A life of writing, studying, knitting, and the occasional hike does not lend itself to fitness. When we were in Maine this summer we rented bikes and rode the carriage trails in Acadia Nat'l Park. This was my son, Matt's, idea, as he is an avid cyclist. He was going to go alone, then Doug offered to go with him, and then I did. (Tim stayed at the cottage and read, savoring some alone time). I hadn't been on a bike in years. In fact, I had a bit of a phobia about riding, since a bad accident years ago. I wasn't even sure I could still do it. But I did. Not fast and not always well, but I did it, and so conquered a fear.

Since we got home the thought of owning a bike again took hold and finally I took the plunge, the form of a Cannondale Quick 4 hybrid.



It's probably more bike than I need, but I test drove several cheaper ones and even I could tell the difference. The Quick 4 shifts gears like silk. I bought it on Saturday and have since ridden about 30 minutes a day. I am woefully out of shape, but am already seeing some progress in my strength and endurance. Not bad, since I'm starting from just about zero on both counts.

Redlands is a hardcore road bike town. Most of the riders you see are 1) men, 2) on pricey road bikes and 3) in spandex. I have no interest in that kind of riding, at least not yet, and would look appalling in spandex. Riding a hybrid in capris may not be as stylish and hardcore, but I don't give a rat's hat. It is odd, though, how few women you see on bikes, except for those in the spandex set. Around campus at UR there are lots of girls on beach cruisers, but those aren't much for longer range rides around town.

Even though I'm still not far past the sweat and wheeze stage, I am finding that a morning ride ups my energy throughout the day.