I had put air in the tires of my bike a few weeks ago.. & then the snow hit. All but gone now, it was time to jumpstart my fitness levels. I don't know how long it has been since I rode my bike with any consistency - let alone, at all.
As it turns out from my place no matter which way I go to the gym it would involve a hill. So it was a matter of choosing the one that would be propose the least assault on my being. I set out with enthusiasm. The air was crisp and the wind was cutting right through my multilayered attire. I was maybe (to be generous) half way up the hill - when my legs were "feeling the burn" (and they were none to pleased about it... if they could talk they might have said, "I thought we were over the need to invite this sort of intensity in....." - "let Pele feel the burn, these are the legs of a mere mortal!!"
The faltering legs were soon joined by (& now to tie in the heart expansion reference) the feeling that not only was my heart "expanding" - it was on the brink of exploding! It became abundantly clear this was becoming one of those "good intentions" are a far cry from putting something into "action." Having the bike sitting in the entrance way of my condo (as a "visual reminder" & motivator) for God knows how long, does not in any way, shape, or form prepare me to tackle a hill. I used to ride up that hill with not nearly that much duress. It certainly was a good reminder that fitness has nothing to do with what you used to do, to maintain it. It's as true now as ever, "if you don't use it, ya lose it!!"
When I was able to pull over and dismount I did so, and walked my bike up the rest of the hill, on the sidewalk. My legs were still throbbing and burning - walking on them felt as though there was nothing much in the way of stability beneath me. I got to the crest of the hill and mounted my bike once again. My chest was still heaving and I'd have though my heart was both visible through all my clothing & if you were close enough - it's wild rhythms would have been audible.
I know from my trainer/training days that "active" recovery (after an interval of intensity) is preferable to just stopping. The rest of the route was relatively flat and I chose gears that required a little effort by the rest of the ride was more enjoyable and allowed my heart and breathing rate to restore to something more like normal.
I was happy to break the considerable inertia around getting started again... Of course though a significant hurdle ... it's all for nought if I don't maintain some regularity. Ideally I would be on the bike again day after tomorrow (and gradually build up a fitness base again).
Speaking of wellness/fitness the trip to the gym was uneventful (other than the acute de-conditioning) However a jaunt to the health food store on the way home and the ride to my place was fraught with three separate incidents which could have been quite contrary to my quest for wellness.
In one case a women drove up along side me and then just as she got just past me she whips a right hand turn right across my path. In the health food market parking lot I was riding behind a car that had just backed out of his parking spot once he proceeded, this guy was about to just crank it into the same parking spot - the only problem being I would have been that bump he felt as he pulled in.
The last one was another women that coming the opposite direction and she made a left hand turn (well after her "advanced green" had ended; right across my path and through the cross walk where pedestrians had already began to cross the road.
Fortunately for me (none of these errant moves resulted my bodily harm to me). I walk regularly, I fully intend to resume some percentage of bicycle commuting (errands, or just a ride), I also drive an automobile and ride a motor cycle and quite frequently use public transit. I therefore submit I don't have a particular bias for any single convenience (unless of course you count the one that would exist specifically when my life is threatened while I'm doing any one of them).
I suppose in the estimation of some, if I were a good "spiritual guy" I'd have compassion for the stress levels of these drivers and realize that all that they have to contend with in their lives, compels them to feel rushed and pressured.
You know what?? Fuck that! In the case of all these drivers today... I let them know in no uncertain terms that they were encroaching upon my physical space ... and to back the fuck off and wake the fuck up!! The sunny day prompted these drivers to have their windows rolled down, which was conducive to my being able to express my sentiments in no uncertain terms. When you arrive at the drive through coffee lane... allow me to buy you a super-sized extra hot, double-whipped cup of, fuck you and the horse you rode into town on!!
I don't give a shit who you are, your schedule/agenda, is not more important than my life (or the life of anyone else, that must navigate the roads; in constant peril, brought on by the clear and present danger, of unconscious, just plain ignorant & wreckless drivers..
This is not just the occasional over sight, drivers are rapidly becoming more offensive & more aggressive; wielding their vehicle like a weapon.
Cyclist, pedestrians, motorcyclist, those that ride transit; all pay taxes too - so get off your entitled high horse and start driving like the privilege it is
So slow down, leave earlier, have a little patience or park the damn car!!
Your double-double, honey-glazed cruller or caramel crappacino will still be there when you get there and maybe the rest of us will live to see our destination too!!
Om Shanti!!
R. O'Neill (Feb. 25, 2019)
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