Beardystarstuff
Member
Up until 2000 I was a regular daily cyclist for recreation and commuting when I lived in Memphis. A knee injury forced me off the bikes. 19 years and I’ve just yesterday gotten my first bike. I unpacked my lectric at 2pm and brought the battery inside to warm up before charging it. The green light finally went on and I took my first ride at 7pm! Just three miles and my first ride a night ride, so much fun! Then today, 45 degrees and sunny when I got on to ride 17 or so miles to town and back. I’m in a rural area and have a 6 mile, low traffic blacktop backroad that I can ride to town. Mostly flat with a couple of hills and a few nice curves, it’s a dream ride. So I celebrated my new bike with a drink at the little coffee shop then went another mile into town to check the grocery store for bike locking infrastructure (none) then headed home. I haven’t smiled this much in a day in a long, long time. I’ve got 5 or so days of similar 50+ degree weather and plan to make the same trip to town everyday.
Side note, I stopped to see my parents this morning as they were excited to see the new bike. My 70 year old dad who has not been on a bike in 30 or more years tried it out. I wasn’t sure I was going to get it back from him. He’s considering getting his own which is quite a thing for someone that was never a bicyclist. So, as happy as I am for myself I’m hoping that my dad makes the jump as I think he’d enjoy the same ride I took today and it would be great to have his occasional company.
I still can’t believe that I’m back on a bike! Looking forward to figuring out how I can lock my bike up and do some grocery shopping. Two pannier baskets are ordered along with a more comfortable seat, 2 handlebar mirrors and a lock. Giddy!
Side note, I stopped to see my parents this morning as they were excited to see the new bike. My 70 year old dad who has not been on a bike in 30 or more years tried it out. I wasn’t sure I was going to get it back from him. He’s considering getting his own which is quite a thing for someone that was never a bicyclist. So, as happy as I am for myself I’m hoping that my dad makes the jump as I think he’d enjoy the same ride I took today and it would be great to have his occasional company.
I still can’t believe that I’m back on a bike! Looking forward to figuring out how I can lock my bike up and do some grocery shopping. Two pannier baskets are ordered along with a more comfortable seat, 2 handlebar mirrors and a lock. Giddy!
