“Bicycles are almost as good as guitars for meeting girls.” ~ Bob Weir, Grateful Dead

“Bob Weir obviously never owned a golden retriever.” – Derek Maul

Now that my “new” bicycle is back from the shop I am excited like a kid at Christmas. In fact – and this came up in conversation during our long haul Friday morning – there is nothing like riding a bike to bring out the eight-year-old in a seventy-year old!

It has been exactly two weeks since I first got my bike (read, Great Moments in Cycling and Generosity). Immediately, as I want to make sure to give it the respect it deserves, I had the bike thoroughly evaluated before heading over to Moore’s Bicycle Shop in Rocky Mount for the refit.

Between Memorial Day weekend, general busyness and having to order parts from Trek, the work took longer than expected and I have been anxiously waiting.

The bike was not going to be ready until noon Friday, but that didn’t stop me from joining the “Hobgood Biscuit Run” for my first 30-mile trek, there and back, still using the “loaner” from my friend Steve.

Every week there seems to be some new milestone as I get a little stronger and a little more confident. This time I checked off my longest ride to date, my fastest 5 miles, my fastest 10K and most calories burned (it was well over 1,000).

I seriously do not anticipate pushing the envelope much more. That’s not why I started riding right after my birthday eight weeks ago. Instead my plan remains – simply – to balance up my exercise regimen, to be more intentionally healthy and to have fun while I am doing it.

Unless maybe the new bike turns out to expect something more of me?

Playing with my new toy!

As soon as I got the refurbished bike home from Rocky Mount I headed out for a shakedown ride. Not much, just a couple of miles, but I needed to get a feel for how it is going to ride, figure out the gear change system, and – for want of a better expression – play with my new toy.

I was very pleased; I am very pleased. So much so that I may just have to take a tilt at some of those milestones.

Now I not only have a fast shirt and a fast helmet, I have a potentially fast bike too!

Of course I do understand that fitness is not about the equipment any more than getting fitted with custom clubs would do anything substantial for my golf game. It’s about the commitment, it’s about showing up, it’s about consistently making the right decisions… it’s about belief.

All that is true. But I have to say, this new bike certainly does feel good – DEREK

It’s about the commitment, it’s about showing up, it’s about consistently making the right decisions… it’s about belief.

(I’m not just talking about bike riding)