Cycling, Part I

I realize that it may seem like I've fallen off the face of the earth. But don't worry, this isn't the case; I am still alive and well. With a new position at work in April, my mom coming out for a visit, Ryan away on multiple trips and enjoying time with good friends, life has become quite fast-paced as of late. And I haven't made writing a priority, though not for lack of good topics swirling around my head. Time to get back on the bandwagon!

The sun has decided to make an appearance in Holland (at last!), and there is no longer an excuse to ignore my bicycle every morning which sits in the back garden. Believe me, I've had plenty of excuses; Oh, it looks too cold out, I'm tired, I'm running late for work. You name it, there was always something I could pull out of my hat to stamp out the very thought of pedaling the 8 mile round trip journey. But my friend Noemi, who lives a mere stone's throw away, stated what I had already been thinking for some time, 'Do you want to try cycling to work together?'

It's not as though I am new to riding. Ryan and I cycle every Sunday to Mass and around town to run errands, grocery shop and meet up with friends, but riding to work 5 days a week, that's a commitment I wasn't sure I wanted to make! However, I've been getting frustrated with tram connections, buses that drive like bats out of hell (I kid you not!) and even the occasional walk home which takes a long time, so I agreed to give this idea a chance.

The first morning we rode in, I wondered why I hadn't done this earlier. I loved feeling the morning breeze through the woods and quietly contemplating the day ahead. Funny how a few moments in the fresh air can change around one's mood. It is also nice having a biking buddy (which we now call each other). I think we've invoked in the other the spirit to keep this pattern going. We've even changed our route a few times to keep the scenery interesting.

When I first arrived in the land of bicycles, my little legs weren't very strong and I struggled to keep up; Many a Dutch rider would pass me by; I'm ashamed to say even the grey-haired. It was time to build up my strength! As they say, no pain, no gain. I am happy to report that I am much faster now and can keep up with the throngs of other cyclists along busy bike paths, through wooded trails and the cobble-stoned streets to my humble abode. It's been almost four weeks of taking this new mode of transportation to work and I'm very happy I tossed my excuses aside and got out there.


Note: As I first began writing this post a few days ago, the weather has changed with thunderstorm clouds looming overhead. Oh well! Next week looks better and you can be sure that I'll be back on my trusty bike passing as many people as I can along the way.