Pedal, Pedal, Pedal, Post

Chris and I went for an enjoyable bike ride the other day to the end of the road and back.  I went at full gear and he rode beside me at a decent pace so it actually felt like we were cycling together for enjoyment.  On this bike ride Chris mentioned how great it would be next summer to cycle together out to Lakefield and back for ice cream like he does on the weekend.

The next day was so nice on my drive home that I thought why not bike to Lakefield and back today?  but first drive my bike to the start of the trail at Trent University.  This way I would double my current cycling distance from 9km to just over 18km, but I would get to ride on a fairly flat pathway and get ice cream at the halfway point.  Chris came along with me and hooked up our brand new bike rack which was awesome.

The ride out was pretty easy peasy.  I went at a good pace and made it in 32 minutes roughly.  We cycled side by side most of the way and had a great chat.  Chris didn't know my whole intent on doing this bike ride was not just to say I did it and meet one of my goals, but to experience going to Hamlin's on a bicycle.  He insisted we share an ice cream cup because it was before dinner.

The ride back was not so nice.  It was supposed to be easier because we were following the river downstream, but we fought the wind the whole way back.  I was already tired and everything below my waist was numb and sore.  I felt like I was moving backwards I went so slow at times.  Chris tried to encourage me by telling me to keep pedaling and to see if I could beat my time on the way back.  This is where we ran into issues and had to have a little biking chat about our fitness mindsets.  This is how it went from my perspective.

Chris' mindset while cycling (how I view it): Amber, you should be like "I just biked 9km in 32 minutes.  That's awesome!  That's faster and farther than I've ever gone".  Look at me...I'm going to go another 9km with you.  I bet I can beat my time because I'm so good at cycling and all things sporty now that I lost weight and gained muscle.  I wonder if I will come across a road cyclist and then I can race him and be all proud that I beat them even though they didn't know we were racing.  I'm so pumped.  I'm pedaling fast.  I'm flying off the potholes and driveway bumps.  This is so great.  Yeah I beat my time!  I'm so amazing!  I bet I could do it even faster next time. Amber, that is what you should be thinking.

Amber's mindset while cycling (as I explained to Chris): Oh my God I'm tired.  I'm so tired.  Everything hurts.  Why did I decide to go all the way to Lakefield and back this year?  I should have waited until next year.  Now Chris is going to tell me that next year I need to set a bigger goal because I already finished this one.  That sucks.  Oh, my butt is numb.  I still have at least 30 more minutes to go.  Why am I going so slow?  I hate riding into the wind.  Oooh, yuk.  There are bugs flying into my face like crazy!  (Chris' response - that's why I wore sunglasses *smirk*).  There is no way I'm going to beat my time.  Chris, I'm not thinking about beating my time.  I'm just thinking about finishing at this point.  I'm trying so hard to keep pedaling and not think about how much I want to stop and have you ride ahead and come back with the car.  (Chris says "You can do it.  C'mon and keep pedaling")  I think I've become Dori in Finding Nemo and start saying a mantra to myself.  Chris asks me why I'm not trying to go faster.  I reply in exasperation "I'm not thinking about going faster.  I'm literally thinking pedal, pedal, pedal, just keep pedaling, just keep pedaling, oh a post up ahead - you can get there, pedal, pedal, pedal, post  Ooh ya I rock!  I made it to the post.  Pedal, pedal, pedal, there's some trees - that will stop the wind. etc."  I don't think Chris knew what to do with me at that point.

Suffice it to say.  We made it back and I cycled the whole way.  We didn't beat our time on the return, but still made good time.  It was quite enjoyable.  I'm still sore.  But, I can't wait to do it again next year.