Le bike ride

The BIG event that I was (some what) excited about and also (some what) dreading finally arrived. The alarm had been set for the the early get away. Backpack - check. Camera - check. Water bottle - Check. Sunscreen - Check. Crossword puzzle and pen - check (well you never know?). I was ready. So off I toodles to the station to catch the train into the city where I would meet my fellow bike rider, Rose (otherwise known as Le skinny dipper).

Don't you just love train rides? So many interesting people traveling about. This trip did not disappoint. I have a story and it goes something like this......

First, I must confess to leaving the house a little later than I planned. I only allowed myself 4 min to get to the station (the station is a 3 min ride away from my home- so long as there are no Sunday drivers around). As it turns out there weren't and so I just got onto the platform when the train arrived. I was a bit breathy, I admit. Unfortunately, I did not have a ticket. So I had to feed this machine with all this loose change I had grabbed from the piggy bank (as I was dashing out the house). I was really hoping I had pinched enough. A funny thing happened )an understatement). When I put the last coin into the slot it came whooshing out from the return slot. I mean it was like a missile. The coin starts making its way down the aisle. I had no choice but to chase it down..... you are really going to have to visualize the rest ... not necessarily a pretty sight.

With ticket in hand I wobble down the aisle to find a seat. The only one available was across from this little old lady who was smiling away at me like I was either her long lost child or she thought I was nuts. The train ride took about 30 min and this lady talks and smiles to me for all of them. I listened and hoped that I was nodding and smiling back in the right places (her English was broken and it was a noisy train). Anyhow, when we got into the city station she smiles at me one last time and says, 'You are a good person. You spoke to me. You listened to me - other people they turn from me. You are good - cause you smile."

I'm telling you - I could have floated all the way to the place Rose and I agreed to meet. What a blessing.

So, it was time for the ride. But first things first. Priorities, right?

Paper - Check. Sunscreen - Check. Methyl Silicate (for the knee) - check. Support bandage (also for the knee) - check. Water - check. Mobile phone - check and Coffee - double check!

It took us forever to choose just the right bike (we hired them). Thumbs up Rose - we are ready to hit the path my dear. Pedal away!!!

Before you look at the next picture you just have to take my word for it that Rose and I did actually do some riding before we had this rest (we must have been riding for at least 30 min...). Also, remember that Rose had not been on a bike for 28 years and I have a bad knee - ok? Actually, we were cool riders - honest. I did promise Rose that I would not take a photo of her mounted on the bike. But if you want to visualize us pedaling - think - Armstrong ;)

So, we rested and enjoyed the view. I adamantly reassured Rose I knew where we were going.

On behalf of my own defense I just want you to know that Linear Park has a very complex and vast bike / walking trails. Anyone can take the wrong fork in the path! Besides, we were riding mountain bikes ;). And, if you look at the picture, my bike is already up the top and I am taking the picture - a born leader - that's me!

Two hours of riding later ... that's rose

and that's me.. flat on my back.....


Two hours down - and now we have to ride back - yippee!!

And just in case you were wondering what heaven really looks like,- hmmm - I have a picture for you - (in the far distance is the place we started - the bike rental man).

We gave the bikes back and managed to walk like two crippled geriatrics up this incline of a road to the Mall for a spot of retail therapy. On the way up I was brave enough to ask Rose what was next on our list of adventures - bring it on!!!!!

And now it is 7 hours post dismount and every muscle has seized up. I am feeling it!!!!! I am feeling it in places long , long, long ago forgotten!!!!!! To think - tomorrow I rise at the crack of dawn and get into the little lawn mower excuse of a car and drive 5 hours up to Whyalla to bring Jenna home (I'll be gone 2 days). Bring it on!!!!!!

Oh no, as I have been making this post I have just realized (remembered actually) that we have a cat. I have forgotten to make any arrangements for the cat. Oh pooh - oh bother!

Good night dear friends. I'll deal with that in morning (just before sun comes up).