First Ride in Over a Year
My concussion and other injuries caused by a fall last summer put a damper on riding for a while. But I finally got the blessing from my doctor to get back on my bike … albeit SLOWLY and CAREFULLY.
Happily, just when I got a yes from him, I found the perfect riding group.. Trek Bicycles, out of Portland’s trendy Sellwood neighborhood, offered up a “Couch to Cyclist” series beginning with five miles. It included useful tips like: safety techniques, best clothing and accessories to make riding easier, and of course, how to change a flat tire. All things I’ve long since forgotten, and frankly never knew that well to begin with.
The first ride was set on a rainy day. It is Portland after all! The other participants seemed to be in the same boat: got out of cycling for one reason or another. Many wanted more technical knowledge, or hoped to meet riding buddies. Whatever the case, the positive energy and enthusiasm to get on bikes was palpable. The organizers were encouraging and fun: normalizing any fears and concerns and promising if we stuck with it … riding chops and likely better health would result.
I thought five miles … no sweat! So, I had my trusty bike tuned up, bought a new helmet, replaced my clipless pedals with flat ones and dug up old cycling gear. Ready to roll.
Although our ride was predominantly on a bike trail, we needed to get to the start of it along city streets. I felt nervous as we pushed off and a few tight turns had me visibly shaking. I encouraged myself with positive affirmations: “You got this! You’re ready! Remember how much fun this is? You go girl!!!” I wondered if the people around me thought I was a little whacky!
But once we made it to the bike trail .. I loosened up and began to enjoy the ride. At the end, I was surprised by my sore buns, legs and back. Muscles I haven’t used for a while. But … Really? FIVE Miles??? I am out of cycling shape. One of my biking friends has been telling me … the only way to get in shape and get over the fear is to get back on your bike and ride. Yep! He was right. Despite the sore muscles it was good to be back in the saddle again!