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Finally! Regular life as I know it returns

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Finally! Regular life as I know it returns

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Old 06-01-07 | 07:33 AM
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Finally! Regular life as I know it returns

My wife and I are finally resuming "regular life" now after the birth of our daughter (she's 3 weeks old now ) See below...

luke_and_anna2wks.jpg

That means, I "get" to go back to work...which is a good thing...I like my job, I like my regular routine, and I'm no Mr Mom...so that's fine with me. Seeing that I have 2 in diapers now...the only time I'm ever going to be able to be on a bike is commuting to work, commuting to my carpool buddy (who also happens to be my dad) or getting out early mornings on the weekend.

So anyways...this morning I did a nice 8.75 mile jaunt in 32 mins to the carpool destination. It was really humid, in the mid sixties with no wind. I forgot how many people are still sleeping at 5:30am, I believe I "encountered" one car on a sidestreet who passed nicely by, other than that it was open road.

Oh yeah...I am absolutely THRILLED that I have absolutely no leg soreness, tingly hands or a sore behind thanks to my new steed:

Raleigh0507.jpg

I will say that riding on a fluid trainer over the winter helped alot as well.

Last year I had this:

CommuterPicWeb.JPG

Thanks to all on this forum who stressed the importance of a proper bike fit...it makes a BIG difference. The Schwinn Ranger is going to be the "pull the kid trailer" and run to the grocery store bike now.

BTW...I now understand why some of you all can ride in inclement weather. I rode in an event called Bike The Drive (details here: https://www.bikethedrive.org/) a few days ago with a collegue from work. The first 1/2 hour of it was in a constant drizzle. Besides wet feet...it was actually enjoyable riding in the rain...it wasn't that big of a deal at all. So this this year...a little rain is not going to stop me. (riding in thunder and lightning and sideways rain into a 30mph wind...thats a different story)

Next week is going to be real nice...I may go the whole way (a 34 mile roundtrip) 3 out of 5 of those days. Ugh...I swear I gained as much weight as my wife did during the time she was pregnant, so my body will apreciate it too.

I forgot how addicting this is. Having the car sit in the driveway gives me a good feeling too...especially with $3.50+ prices at the pump.
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Old 06-01-07 | 07:35 AM
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It's good to get back on the bike.

As for riding in the rain ... hey, it's only water.
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Old 06-01-07 | 10:13 AM
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Congratulations to you and your wife. Glad everyone is doing well.

You may be getting back into your routine but you are badly mistaken about one thing.
Now that you have a kid your regular life will NEVER return!
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Old 06-01-07 | 10:36 AM
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The OP already had one kid. I think he knows what he is in for.

Heck, I have a three year old and most of my mileage is commuting. Too dang hard to find time to ride on the weekend. I still manage to scrounge up some weekend rides from time to time.
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Old 06-01-07 | 10:58 AM
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Originally Posted by DataJunkie
The OP already had one kid. I think he knows what he is in for.
It's good he upgraded his bike. He may not be able to afford to again for say, 18 years.
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Old 06-01-07 | 11:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Artkansas
It's good he upgraded his bike. He may not be able to afford to again for say, 18 years.
Oh man, don't you know it. My favorite store is craiglist.
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Old 06-01-07 | 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by DataJunkie
I still manage to scrounge up some weekend rides from time to time.
Naptime in the trailer.

Hey, w/ both of them in diapers you never need to pull over for pitstops either!
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Old 06-01-07 | 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by mwrobe1
BTW...I now understand why some of you all can ride in inclement weather. I rode in an event called Bike The Drive (details here: https://www.bikethedrive.org/) a few days ago with a collegue from work. The first 1/2 hour of it was in a constant drizzle. Besides wet feet...it was actually enjoyable riding in the rain...it wasn't that big of a deal at all. So this this year...a little rain is not going to stop me. (riding in thunder and lightning and sideways rain into a 30mph wind...thats a different story)
Thats how it starts. Next you get caught in a down pour and realize its not so bad either, and kind of fun in a way. Then you start looking forward to "weather". Then your wife has to call you and plead with you to get a ride home after the 10" of snow that fell during the day.
At least thats what happened to me.
Congratulations.

Craig
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Old 06-01-07 | 12:24 PM
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Originally Posted by HardyWeinberg
Naptime in the trailer.

Hey, w/ both of them in diapers you never need to pull over for pitstops either!

That works until they start riding their own bikes. I need a trail-a-bike now. Riding along with my kid at 2 mph is interesting to say the least. The important thing is that he is having fun. His dad on the other hand....
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Old 06-01-07 | 12:33 PM
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Riding along with my kid at 2 mph is interesting
I do that. 17-minute mile recently (1st 0.3 of the mile was me solo going to meet him). I guess that's closer to 3mph probably... Anyway, got compliments on my balance from other parents!
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Old 06-01-07 | 02:01 PM
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He he.
After riding with the kid I can now almost trackstand.
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