The waiting was hard.
With unseasonable weather unreasonably uncooperative, my bicycle sat stationary for far too long. Winter is always the longest season, and spring has been far from cooperative.
I was longing for the open road, or the trails and bike paths, while I waited patiently.
I’m not good at patience, it is not my natural state. Or maybe it is? I guess.
I waited (I had to), but managed to get out between rain showers on Saturday and for even longer on Sunday (a beautiful day… for so many reasons).
I was reminded (again) that traffic is not patient, nor cooperative.
I was reminded again of the freedom of a bicycle, but also of the responsibility.
I was reminded of limits (both mine and that of my bike).
I was reminded of a few simple rules that apply both to cycling or travelling through life:
-Know your direction.
-Stay in your lane
-Always watch where you are going and signal your intent to others.
-Ring your bell.
-Move at your own pace.
-Don’t take up too much space, but know what is yours.
-Let people know you are coming.
-Communication is important.
-Expect the unexpected.
-Courtesy and respect go a long way (and so can you).
I popped into a few bike shops over the weekend, replaced a tire, treated myself to a new helmet, then admired (and touched) a couple of new bikes. Maybe, I thought, later. . . but I was reminded of, perhaps, the most important lesson: make do with what you own, but more importantly, use what you have already have.

05/27/209                                        j.g.l.