Gotta get ready to ride.

I have been off my bikes for most of the winter season. I just did a quick ride to the bank on my BMX about 30 minutes ago and it felt good. I am usually well dressed when I go for a ride but I just put on a sweatshirt, skullcap and went thru the door. Didn't have on my sunglasses, helmet (not a good idea so make sure you wear yours), gloves or cycling shoes. I wasn't lugging my water bottle or a Camelbak. Didn't have my tools, a spare inner tube or patch kit. No computer, GPS or heart monitor. Just me, my bike and the outdoors.

I rode on the boardwalk at Rockaway Beach. As I rode toward it, I hopped a couple of curbs. Pedaling on the boardwalk, I could hear loose boards creaking under my tires and sand crunching as I accelerated. The wind was in my chest so it was giving me some resistance but I pedaled on. The sun was shinning brightly and the seagulls were flying around squawking loudly. I kept my eyes on them as I rode because I know they like pulling sneak attack bomb raids. As I rode faster, my eyes began tearing from the wind (or was it because of the emotional overtaking from being aways so long?). A few of the boardwalkers waved and I waved back. I guess spring is in the air because this isn't typical New York behavior. But I understand. I mean, after being out in the cold and wind for a few hours in single digit temperatures, I probably wouldn't feel like waving much myself.

I went to the bank, made my deposit and jumped back on the bike. Headed back and took an alternate route. Rode along the street in the bike lane. Everything was good and I coasted along just taking everything in. It's amazing how many things you miss in life just from doing your day to day routine. I was observing the construction projects in the area and cruised by the big whale sculpture. I hope the rest of this year's riding days are as exhilarating as this. Looking forward to mountain biking and road biking this year in NY as I am a transplant from Atlanta, GA. Moving up here late in the year did not allow me the time to enjoy what New York has to offer from a cycling perspective. I have signed up for the NY 5 Borough Tour and hope to meet some cool and exciting people there plus have a good experience. Hope to see you there!