I have a Townie, which means I don't ride fast. Not even medium fast. In fact, my average is 10 - 11 miles an hour, and it's only on the dedicated bike trails. Which is fine. At one time my husband mostly coasted as I pedaled my anatomy off on a 3 speed coaster brake bike, getting my legs in shape. Now it's my turn to slow coast as my friend gets up to speed. Yesterday we took a 12 mile ride on a country rail-trail and stopped to chat with a turtle, watched a flock of geese honk about something or other, inhaled the wondrous scent of apple blossoms, listened to a pair of woodpeckers calling back and forth to each other, and marveled at the hand painted beauty of bluebird boxes installed along the trail. I love the gentle dreamlike rides in the country, the friendliness of other trail riders, the unexpected delights mother nature provides, and the breeze on my face.
I'm not going anywhere with this, just sharing the joy. I tip my helmet to those who can do what I can't. I would have liked to move in that direction, but it's not going to happen in this lifetime. In the meantime, there's a turtle out there who got to show off to a human. And a friend who, at the end of the ride, told me she doesn't know if she's ever been this relaxed in her entire life.

+1

See my signature line? While I'm typically a bit above 11 MPH, there are days when that's just fine, too. I love those "smell the roses" rides.

As the teller of many stories that don't go anywhere, I really appreciated this one, although I think it went many wonderful places. Just reading it made me too relax. Thank you!

Thanks for a nice read. You have a gift with words. Enjoy!

As one who is normally in a mental state of -go, it has taken me about a year to slow down. The silly thing is, all that time spent working on speed and technique and cadence, now allows me to enjoy the ride more because I'm no longer working hard to hold a speed I want. Which in turn allows me to look around more and pant less.

There are many paths to fulfillment in cycling. I'm happy you found yours.

You're in good company here, lots of us that just enjoy riding for pleasure, and some that enjoy mixing it up, speeding it up, at times. Ride what you want, its your bicycle and your time. Peace my friends.

Bill

Sounds like a great ride!
Enjoy
Bill

This post is the perfect inverse of Greg Lemond's favorite quote "It never gets easier, you just go faster."

Yes Greg, It does get easier if you just allow yourself to go slower . . .

Rick / OCRR

I ride for the ride....what speed I do is something that just happens to be, not the goal.

I get that. I would have no idea whatsoever about the number, except the love of my life is a numbers kind of guy, has a little computer gizmo on his bike, and keeps track of things like that, and we ride together. While I'm noticing the birds, he's noticing the mile markers. It's all good.
I admit there's a small bit of animal in my soul that wants to hunker down and feel the burn, but for a variety of reasons that will have to wait until my next incarnation. :-)