Second Month Reflection and Lessons Learned - Part 1

So, I've now been on this journey to "becoming" for 2 full months now.  I've lost 13 lbs. and have increased my average speed from 10.5 MPH to between 11.5 and 12.5 MPH (depending upon the route, the hills, and my general fatigue level) and I've logged a total of 322 miles.  Today I hit another first - a ride in a gentle summer rain shower.

While on this journey of mine, I've begun thinking about the cycling lessons I'm learning.  And recently life sent me one hellava curve ball with the sudden, and unexpected death of my father.  This event really took the wind out of my sails, but it also has caused me to take some time to reflect - on what exactly is the legacy my father leaves to me as well as what is the legacy I want to leave my own children and grandchildren.  In the midst of all this reflection, it has occurred to me that many of the cycling lessons I've learned are metaphors for life lessons I've learned as well.  I'm going to share these lessons, a few at a time and in no particular order, here on this blog, since they all have an effect on my journey to "becoming."

Lesson #1 - Don't Let a Little Rain Stop You

Cycling Lesson - Sometimes you get caught in the rain, but when you do, you might as well keep going (assuming there is no thunder and lightening).  If you were to turn around and head home, you'd still be just as wet.  Today, when I got caught in a gentle summer shower, I could have bailed out at any point, but instead I kept going.  Turned out the rain was actually refreshing and if I had quit, I never would have seen this!

Life Lesson - As they say, into every life a little rain must fall.  Sometimes it's a gentle shower, sometimes a heavy rain, and sometimes a downright deluge!  But the important thing is not to give up; to keep moving forward.  There is undoubtably sunshine and blue skies beyond the clouds and you don't want to miss it when it comes!

A New Challenge

Well, I've found a new challenge, thanks to my son, his wife, and their very kind and encouraging friends.  I'm going to ride in the Pedal PGH Bike Fest in Pittsburgh, PA in August - the 25 mile Highmark City Tour route.  My son and daughter-in-law are going to ride with me.  I hope I'm up to the hills!

To the Farm

Had a slight muscle pull that kept me off my bike yesterday, but back on again today to take a ride to our farm to pick blueberries and raspberries.  This time I had my daughter and my granddaughter riding with me.  A short 5 mile jaunt, but a fun one on a hot day.  And some delicious fruit for the payoff!

 

Making Up for Lost Time

I haven't been riding much lately.  Life, heat, humidity, commitments, and projects with looming deadlines got in the way.  But today I finally got out riding and tried to make up a bit for lost time.  I rode from my house to Spencerport, then along the Canalway Trail to Brockport, then home from Brockport - a total of 25.27 miles.  Then I turned right around and rode my bike 7.02 miles to my sister's house for my niece's graduation party. So my grand total for the day was 32.29 miles!  My bike and I did hitch a ride home from the party in a van.  I loved riding along the canal!  Found these geese just before arriving in Brockport.  The big one closest hissed like crazy at me and I thought it was going to chase me, but luckily it didn't.

So, I think maybe I'm coming to the conclusion that I'm more of a cruising along, distance girl than I am a speed demon.  To date my fastest average speed is about 12.5 mph, and that might always be my fastest speed, which won't be fast enough for most charity ride events.  But that's okay.  It's fast enough for sport, excersize, and enjoyment.  Maybe I'll just contribute money to those charities or to friends who are riding and I'll enjoy my time on trails instead.  It's good to have new goals, right?

Riding Again with my Little Pal

Out riding with my pal again today. We rode to church, then to Jo's Diner for lunch, then back home. Logged 7 miles today, 4 of which were on roads with no sidewalks. I've been with Brianna for her whole cycling journey, the balance bike as a toddler, the tiny bike with training wheels, and now her "big girl bike!" She's gained so much skill and confidence! It's so great to have seen her growth! It won't be long before she passes me by, for sure!

How Becoming a Cyclist has Made Me a Better Driver

Earlier I posted a summary of bike riding law in New York State.  In investigating bike law, I discovered some information about motor vehicle law that I didn't know.

• Did you know that a motor vehicle is supposed to give a cyclist 4 feet of space when passing?
• Did you know that it is legal for a motor vehicle to cross a single or double yellow line in order to give a cyclist the required 4 feet of space?
• Did you know that if a driver can't give the cyclist the required amount of safe space due to oncoming traffic in the other lane, the driver must stop and wait for the oncoming traffic to clear before passing the cyclist?
• Did you know that a driver of a motor vehicle must exercise "due care" in order to avoid accident or injury to a cyclist AND that if the driver has not demonstrated "due care," no matter what the cyclist has done that may have contributed to the accident, the driver of the motor vehicle is still held responsible?

Now that I know these things, I will be a much better driver when I am sharing the road with cyclists!  There is more information and tips for both cyclists and drivers here - Be Smart.  Share the Road with Bicycles

A Leisurely Ride with Great Company

Today I had a great ride with my granddaughter, Brianna, who will be turning 7 at the end of this month.  We rode through the village of Hilton, down to our family farm to pick some sweet cherries and raspberries, then back through the village again and home to my house.  Brianna is developing her skills as a bike rider too.  She did a great job today on our 5.22 mile ride.  She hasn't ridden on roads very much and did a fantastic job riding on the road instead of on the sidewalks on the busy Rt. 259 and on the quieter Dunbar Rd.  It wasn't a fast ride or a big workout for me, but it was so great having someone to ride with and to talk to along the way!  And the fruit we picked and brought home, and the raspberry smoothies we made was all an added bonus!

Motorists Must Share the Road with Cyclists

I was reading this interesting article, Motorists Must Share the Road with Cyclists, shared with me by my son, an avid cyclist living in Pittsburgh, PA.  Since I've actually been wondering about the rules of the road for bikes and motorized vehicles, I was especially interested in these particular paragraphs:

As a cyclist, I am legally allowed to ride in the right lane of West Liberty Avenue, in the middle of the lane, and I do. I am legally allowed to pass a line of cars on the right, along the curb, when those cars are stopped for a traffic control device. I stop at red lights and stop signs, and I yield at yield signs.

As a motorist, you are required to give me four feet of clearance when overtaking me on the road. Yes, that means you need to switch lanes to pass me. If you cannot do so, slow down and wait until you can. By law, you may cross a double yellow line to allow for the required clearance, again waiting until it is safe to do so.

So it got me to wondering even more about the laws in New York State.  An Internet search brought me to this site by the New York State Bicycling Coalition on New York State Bicycling Law.  I was kind of amazed at a few of the things listed in this summary:

Here is a summary of the principal requirements for bicyclists under New York law:

• Bicyclists must ride with traffic and thus travel in the same direction as motor vehicles.
• Bicyclists may travel side-by-side on the road, but must ride in single-file when other vehicles need to pass.
• Every person riding a bicycle or skating or gliding on in-line skates upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle .
• If there is a bicycle lane in the roadway, the bicyclist must use it except to avoid a hazard or to turn left. If there is a separate parallel path, the bicyclist may use either the path or roadway.
• Bicyclists must signal to turn on a roadway, a bike lane or bike path.
• Bicycling is not allowed on interstate highways and expressways. Local jurisdictions can prohibit bicycles elsewhere, for example parkways or sidewalks.
• Helmets must be worn by those under 14 years old. Localities may have additional requirements for those over 14.
• Bicycles must be properly equipped with workable brakes, a bell or horn, reflectors and, if driven at night, a headlight and taillight.
• A bicyclist cannot wear more than one earphone when listening to a radio or other audio device.
• A bicyclist may not grab onto or otherwise attach to a moving motor vehicle.
• A bicycle cannot carry more people than the number it was designed to carry. The law also calls for motorists to exercise “due care” to avoid collision with bicyclists. Bicycle accidents involving death or serious injury have to be reported within ten days.

I'm definitely going to do a little more research and try to be more vigilant, both as a cyclist and as a motor vehicle driver.

Off-Roading and a One Month Update

Today my bike and I did a little off-roading.  Took a side trip through our orchard to get a few pictures of the almost ripe cherries.  I've been riding and dieting for exactly 1 month today.  I've logged 205 miles and have lost 7 lbs.  I was hoping to be losing weight way faster than this, but it is what it is.

My Bike Mechanic

My husband can't ride with me on this journey because he has Vertigo and bike riding really bothers it.  However, he's still contributing to the effort by helping with all the mechanical things.  Right now he's installing the back rack I bought to hold the waterproof pannier I bought.  It's not as easy as you might think since the mounting posts behind my seat are a little lower than normal given that I have a short, step-through "granny bike."  Gotta love a man who owns tools and knows how to use them! Modifications are being made!  Success!

Every Woman's Guide to Cycling

This book, Every Woman's Guide to Cycling, by Selene Yeager, was recommended to me by a friend. For a beginner, it has been a great reference.  I'm full of all kinds of questions, and I hate to keep bothering all my cycling family and friends, and this book has answered many and gives me enough information so that I can ask better questions when I do put my family and friends on the spot, which helps keep me from feeling totally clueless!  It's available in print and as an eBook, so if you are a newbie and looking for a quick read to help guide you, just do a search for this book.

Update

Well, I've been at it for about 3 weeks now.  I've ridden 15 days, logged 163 miles, and have lost 6 lbs.  Not a bad start, although I was hoping the weight would be melting off faster, of course.  Now that school is out, hopefully I can get back on track to ride EVERY day!

Becoming What?

When I decided to make this blog, I really struggled with what to call it.  Facing (aka - looking forward to) retirement in a couple of years, I've set out on a journey to ride my bike more, get more physically fit, lose weight, and become a healthier me.  I've known far too many people who retire and then shortly thereafter get critically ill and I don't want that to be me.  I want to live a long and happy retired life and watch my grandkids grow up.

So, what am I "becoming?"

I'm becoming MORE . . 

• Of a biker
• Physically fit
• Active
• Of a healthy eater

But, hopefully, I'm also becoming LESS

• Over weight 
• Of a sedentary person
• Of a junk food and sweets eater

Hmmmm.  I guess in many ways I'm redefining myself and maybe becoming a better me!  Welcome to my journey.  I hope we both enjoy the ride!