I had my inaugural ride with the Elf Hill Bike Chicks on Thursday, only it was just 2 of us. 19 miles, flattish terrain. My fearless and patient leader, Sue, gave me some great tips, things that if I learned back in my 20s, I had mostly forgotten. I put some of these tricks to good use on my 45-minute ride this afternoon.
Today’s greatest lesson, one that has not yet embedded itself in my neural pathways: DO NOT OPEN YOUR MOUTH WHEN YOU RIDE! Not to smile at other cyclists, not at the cheery sound of the red-winged blackbird who trills as you pass by; not because you think you are getting ever more tiny wrinkles at the juncture of your upper lip and philtrum when you wince and pucker your mouth shut. NO NO NO, you must zip it (I will be experimenting with ways to keep my lips relaxed in the process).
The little insect that made its way into your mouth and did not exit with your saliva projectile* and proceeded to grapple itself onto the right side of your tongue, with its minute grappling hooks, does not want to be inside your mouth any more than you want it there. I had to pull the little bugger off with my fingers. It was disturbing.
on its website, this image was listed as public domain; how wonderful is that?
I felt much happier on my ride today, so even though this is only the 2nd post in the series, I didn’t feel compelled to post someone giving the finger. The photo I chose, though perhaps less crass, is more unsettling, don’t you think?
*must master better spitting technique. never accomplished this in my 20s. Too girly? Not likely, because when I was a smoker, I did gain a proud habit of spitting. I CAN DO THIS! But I hate the word hocker. EWW!
twinklysparkles 
I said hi to TE from you and he smiled and said “I sing with her all the time, or would if I didn’t travel so much.” Of course, there is much more to tell
Nice, Ray. I thought of mentioning to Tim, before he’d be up there, that I knew a fellow poet in the UP, but I haven’t seen him in a while (a month, more?). He has been on the road a long time I guess. Not that I exactly keep up and our Tuesday sing has many people coming and going all the time.
I saw a new video of Tim on the shore of Lake Michigan posted on his Facebook page. Memories of my childhood in Detroit and Lake Michigan and the road between Detroit and Chicago. And then there’s Tim playing a banjo with a bow. WILD! I was listening to one of his CDs (Soul of the January Hills, all a capella) in the car on my way to Hartford CT yesterday. He is a force.
So great that you went to hear him! Be well, Katherine
he did play one banjo with bow song last night
You must go to his Facebook page and see the vid!!! Now I must crawl back to bed and nap (hopefully!)….
Someone asked me recently how I am doing, and I said “really good.” She then asked what was really good, and I said “I’m really coming into myself lately.” I feel that about you, too, Katherine, especially reading these 🚲 posts. Or, perhaps you’ve already arrived.
Yes, Alison, but one never arrives. I have been thinking lately about my [attempted] “not whining” policy for myself. Of course, I bitch about some things, for fun and to vent, but in my mind, I know that one key to coming into my own is not whining if I don’t like something; rather either shutting the hell up or changing it.
I am glad to hear that you were able to answer that you are coming into yourself lately, too. For me, much of it has been Annie and Vi getting older and needing me less intensively and also my !@#$% peri-menopause. I like it, I hate it, I love it, it’s inevitable.
I find challenges every day, most small. To have good habits and rhythm in my life helps when the unexpected big challenge hits. At least that’s what I tell myself. Some days, moment by moment, I feel unstable too (peri-menopause and aging, again!).
Lots of love to you, Alison. I so appreciate that you shared this with me! Katherine
I think I’ll start a no whining zone in my house!
it is good a practice for me (if I can remember it) and has ramifications across many aspects of my life, especially when I am inclined to make excuses, in my own head or to others. Good luck and let me know how it goes, twinkly