Today I did something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. I got a bike! My parents are big into road cycling (Dad especially). I’ve long thought that, if only I had a bike, I would be in the best shape of my life. Well… with Atlanta’s traffic, my growing care for the environment, and the ridiculous cost of parking on Emory’s campus, it finally became a near necessity that I have an alternative form of transportation.
For graduation, the parentals gifted me with some money for a bike, and we had some preliminary conversations about what kind of bike I might need. At the bike shop, Dad showed me some options, I got to test drive a few, and the winner is…
Giant’s “Dash” . This bike is a hybrid style with the frame of a road bike for fitness (light weight, thin tires), but has straight handlebars which are more aimed toward comfort and commuting. For those who have been watching the Tour de France, I will not be leaning quite as far forward as those guys on my handlebars. So, it combines fitness and function and may or may not be turquoise blue and steel gray (ZTA hold tight!) Thanks Pedal Power Bike Shop for helping me find the right bike!
Of course, I wasted no time getting into the cycling scene in Lexington. The Bluegrass Cycling Club has a Monday night club ride that my parents have been riding for years. Mom and I stuck with the C ride for beginners, and we brought up the rear (almost). The C ride goes 21 miles, but there are turn-around spots for 17, 14, and 10 mile rides as well. We opted for 14 and headed on our merry way.
I’ve lived in Fayette County for my entire 22 years, and this evening I experienced the country-side from a fresh perspective, perched atop my bicycle, riding a leisurely pace. The ride, according to my dad, is considered “flat”… but it was a series of rolling hills that made me want to vomit at one point. Nevermind, I persevered, and it was gorgeous. The horse farms and hundred-year-old homes, white fences, all seen by the setting-sun’s light, filtered through the clouds overhead and the leafy green trees arching over the windy roads…
Tonight’s ride impressed upon me a new appreciation of the beauty of my hometown. That is refreshing.
We finished our 14 miles in about an hour and a half, at the exact same time that Dad finished his 25 mile ride (he’s a rockstar). It began to pour rain and lightning, and we made our way to QDoba. I have decided that naked vegetarian burritos with the tortilla on the side are best enjoyed after a long bike ride…
internationally engaged 