Beautiful Ride

A few weeks ago I decided to sign up for a group computrainer course. Basically a group of us are going to beat the cold this winter by training on our bikes indoors via virtual courses on a screen. You hook up the back wheel of your bike to a (stationary) trainer and ride your heart out. I have never done this before with a computrainer, however, I am looking forward to getting my cycling base back since I have already signed up for a Half Ironman for next summer (more later). Plus, I get out of the city on the weekends; the group trains in Southport, CT. I also get to meet and train with a great group of people.

So, yesterday was the first day and because we were blessed with AMAZING weather we decided to ride outdoors. Ok, let me begin by saying that I could not contain myself. I was smiling ear to ear non-stop; I was positively gleaming:)! The scenery was magnificent. Pascale, who leads the group training decided to take us on a spectacular route since she knew how excited I was to be outdoors along the coast. We set off through various towns, along technicolor tree lined roads, around a reservoir, through picturesque neighborhoods and so much more....I realize I am doing the ride no justice with my description here. I haven't felt that much joy in quite some time. Not to say I am not a joyful person, but it was the kind of joy that could not be touched, nothing in the world could make me stop smiling so brightly yesterday! I didn't want it to end....ever! Just thinking about it again is making me all giddy, hehe. Then a few of my fellow riders knew how much I love the beach so we took another little loop around Longshore Inn (a hotel/country club in Westport), through Compo Beach, Southport and other beautiful neighborhoods.

I have not seen leaves changing colors like that for years! Since living in Arizona I have not seen such beauty. Don't get me wrong, I loved living in Arizona, but personally I can only live in the desert for so long. I am a water baby; I need the coast-the lively green along the coast, more rugged terrain, and of course the ocean breeze and sand. I love it, love it all, and simply cannot get enough. Have I mentioned how much I loved yesterday? Oh, and we rode around 43 miles or so. I felt great considering I really have not been riding consistently for more months than I care to mention, however, I have been running, lifting weights, cycling indoors, and have a new found love-jumping rope. Haha, and the gym I belong to has hula hoops. Yeah, you heard correctly. Absolutely makes me laugh and act all giddy just like I did when I used to hula hoop in grade school. Oh, Willowbrook (my old school) how I miss you and playing on your playgrounds. Moving on, I love doing things that bring me back to when I was a little girl and simply doing things outdoors.

I look forward to more scenic rides and enjoying the snow in the months to come.I was hoping to take a picture while I was out in CT, but instead here is a picture of my bike. No, sadly the man is not included. I found this picture on Ironman.com several years ago.