Oct 10, 2016

Back in the Saddle

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
Jen on her bike
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.

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.

21 comments:

  1. Jen, that sounds like such an adventure - what fun!

    I'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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Delete
  2. That sounds like a great way to wind down, Annie. I'd love you show us some of your work on LoveCats.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jen, you are such an Energiser Bunny! But it does look as if the cycling is fun. :-)

    Hmm...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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Delete
  4. lolo, Jen - while you were cycling along the beach in Byron yesterday, I was sitting on my butt drinking wine in Bryon! :-)
    It was pretty shitty weather but saw two whales breaching in the distance as the afternoon passed by!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sounds lovely, Amy. I could have ridden up and said 'hi'. You would have laughed at me all covered in mud.

      Delete
  5. Good 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! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hilarious, Yvonne! Yes and car and a driver does sound good. Might have to go that way next time!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd love to try trail riding, Bronwyn. Can't wait to hear all about it!!

      Delete
  8. Sounds 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.
    Can'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)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd love to see some of your cross-stitch projects, Lyn.

      Delete
  9. Hi Jennifer

    You 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

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a great story, Helen.

    Do it - take the kids. They would love it!

    ReplyDelete
  11. 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.

    Thanks for the lovely welcome.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Such 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What 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.

      Delete
  13. Great 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
  14. Great 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