chefisaac

One of the hardest things, for me, is being away from my parents and family on holidays and to make it harder, my wife is still out in Washington (but as I type this, she and my dad are driving from Washington State to NJ to make the move.) It’s tough because the holidays mean tradition and when you are away from the family, it’s lacking the “tradition” part of it.

But “family” comes in many forms. Be it direct blood line family or inlaws but also friends and since I have been riding (since July 2011), I have met some amazing people…two of them I got to ride with today: Jim B and Jim D. I was glad I wasn’t alone for Thanksgiving and now I am included in a new tradition… that Thanksgiving ride tradition.

We met in Delaware at around 9 am with Jim D and I always being very early. That’s been the norm which gives us time to BS for a while. Topics are usually in the bike realm and also weight loss, etc. Jim B got there on time and we rigged up. It was 38 degrees, beautiful day, and very little wind.

We were shooting for a relaxed flat ride. I have been having some trouble with both knees lately (working on figuring it out) so I needed to take it easy. Jim was nice enough to hook up a ride that was just that. My knees thank you!

It started out a little cold but we warmed up as we pedaled on. Plus the sun was bright, the sky was clear and no wind! What a nice ride.

We pulled up to some of the most scenic sites to take pictures and learn about the history of the area we rode. The houses in the area are amazing and there was one farm that was so big. Not only did it house the owners but also the employees that worked there. We passed by an experimental horse breeding farm too. We pedaled along up to a park on the water, off the bikes and just sat and talked for a while along with taking some pictures. This was a relaxing ride.

This wasn’t the first time I have ridden this route but it seems like it. With the change in season means change in scenery.

Jim B hit a mile stone. 500 miles with his road bike since he has been riding it this year. GREAT job. It’s amazing to hit those mile stones. Makes riding that much more fun!

As I was riding, I was thinking of what I was thankful for. I first was thankful for my knees not hurting at that moment in the ride. But more to the point, I was thankful for everyone I have had the experience riding with. 99% of the rides have been so much fun, scenic, and challenging. If you know me, you know I am a big guy so riding doesn’t come easy but it’s been the best experience of my life. The day I got my bike, I knew I needed a change in my life. I needed it because, as I remembered when I was younger, riding a bike was fun and for the most part, I have been able to touch all those feeling and memories from the past when I rode when I was younger. And I needed a change. Life, at the point in time, was all too serious and no fun. It was the typical work work work situation.

Riding is the best. Riding this time of year is peaceful, especially after the REALLY HOT summer (I am not used to that). And as you read this, I am currently working on getting my mountain bike ready to start commuting to work. Cant wait for that either!
Enough rambling….. I hope to get out and have the opportunity to continue riding with people who share the passion of pedaling on a bike!

Note: the pictures are not mine.. they were taken by Jim B and Jim D. Sometime I will own a camera.

paisan

Just a quick tip, If the tights are not padded they go over the shorts, or you're going to chafe yourself silly on longer rides.

chefisaac

damn paisan.... you were reading my mind. no wonder I hurt today.

Rock31

@paisan, thank you for that!

I may have found myself in trouble this weekend since I planned on wearing them under!

Read your report in email Isaac

Sounds like a great time once again.

Neil_B

There are a few brave souls who ride with unpadded tights over.... nothing at all.

paisan

There's a fine line between Bravery and Stupidity and those people are probably not on the right side of it.