I
love going to new places and trying new things. Yesterday I didn’t so much try
something new, but revive something old. When I was younger, I used to ride my
bike to university. While flying along by the Brisbane River, I would relish
that my own energy could get me to where I wanted go.
That
was then and this is now.
I
haven’t ridden a bike properly for about fifteen years. That all changed yesterday morning. My
super-fit friends (a Commonwealth gold medal cyclist among them) ride all the
time over the hills and dales and beaches of Byron. So with a cycle trip around the SA vineyards looming, I thought I should get my butt back into the saddle.
It
was glorious. Although it was raining (!) and I ended up covered in mud and
sand, it was so much
fun bouncing over the trails and riding home along the
beach. I was a bit nervous about crashing but I only fell over when I was at a
stand still and no-one saw, so that doesn’t count.
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| Jen on her bike |
I’m now committed to keeping up (well trying!) with my friends and finding my old cycling groove.
Is
there anything you used to do that you’ve taken up again later in life? I’d
love to hear.
New Cats… Lots of Prizes
 |
| Ally Blake |
 |
| Melanie Milburne |
Oh
and don’t forget to meet (if you haven’t already) our new Cats – Melanie
Milburne and Ally Blake.
Ally and Melanie joined Lovecats DownUnder on Friday and we held a huge welcome party.
Pop over, read all about them and leave a comment to be in the running to win our fabulous prize packs.
Jen, that sounds like such an adventure - what fun!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of finding time for a much more sedentary pursuit. I used to do a lot of needlework - cross stitch and tapestry and it's a great way to unwind. I've got several partly completely projects and I've been promising myself I'd find time for a little of that soon. Here's hoping! It always takes a conscious effort to find time to change routine.
You'll have to show us before and after photos of the projects as you complete them, Annie. I have a half finished castle in amongst my cross stitch. Now I have new prescription lenses I should probably give that a go again...or maybe finish the couple of pairs of unfinished socks languishing in amongst my yarn stash.
DeleteThat sounds like a great way to wind down, Annie. I'd love you show us some of your work on LoveCats.
ReplyDeleteJen, you are such an Energiser Bunny! But it does look as if the cycling is fun. :-)
ReplyDeleteHmm...I guess studying is something I've gone back to (but it's far from relaxing!). Something that is relaxing, though, is I've rediscovered my love of swimming in the ocean -- now that is heavenly!
Swimming in the ocean does sound lovely, Michelle. I must take that up again considering I live by the ocean, I'm just a bit scared of the big 'fish' that live there too.
Deletelolo, Jen - while you were cycling along the beach in Byron yesterday, I was sitting on my butt drinking wine in Bryon! :-)
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty shitty weather but saw two whales breaching in the distance as the afternoon passed by!
Sounds lovely, Amy. I could have ridden up and said 'hi'. You would have laughed at me all covered in mud.
DeleteGood for you, Jen! The vineyard tour sounds like fun but I'm pretty sure I'd need an electric bike (or a motorbike, oh heck, who am I kidding--a car and driver!) to do something like that! :-)
ReplyDeleteHilarious, Yvonne! Yes and car and a driver does sound good. Might have to go that way next time!!
ReplyDeleteI think the prospect of cycling through vineyards would get me motivated. :-) I do like cycling BUT only on flat ground. I'm more your relaxed cyclist than your getting-fit cyclist. :-) I've not taken up anything recently but next year I'm planning a trail riding holiday on horseback. I haven't been in the saddle for a super-long time and I imagine I will suffer for that. I also imagine it will be worth it!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try trail riding, Bronwyn. Can't wait to hear all about it!!
DeleteSounds like you have good motivation for getting back on the bike, but you're still braver than I for the company you've chosen to get back up to suitable fitness.
ReplyDeleteCan't think of anything that I did in earlier life that I've come back to... though I seem to go in cycles with picking up my cross-stitch projects due to impacts of life, fatigue and eye sight (being long sighted means even with corrected vision there is only so long that is sensible to stitch)
I'd love to see some of your cross-stitch projects, Lyn.
DeleteHi Jennifer
ReplyDeleteYou go girl I wish I had you energy :) I used to ice skate when I was a teenager that is where I met my hubby and I would love to take my grandkids ice skating one day :)
Have Fun
Helen
What a great story, Helen.
ReplyDeleteDo it - take the kids. They would love it!
Hey, Jennifer, you are so inspiring! Cycling isn't my thing but I know how fabulous it is for your health and fitness. You'll have to do the Great Tasmanian Ride! We have some decent hills for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely welcome.
I'd love to do that ride, Melanie.
DeleteSuch a refreshing blog. I sit here day after day writing, with no writing group to go to, no fellow writers to share a coffee with [I'm an Aussie published in America], and I often find myself wondering if there's life beyond my computer. My backside balks at the idea of being planted on such a little seat (I can already hear the poor seat crying out, "Who turned off the lights!" ;) ) but, Jennifer, you've definitely inspired me to get up and look for life beyond my this screen. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post, Donna. I can tell you my backside wasn't very happy for a few days, but the ride really did make me feel great.
DeleteGreat to see two new love cats. Ally and Melanie welcome. Great to read about your writing process and your furry writing partners! Looking forward to seeing you on three blog on a regular basis. I'm based in Australia in beautiful brisbane.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see two new love cats. Ally and Melanie welcome. Great to read about your writing process and your furry writing partners! Looking forward to seeing you on three blog on a regular basis. I'm based in Australia in beautiful brisbane.
ReplyDelete