Getting back on the bike

I must admit I'm envious of the trip to Greece that a group of tennis friends are taking (and posting about on Facebook), but it's pretty nice here in Western Massachusetts too.

The  picture-perfect fall day is especially welcome following yesterday's rain. I am slowly and cautiously getting back to bike riding after the two-year break I took after my accident. Today was a good day for it.

I am able to get my new, lighter step-over bike into the back of my car, which I did this morning. Starting at Damon Road in Hadley, I rode for about an hour and a half, with a little time to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Since it is flat, it is easy riding and a good place to practice stopping and starting at the intersections.  After I got the new bike, I started with a little spin and gradually increased a little bit at a time, the same as I did when returning to running. Today was the first day I actually enjoyed myself as opposed to watching myself.

It doesn't provide the same exercise for me as running, but it is good to relearn the basics in case I ever want to take a harder ride.

My legs felt a little funny, but it was so nice outside that afterwards, I walked Maddie around the lake.