First Bike Ride of the Season

I went for my first bike ride of the season tonight. I hadn’t been planning on it—the forecast was for rain, but I do need the exercise, I did have the bike in the car, and it felt warm when I left work, so off I went, despite the overcast. Since the days still aren’t long, I decided to start from the Riverside Square parking lot.

I should have known better as soon as I got out of the car, and a cold wind cut right through my heaviest fleece. I hate riding when it’s cold and raw. My ideal is a nice warm evening when there’s a pretty sunset. Still, I pushed on, my legs despising me. I am so out of shape right now. But I pushed on, knowing that a crummy ride now will pave the way for a better ride next week.

My initial goal was just to do 3 miles. Then I decided to go for the YMCA that’s along the path in Warren. A little further, as it turns out, than I intended, but that was OK. I got there and turned around, and as I headed back, I had a tail wind, and my legs started to loosen up. Eight miles isn’t so bad for the first ride of the season.