Why I Bike

I mean bicycling in the present (2009), not back in high school (1958 - 1961) when riding my single-gear Schwinn to Glenlord Beach from Lincoln Avenue was just another summer afternoon adventure.

Of course, over the years I've had any number of bikes but surely no single bike that ever cost over $100. My old bicycles were designed for neighborhood jaunts, or for following the kids around on their trikes.

So what possessed me to spend a grand of my hard-earned retirement money on a classy road bike? Not to mention those fancy clip-on shoes, form-fitting shirt, and bike shorts tight enough to make a Grampa blush. Yes, why would a 65-year old man act so foolishly.

It all started with Naomi. After her days of rowing Crew at the University of Georgia she and Louie (her fiance and former rowing coach) took up bicycling. Next, Leo bought a spiffy road bike. Well, Susan was bound and determined to keep up with them using her old bike that should probably have been in a museum. So we all chipped in to by her a brand new REI Cannondale.

And then the trouble really started for me. I was left behind as they went off onto the country roads for long bike rides. So out came my wallet and I came home from my next REI trip with my very own Cannondale. Unfortunately I found myself way out of shape and late last summer when they all rode B.R.A.G. (Bike Ride Across Georgia, a six-day, 50 mile-per day, ride) I again was left on the sidelines.

Now it was getting personal!!

Over the winter I made up my mind that I would not only do BRAG next year, I would ride a Century (100 miles in a day). A Century may be a stretch but I am determined to participate in longer bike rides. Over the winter I bought a "trainer", a machine that hooks up to the back wheel of my old bike and simulates a ride. Now that the nice weather is here I'm working my way back up to my longest ride of last year which was 59 miles.

Yesterday I rode by myself for 22 miles in 1:42, averaging 12.9 mph. I passed a young couple (maybe about 30+ years of age) and dusted them off. Today I rode the same route with the girls (Susan, Naomi and Tracy) and we covered the 22 miles at 14.1 mph. Next Saturday Susan and I will try a 68-mile ride.

I feel those endorphins kick in. I want to ride more, and longer. I feel great. And, to tell the truth, it is a bit of an ego trip. I want to show people that this old "Walter Mitty" can have more than dreams.

Finally, I do it because my grandfather, Hugh, who I never knew and wished with I my heart that I had, was a bicycle rider (that him at the top). He and Uncle Will professionally rode in bike races in Western New York around the 1890-1900's. The races took place on dirt horse tracks at local County Fairgrounds and they were both very good and well known. So here's to Grampa Hugh, from one grandfather to another.