When did I lose my perfect balance on a bike? When did I start worrying about being knocked off the trail by some hot shot eight year-old on a 10-speed, flailing arms and legs as I smack into a moss-covered live oak? Your canopy is nice, tree, but your close proximity to the trail is just a little too distressing now.
Of course, I can blame it on the one-speed rental bike. Poor quality, indeed. If I had my old 20-speed (and my helmet), I'd be zipping along the trail with nary a concern about the looming Tour de France wanna bes and the flora that beckons me into their not-so-loving arms.
My first day out earlier this week, it took only a half mile before my shoulders were knotted with tension and my hands became numb from squeezing the handlebars too fiercely. Yeah, that was fun. Downright recreational.
Then, there was my walk down to the beach at dusk (twilight) last night. It's a short block away from the condo. I used to do it in less than five minutes, while directing my cat-herd-like twins out of traffic, pulling a beach cart with enough supplies to last through to the next day. Last night, the thirty yards or so of deep beach sand felt like cement. I am beyond doing this anymore, I think. I want a beach-front place. (Ha ha ha.)
But what's that? The twilight sand felt cool and comforting on my feet. Instead of slogging, I stopped and wiggled my sandal clad toes in it. This is one of those pharmaceutical-free Xanax-like moments. Feel it. Breathe it. Let it go, Beth. The water isn't going to disappear before you get there. This is your time.
This morning, I took another ride before the heat got going. Loosen your shoulders, Beth. Grip the handlebars lightly. Yeah! Three miles without a tightened muscle or numb hand. However, I did have a close encounter with a septuagenarian on a three-wheel bike. I recognized the dyspeptic look on her face. I smiled and said good morning and wondered if she thought I was some hot shot chick, shooting my bike down the trail with no concern for her safety. Let it go, lady. Let it go.
