Dead Man Walking

The last couple of weeks have not seen my fluffy white tush on the bicycle seat. In fact, since my brother’s funeral, my tush has mostly been in bed with in frequent attempts to return to civilization. Saturday morning was one such attempt.

I decided that I could no loner stand another second in bed and that I needed an outing for my own sanity. What better way to regain my sanity then time on the bike?

You have to understand, that in life there is sick and then there is siiick, I have been the later. So when I started out with the team for their informal holiday ride I was pretty thrilled that I was upright and stable. We did a few warm up miles during which I was thinking about how great it was to be in the saddle again (which always amuses me as not being in the OB stirrups) and enjoying the heck out of the freezing morning.

Just as I was grinning big about this grand decision we hit a sharp turn that was followed by a hill. I simultaneously went into a huge coughing fit as I went into the turn and still maintained control! I also had a few minutes of smugness at being able to maintain my speed and make that climb. I thought, “I rock” and then I was done.

I struggled through the next few miles and decided to walk up a hill when the elephant came out of nowhere and sat on my chest. I was incredibly embarrassed to find that the team had been waiting for me. I’m not sure, but that may have had something to do with my calling it quits not too long after.

As 30 mile rides go, I was told that this route was a little more challenging. Hopefully, I’ll be able to return to it as I only did 6.8 miles before I returned to the car, shaking and completely done for the day. I don’t remember getting home and into bed but I do remember every minute of freedom yesterday.