Biking, Decisions, Bike Angel, Oh My!

Hello My Friends,

Week of bicycling, decisions, health, help.
Not one generic day in a generic week.
And when I really think about
Different moments in a day,
There is no generic.

Ups and downs,
Smiles and slumps,
Connection and distance,
Confidence and questioning,
Make the days.

I met my weekly mileage goal
With slim-plus margin.
Two days slowed with recouping from
Next iteration of Shingles vaccination.
Ouch, but grateful to have received.

Knowing full recovery probably two days,
Made sore arm and malaise,
Very tolerable.

Unexpected chance for conference ticket for
eWomen Network to which I belong.
Decision-making reminded me of
Signing for first cross country bike ride at 60-years-old.
New experiences seem scary!
Still do, at 80-years-old.

I had to take my own words to heart:
"When you commit to something new,
Fear rushes in.
Expect the fear,
Don't let it stop you."

With quaking knees,
Butterflies in stomach,
I've decided
I will attend August conference in Texas.
Enough time to get help with logistics,
Notice opportunities possible.

Today riding new-to-us trail near Hastings, MN,
Flat tire!
First flat in three years. Argh.

I carry all equipment for changing flat,
But have very little skill.
Removed wheel.
While prying out tube,
Bicyclist stopped offering his help.
A person who deftly did the task,
While incorporating my efforts.

Soon tube replaced, tire remounted.
Hand pump got enough air into tire,
To ride one mile to cyclist's house, where
Efficient pump got tire to “rolling pressure.”

A Bike Angel showed up.
Never know what one will look like,
Or what situation will be salvaged.
Just absolutely grateful!

Our ride was beside Mississippi River.
Still amazing to me,
Kid from high plains of Wyoming,
To have Mississippi River
Actually in real life view!

May your days engage you,
In ways that please you.

Big Hugs,
Lin