Lingering fears and surprises.

Mar 20, 2011

For the first time since I hopped back on a bicycle more than a year ago, this past weekend I rode with members of a local bicycle club. I actually belonged to the club back in 1977. I still have my old membership card. I even have the same bike.

  I met early Sunday with the ride leader, another man, and his two teenage sons. We rode out on a brisk, sunny morning onto mostly rural roads.

Well, the fifteen miles turned into  thirty miles over lots of hills, and frankly, my big old 35 pound steel, 36 year old Schwinn and my still arthritic knees had problems keeping up with the group on those hills. I also had some fear.  I was still thinking like a 500 pound guy. I was afraid I would break my bike if I stood up on the pedals when we hit the hills. My usual average of 13 miles per hour turned into 11 miles per hour.

I felt I was holding the group back, but they all had great attitudes and were very supportive. And say what you want about today's younger generation.. These kids were great!

I had told them about my journey from 500 plus pounds to a new, more active life. The group leader wants me to speak to the club about my journey and I certainly will.

Today, I'm sending in my membership fee to join the bike club.

P.S. I rode 108 miles over the past week.

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