I finally did it... I biked to work for the first time in over two years.
I used to be a semi-hardcore cyclist. I would even bike in the winter and rain without complaining about it. Since I don't have a drivers license or car I found that my bike was liberating and made me feel independent. I could get where I needed to go without relying on anyone else but my legs. I would work crazy 12 hour shifts in a night club and then bike home at 2am, no fear at all. Since then... I have become a bit of a wussy.
My fiancee and I went to the USA on the weekend to pick up some lanterns for our wedding and I also stopped by Target and bought a Schwinn Hybrid Cruiser. This is my first non-vintage bike in like 12 years and she rides well. (Also weighs about half of what a vintage cruiser weighs which is nice!)
Today's ride was fairly short (8km (25 minutes in traffic)) and it still really put my body to the test. The ride was mostly downhill with a few very steep uphill climbs. I found that to be the hardest challenge and at one point had to stop to catch my breath. At one hill I thought I would pass out or throw up but I pushed myself to keep going. Definitely felt the burn on my thighs and calves.
I felt a bit like a noob with all these seasoned cyclist passing me. You know the ones with the clip on shoes and fancy bikes. If anything that brought out my competitive side to keep pedaling and go faster.
The ride home is going to be an even bigger challenge since it is 90% uphill riding. I think I may mentally be psyching myself out more than it being a physical challenge.
My favorite part about biking is that you can only become better at it. It's really exciting to see what my body is really capable of and knowing that I won't be in the same place in a week as I am today.
xoxo Breton
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