Where's My Horse?

I really could have titled this post "What Was I Thinking?" , but since I used that last time, I figured I'd make a comment on my wonderful posture at the moment. Two days after swimming for 3 miles, I ventured out to North Birmingham for a 33-mile bike ride. Andreas is having great fun watching me stroll around the house looking like I've been riding a horse. Somewhere between mile 10 and 15 this morning my right hamstring just seemed to shut down. When we took a break at the rest stop mid-way through the course, I could already feel it stiffen and I was having terrible trouble walking. In fact, it was so bad that when we got ready to go, I just couldn't get that right leg to get back in the swing of pedaling. So, you guessed it, DOWN I WENT! How embarrassing!! I got one foot clipped into my pedals and I was just too stiff to pedal. With both feet on the pedals and no forward motion, my beautiful bike had nowhere to go but down -- taking its tired rider with it. Oh well, the good people at the rest stop were kind enough to pull me up, reattach my chain and make sure that I was OK. I swallowed my pride, thanked everyone for their help and was on my way.

I really have to say, though, that the best part of the ride was the company. One of the MBA students is an avid cyclist and when I told him about this ride he was very excited about it. I think he wanted to take the 66-mile option but was kind enough to hang back with me for just 33. Even better, his dad -- who is equally delightful -- came along too. Frequently I tell people how much I love the South and what a good move this has been. I'd have to say that the biggest reason for that is the people and the Kellys are a perfect example of that. These guys are far more athletic than I and probably could have gone much faster and much longer today. However, they rode with me the entire morning and even circled around to let me catch up when I started to fall behind. A few times, when the course was really getting to me, they rode beside me and chatted. That was a great distraction from the rolling hills and brutal headwinds -- not to mention a wonderful opportunity to get to know them better.

Well, it was a painful day physically but a pretty special day emotionally. I rode for a much longer distance than I ever thought I could and got to hang out with two pretty cool guys at the same time. Not a bad day!

Now let's see what tomorrow has in store!