New Hobby

Well, it’s official. I’m starting a hobby that I’ve always wanted to start – cycling. Today, I picked up my bike, which has been sitting in the basement for years, from the bike shop, and now it is ready to ride. The old bike has new tires and tubes, new pedals, a new saddle, and this rider got new shoes, a new helmet, and shorts – spandex shorts! So, I’m ready to ride. In fact, Ceci and I just got back from a great ride to Ottawa Beach Inn. (Look for Ceci to talk about her cool new bike on her blog soon!)

Now, cycling is something I’ve always enjoyed. (I’ve blogged about my fascination with cycling before.) Starting in the mid 80’s, I watched the Tour de France every year on TV, and for the past six or so years I’ve followed professional cycling on the Internet, and have tried to watch races whenever they are on OLN or now VERSUS! In fact, when Ceci and I go to Barnes and Noble to look at magazines I often find myself look at the cycling magazines first. Needless to say, I really enjoy cycling.

But up until tonight, I couldn’t call myself a cyclist. Sure, I would put my bike on the trainer in the basement once in a while, but I never ventured out on the open roads – mainly because it was too expensive to start up. However, recently Ceci and I were given an extremely kind gift, and we were able to get hooked up for our new hobby. So, as of today, I can call myself a cyclist, and I can’t wait to hit the open road. In fact, tomorrow morning I’m planning on going for a nice ride before work. I know it will be cold, but I don’t care.

So, if you see a crazy cyclist on the road tomorrow morning, give me a wave, and make sure you give me enough room as you pass, and no I won’t be riding on the bike path! (That sounds like a post for another time!)