet!
Yes, my first ride after 10 years of not being on a bike was three blocks to the library. Going it's downhill. Coming home it's a slight hill. All of my tires ( bike and trailer's) were flat. It was SO HARD. amazing that I did not give up- and then the next ride was a few days later to preschool. I had to walk the bike and trailer up several hills. slow but steady and I did it.
ReplyDeleteglad to see your blog. Good luck and you can do it!
MamaVee I think I'm kinda lucky because this town is pretty level except for a long gradual incline from East to West...which is fortunately away from my house, so every time I ride east I will gt to cruise home.
DeleteForgot to say thank you for your comment:)
DeleteThe distance isnt important. Enjoy the ride. Get some spare inner tubes so you can fix punctures at home.
ReplyDeletePete
Pete- how right you are and thank you for that reminder (I need it). I think I need to focus on that, it's about lifestyle not "challenge" in a way. Good idea about the tubes too! That will make life a lot easier. Thank you, Lindsay
DeleteVery exciting! I look forward to reading about your first ride(s) on the bike. I think what you are doing is very commendable and wish that more people would be able to make a similar lifestyle choice.
ReplyDeleteI'll be cheering you on along with many others I'm sure. Stay strong.
I second the advice about some spare tubes and, if you haven't looked into it yet, a small tool bag to house them along with the tools needed to fix a flat(wrench or two, the spare tubes, some tire levers, etc.). Along with a small pump that you can mount under a water bottle cage you will have what you need to get you back on the road when you get a flat.
Don't forget to learn and practice how to use the tools and make a repair. =)
Hello Jason-
DeleteThank you for cheering me on, I very much appreciate it and I'm sure I will need it in the coming months...weeks...days...lol.
I do have huge concerns about flats, I can fix them no problem in the perfect setting. My concern lies with #1 the rear wheel is apparently really tough to get off on the Mundo, especially with cargo and just the weight of the bike. THEN, as if that's not enough I shall have a toddler with me...my gig goal will be to make my tires as thorn proof as possible (lots of goat heads here) and I will just have to walk to a safe place to change it. I may end up tethering my child to a post like a dog lol. Thanks again for the advice!!! Love all the great comments!