The first thing I realized is that I need to get some eye protection - sunglasses or something. The wind makes my eyes water and there is so much crud flying around in the air that eye protection is definitely my next purchase.
The next thing I realized is that the simple things, like locking up the bike, are really not that simple for me. It took me a good ten minutes to remove my chain, get it around the bike without the bike falling over and safely lock the bike. It's all still so awkward.
And here's where the plan derails: City College -where I left the binder - was closed. Lincoln's birthday. Apparently they take advantage of President's Day AND Lincoln's birthday. Seems a little redundant to me, but oh, well. So much for my plan.
So I make my way back downtown. Only now I'm riding directly into the wind. Wow, what a difference that makes. I was bad about checking the time, but I think it took me twice as long to get home as it did to get there. I also managed to lose my chain once. I am very proud to say that it only took me a few minutes to get it back on. I did not panic. Yay.
On the way back I decided to see if the Toga bike shop at 64th and West End was open yet. I think my bike might need some gear tweaks and the guys there were really helpful at our group info session a few weeks back. I head out of Riverside Park at 59th street and then back up West End Ave to 64th St. to find that they are not open yet. Foiled again. And here's where I get brave....I decide to ride the rest of the way down 12th Avenue. The traffic was fairly light and I did quite well if I may say so myself.
That is until the last half block. I stupidly decide to ride on the sidewalk on 45th St. past 9th on the way to my building mid-block. 20 yards from my door I lose my balance and topple over onto the tree guard between the parking lots. I now have a very sore thumb and a nice gouge on my right inner thigh. My first battle wounds.
The entire trip was a little over 10 miles. 25 miles still seems quite daunting!
1 comment:
This album is one of the best I have heard from a break out artist. This young lady is unbelievable. The songs keep repeating themselves in your head. She has good hooks in her songs and the ballads tell wonderful stories. She has something on there for everyone.
Post a Comment