It’s bicycle-riding weather, so start pedaling. At least that is what my wife, Jolene, tells me. She has been an avid cyclist in years past and wants to get those tires rolling again — and she wants me to join her.
We have the bikes. We own the gear. We know the paths. But we have differing views of what bicycling is.
I spent most of my childhood on the seat of my bicycles. I rode them to the swimming pool, to the Little League games, to my friends’ homes. My bikes were nothing special, but they were my sources of transportation — and freedom — and riding was so easy. Jump on and start pedaling. I still have that mindset.
My wife, on the other hand, sees bicycling as a form of exercise with many steps to the process. First, she has to dress in the full uniform with spandex shorts, bicycling shirts, gloves and pedal-locking shoes. Then there are the water bottles (yes, plural) that must be filled with just the right amount of ice and water and placed securely in the metal bottle holders (yes, plural). And then she must air up the tires (every time she rides) to the exact pressure. Adjust the seat, clean the biking sunglasses, strap on one of the assortment of helmets (yes, plural), and she is almost ready to go.
And me? I am sitting on my bike patiently waiting for the right time to ask if she is ready. And, of course, there is no right time to ever ask is she is ready. She will tell me when she is ready. I am learning.
On the trails we will be, and we hope to see you there. And if you need water, just ask Jolene. She has a spare bottle.
Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
