I decided that I should spend the last day of summer outside having fun instead of doing chores. For my recent birthday, Melissa took my bicycle to the shop and had them cut off the bike lock that I didn't have the key for and tune it up. I had already bought a new helmet months before, so there were no more excuses. I took a wobbly loop around Seward Park and then thanked my lucky stars that I had made it around the loop safely.
Yesterday, it was time to get back at it for real. I drove down to Matthews beach and set out on the Burke Gilman Trail. Bothell was my destination, Kenmore was my safety and Woodinville was my reach. It was a lot like, well, riding a bike. I had not forgotten.My leg muscles however had gotten a little rusty. My absenteeism at the gymnasium has been catching up with me. Every time an older or more plump cyclist would pass me, I would pop up to a higher gear and see if I couldn't keep up with them for just a while. I thought, "Wow Lenssen, What kind of sorry excuse for a former record setting high school athlete are you?," and that would make me pedal a little harder.
From the Bothell Landing park, I called my old friend from high school who lives in Kenmore again, knowing there may be a chance that she wasn't working either. We met for lunch, and hung out at her house for a little while trying on dresses and talking about having or not having babies. It was great fun. I got back on the trail again and hustled back to the beach for a nice swim before getting back home for my dinner plans.
