Being that the leaves are turning colors and are beginning to fall, I am worried that the number of nice weekends that will lend themselves to epic-long bike rides are rapidly dwindling. Today, however, was a beautiful day, and if I could pause the progression of the season from now until spring, I would... nevermind the cataclysmic consequences that would have on our environment.
The weather was so perfect today that it was hard to justify staying indoors or even in the city even as 2pm approached. I knew I had to get in a long bike ride at some point before the winter came, but sometimes it's all too easy to stay home when you have good company. The thing is that barring some major tragedy, my good company will always be around...even in the short, dark, depressing days of December and January, whereas the nice Autumn weather will not.
So 2pm rolled around, and I hesitantly got dressed for my ride. My shoddy pre-ride meal consisted of an apple and peanut butter, some tomatoes, and I'm sure there was a piece of dark chocolate or two in there somewhere. I made one great decision and one egregious error when I went out. The great decision was that I brought my sweatshirt with me, the error was that I brought my backpack. While handy, it puts a lot of strain on one's shoulders.
As I set out for my ride, I made the decision to hit up one of my favorite sites that is an uncomfortable distance from my house. I wasn't prepared for HOW uncomfortable it would be. Mount Vernon was my destination, and I. Would. Not. Be. Deterred!
As I biked out of Capitol Hill, I haphazardly found my way to the Memorial Bridge, thanks to my Droid RAZRM (like that advertising, Verizon?). The air flowing through my hair (and helmet) felt great, and I leisurely crossed the bridge, savoring the view as it floated by.
The trail itself was stressful at first. With the dexterity of a lizard, I skillfully dodged runners, site-seeing cyclists, and oblivious children. Casualty-free day! Counts as a win in my book.
The weirdest thing about the Mt. Vernon Trail was the stretch that goes through Old Town Alexandria. I was not prepared for city cycling, and certainly was confused when the trail turned into asphalt. Thank god for the cyclists ahead of me. "These ladies look like they know what they're doing. I'll just cycle right behind them so we look like a group!" Eventually, I caught the trail again.
After Alexandria, the traffic was much more clear, and I could speed up or slow down at my own pace. It's amazing how much less stressful riding is when all you have to account for are the few suicidal squirrels who dart out in front of you.
I don't know if it was the lateness of the day or the shade from the trees in the wilderness I was biking through, but the crisp air was so rejuvenating and reminded me of my passion for long outdoor rides. Gyms have got NOTHING on this.
Except when you get towards the end of your ride, and you find that there is a Final Boss at the end of your journey (of course) in the form of a mini-Mt. Everest. My legs were already tired of pushing, and the near-vertical ascent seemed to never end.
Since I am writing this blog, it is safe to assume I survived!
Mt. Vernon was just over the hill. I locked up my bike to visit George Washington's house.
Silly me, it was closing! So I strolled through the gift shop, called my folks, and started the 20 mile journey back. The first down hill was glorious, and I took it without braking...or breaking anything. BOOYAH!
I could tell my butt was mad at me, though. I had never experience buttosis (as Dad would say) quite like this.
By the time DCA was in sight, I stood up with planes whizzing over my head for the rest of my journey to DC. I don't think I had ever felt more relieved to be home, but I knew I still had a few strenuous miles to go. Thankfully, I brought my Bluetooth headphones. I called Kimee and talked with her all the way home. She told me stories of her students and their parents. As she complained, I groaned...not so much in sympathy, but in pain.
However, I made it. I did it. I will do it again. And I am proud of the impromptu journey.
I deserve my sleep.
No comments:
Post a Comment