Back in the saddle

Last week I rode my bike for the first time since "the accident." Just my single-speed cruiser that keeps me fairly upright with very little weight on my wrist. It was exciting and scary at the same time. But mostly exciting! For me, a bike spells freedom. It means I can get where I want to go--exactly where I want, not a parking space or lot four blocks from where I'm going. It also means I can go when I want. Not when Tri-Met sees fit to take me and not when traffic allows me to move at normal speeds. On the bike, there are no traffic jams, no holdups, no detours. Usually I can reach a destination faster on my bike than on the bus and often in about the same time as driving after you factor in parking and walking.

I've had several short bike outings now and am feeling stronger every day. The first day, I had to walk up the hill from the post office because the single-speed makes it a standing hill and standing just put too much torque on my wrist. Two days later I made the climb. Now I'm looking forward to getting back on my 'cross bike and going for a real ride!