riding a bike

you never forget how, right? well, true, but you do become a bit less steady, and the injuries from a fall hurt a little more... or maybe that's just the old-age factor.

yesterday we picked up 2 of the bikes that we bought at least 5 years ago. they have been living in their boxes in our lock-off closet in arizona, and we finally had them assembled this trip. as we walked to the bike shop, i noticed the slight slope going down and was a little nervous about the ride back up this hill (well, incline). it's been a few years since i've ridden a bike, but i well remember the burning thighs when i was out of shape trying to make it up a hill. would i have to get off and push?

piece of cake. i made it up, no problem, and was surprised at how quick and easy the ride was.

this morning i got up early and went for a little ride to explore a wider scope of the neighborhood than i've ever ventured on a walk or jog. this is really fun! i want to start riding again when i get back home--except we have more traffic and steeper hills in san bruno.

a little later we went back to pick up the other 2 and i was doing great. we got to the villa and fred wanted to adjust his gears a little, but first wanted to put down the box he was holding. brave me: "oh here, just hand it to me and you can keep going." we bring our bikes closer... i could see i was just a little too close, overcompensated, felt my bike going down, stepped out to stop myself... still lost my balance and went all the way down, but not too hard. "good save," i think. till i started getting up.

if i was a kid, this would have been nothing but a little cut on my big toe. but i'm old. so all that jarring of the body made me a little stiff and sore, and i had to limp into the villa. this is just ridiculous! too bad, though. i'm going to keep riding.