There are some really nice people in Orange

While I have lived in the town of Orange for 23 years riding a bicycle in town has given me a new perspective on people.
There really are some considerate, caring folks who live in town.
Take this mornings ride for example - I was off my bike at Robert Treat and Ridge roads. It is one of those places I seem to always stop at to catch my breath and drink some water.
A woman in a mini van stopped to see if I was alright. It made my morning.
This wasn't the first time I have encountered caring people on this journey to a better me.
When I was learning the basics of staying upright on the bicycle I took a tumble and fell in the High Plains Community Center parking lot. A number of people rushed over to offer assistance. I was so embarrassed by the fall I told them it was a practice fall although my shoulder was killing me.
More recently, a couple of weeks ago I took another fall right in front of Town Hall. A motorist who happened to be passing by stopped to see if everything was alright.
There are of course those who don't even see you on a bicycle. It seems they are driving along in their own little world and the damn bicycle is in their way. Or they are talking on their cell phone or texting while driving.
In any event a cyclists has to have eyes in the back of their helmets sometimes.
It is a hard feeling to get used to.
Anyway there are some really caring people in town and I thank them - you - for making the time to stop.

Two steps forward, three backwards

It has been a month since I last posted and a lot has happened.
I can now ride nearly 15 miles as long as those miles are flat.
Throw in a couple of good hills and I am wiped out.
On a couple of occasions I have tried to start my ride from home instead of driving to a location.
Each time this is done it completely wipes me out before the ride is really even started.
My other half, who is a triathlete, has suggested that I need to strengthen my core and legs. So I am now back in the gym doing leg strengthening and the god awful stair master.
I am beginning to lose my optimism of being ready for the September bike ride. It is really depressing.
I have also hit another plateau with weight loss. Fortunately I haven't gained any weight back but I haven't lost any either.

Rain, rain go away

Well I had my first bicycling experience in the rain today - and I survived it. In fact the rain may have gotten me pedaling faster!
When I parked on the town green the sun was shinning. By the time I began to pedal down Orange Center Road the raindrops were beginning to fall. I looked at the sky and it was blue so I continued to pedal on.
By the time I was passing Peck Place School the raindrops were beginning to become persistent. and by the time I turned onto Treat lane I was getting a soaking.
I pulled over under a tree on Ridge Road only to see lightening and hear thunder nearby.
I couldn't decide if I was safer under the tree or on the bicycle. So I began to pedal some more.
Had my best time yet on the route about 25 minutes. The first time I rode the route it took me nearly an hour-and-a-half.
I survived my first rainstorm. My clothes were soaking wet. Now I hope a cold doesn't follow.

Two steps forward, one backwards

Driving back and forth to Silver Sands State Park was beginning to wear on me. It was also costing a fortune between the 45 minute drive and the $9 to get in. But I was up to 15 miles there.
Saturday I rode with Lesley in Orange. She was indeed an asset.
She rode behind me and kept me going. I am learning how to plan for hills.
We rode 9 miles through town. I never realized how hilly my town is. Nor did I realize how bad some of the town roads are on the sides.
I was exhausted afterwards but had to go help with a rabies clinic. If I didn't have to do that I am sure I would have taken a nap.
I learned that I do have a large tear in my right shoulder which has made riding a bit more challenging. I will have the surgery in September.
Something else I am noticing is that the top of my hands feel like there is something pinching them after riding.
I even got new hand grips and it is still happening.
Riding a bike is not that easy when you are older.
I have many fears. I am afraid to take my eyes off the road, have a rear view mirror on the handlebars to keep an eye on traffic.
I am gaining new respect for cyclists. Cars are not considerate of people on bicycles.
Les and I were at Ridge Road and Old Grassy Hill Roads. We waited at the four way stop sign for our turn to go. Les gave me a bit of a head start and started to follow me and a woman actually started to drive right into her.
Note to drivers if there is more than one biker at the intersection they will all go together.
I am now at -23 pounds.

Some progress - finally

I am happy to write that I have lost 17 pounds. I know there is a long way to go but at least this is a start.
Of course no one has noticed but that is to be expected.
I am also making a little progress on the bicycle. Sunday I rode 7 miles without falling. I took the bike to Silver Sands State Park and rode down to the Audubon Center and back. When I got back I felt like I could have kept going.
I must say it is pretty difficult to ride with traffic, gutters and drain basins in the rode.
It was also challenging to navigate the narrow streets with cars parked on both dies full of church goers. That was when I got off and walked.
I recently learned I have a torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder. It has limited my training some because it is constantly in pain. Tomorrow I learn what the remedy will be. I am, hoping it is physical therapy and nothing more.
Wish me luck!

Misery seems to love company

Trying to get into shape is really challenging right now. Take yesterday for instance. I took my bicycle over to High Plains Community Center where there is a large area that is paved. I need to feel comfortable on the bicycle before venturing into traffic. As I was attempting to ride and shift gears the bicycle kind of stopped and I fell off of it onto my shoulder. The same shoulder my doctor told me on Friday that most likely has a rotator cuff tear. When I fell numerous people came over and asked if I was alright. My pride was so hurt that I told them I was fine and that I was learning how to fall. Yep, I told them it was a planned fall. I got back on the bike and rode around for a while longer until I couldn't stand the discomfort in my shoulder. On a positive note my gym time is still consistent. I am still struggling with the stairmaster.

There are not enough hours in the day

I am in a rut. My work schedule has become rather hectic taking up a lot of time which means it has become difficult to carve out a couple of hours for the gym. I am not one of those gym rats who doesn't mind going to the gym at 10 or 11 p.m. at night when stories have been filed. About that time all I want to do is have my head hit a pillow. The thing is I like the way I feel when I leave the gym. My feet are almost floating and I am happy. Hopefully though, with the daylight beginning to be extended my mental attitude will be better.