John bought a bike about a year ago so he could commute to his new shop. I held off getting one until about a month ago. We visited a neat little shop in Iowa City (The Broken Spoke) and I put in an order for a Kona Dew Deluxe. I'm so long-legged that I need the biggest bike frame Kona makes, and they special-ordered it for me.
When I got back from California last week John and I made the trek to pick up the bike. I took a quick spin around the area on Sunday. Then the weather turned blazingly hot and humid - until this morning. After walking Ki I took off to the river trail that John and I walk every other week.
I chiefly think now of the rabbits that scurried away as I approached; of a goldfinch that played with me; cardinals flashing by; and embankments filled with Rubeckias in bloom. As I pedaled by I suddenly realized that this is the beauty that I ask the Universe to reveal to me as I walk Ki each day.
How remarkable to go along silently without regard for cars. Other than a few riders and one walker, I was totally alone. I zipped under a wooded canopy and thought: this is my cathedral. There’s no better way to worship.
Clearly I’m not ready for RAGBRAI! (I probably went about eight miles.) I figure if I ride several times a week that I’ll get my legs where I want them to be.



