Yen

Today we took an "easy" ride in the other direction which was mostly flat with some moderate inclines. As usual on our morning weekend rides, we stopped for bagels, fruit, and coffee on the way home. As we were leaving, we walked our bikes through the outdoor patio where a man was sitting. He tucked in his feet as we passed and said with a smile "I do that too!", pointing to our bikes. He lives in Germany and is here visiting his siblings who live in our town. Born in Jerusalem, he is half Palestine and half Lebanese, and now lives in Germany where he raised his family. His English is very good. He told us about the pleasures of cycling in Germany and that his bike has more miles than his car. He was a very pleasant, friendly man and we wished we could have visited longer. Meeting people like this, especially ones from other regions, is one of my favorite things so far about this sport. It forms connections with others whom we would not otherwise meet. And, we get waved at a lot.

We rode 22 miles today. Hubby said a little while ago that he doesn't feel up to more than one "big" ride weekend yet...... it's only been 3 months, after all, since we got back on a bike. So, we have a plan to ride shorter rides during the week at our own paces (separately, since he is retired and I am still working), and take our long ride together on the weekend and build up our mileage by a few each week or so. I may go out for an easy spin around the neighborhood tomorrow, just to move my legs around.

Edit: I forgot to mention that we have encountered nothing but polite actions from motorists. Maybe it's this quaint college-town atmosphere, but motorists wave us on even after we wave them on. Like "You go first... no YOU go first... no I insist, YOU go first".

George

Hi Yen, I think that's how it is down here where I live, with the drivers, because so many of them ride. I don't think I would have taken up riding where I lived before. Everybody was just in to much a hurry.

I've been reading a lot about riding in Germany, and I would like to go on a biking vacation there, but my wife doesn't care to go. She just told me to go, but I know I wouldn't go myself. Anyhow I'm glad your having fun.

CrossChain

Good idea, Yen.....for where you two are at present, better frequent shorter rides than an occasional relative megamonster that wipes you out-- and burns you out. Steady miles accumulating now will make your next steps up easier and more encouraging.

Ken Brown

George: just go. I have taken 2 cycling trips to Europe, by myself, and thinking of going again this Fall. My wife is not into cycling so I go by myself. If you are not comfortable going by yourself, go with a tour.

Yen, Germany and Austria are wonderful for cycling. There are lots of bike paths and the car drivers are very courteous to cyclists. While touring over there you meet lots of fellow cyclists. See photos of my trips at https://webhome.idirect.com/~brown/austria1.htm and https://webhome.idirect.com/~brown/mosel1.html

Ken

Tom Bombadil

22 miles isn't a bad ride. Right now that would be my 6th longest ride ever.

I agree it is fun to meet people from other places. My wife and I have had several opportunities over the years to do this.

Louis

I enjoy that too, but I'm always embarrased that I can speak only one language.

Yen

George: I hope you can go... your wife is very nice to offer that.

CrossChain: I agree. Actually, I feel good after these long rides, not at all wiped out (refreshed, actually), and we both try to ride separately on short rides as time allows during the week. Unfortunately though, the shorter rides have been more sporatic with too many days in between them and the long ride, and we plan to fix that this coming week.

Ken: I thoroughly enjoyed your fantastic photo tour... absolutely wonderful. Your photography skills are excellent. I could see the bike trails along the roads as described by our German friend today. I was struck by the color and clarity of your photos and the livelihood in the city scenes. In one of the first photos in Austria, what you described as a "barn" looks like what we'd call a mountain lodge here. The scenery is stunning. I could go on and on..... I want to go now!

Tom: What is your first longest ride ever? (I just now noticed the tiny bike atop your helmet...)

Yen

Oh, and I forgot to add that the sit bone pain is gone and no numbness in my hands this morning. I don't know what was wrong the other morning, maybe I was just off or slept wrong.

Tom Bombadil

I'm not sure I'm allowed to talk about it outside of the thread that I started on it. Some have threatened to give me a wedgie or something if I bring it up in other threads.

In any case, here are my longest rides:

On May 20th, my longest ride was 18 miles.

late May: 26 miles

June 8th: 33 miles

June 30th: 40 miles

July 1st: 31 miles

July 5th: 64 miles

So if I had gone on a 22 mile ride today, it would have taken over my #6 longest ride slot.

Digital Gee

gfspencer

I lived in Germany for four years. It is a fantastic place to ride. Bicycles get respect over there because so many people ride.

I also ride motorcycles. My wife doesn't. I've been on several rides in Europe while my wife stays at home. It's a different kind of vacation without her but it's a lot of fun. Go for it!!

George

oilman_15106

Last year met a guy from France while riding. No helmet and he would ride about an inch from your bike while talking to you. Nice guy but his riding style was scary.