What Karen Likes (not a comprehensive list)

First, something that I didn't really like very much.  I had to take two days off from training.  I was riding so slowly and it was taking such increased effort that I thought my bike ("MyBike") needed adjustments or maybe there was a giant wad of toilet paper wrapped around one of my tires.  Turned out I had the flu or something.  One day in bed and another for recovery at home (which means I did housework all day) and I'm back to normal  ("normal").


Peter noticed the other day that I really like riding MyBike.  I was thinking about what it feels like to ride and what I enjoy about it.  Here's what I thought of:

Racing down from Pollock Pines to Placerville on Carson Road in the sunshine past acres of rolling hills covered with neat, shining rows of new green grape vines while the Dr. Zhivago soundtrack soars on the music player

Crunching through snow and slapping through mud

Huffing and burning up a steep grade without stopping to rest

Looking down over the side of a bridge

Keeping a steady pace, noticing that everything is working smoothly

Feeling the muscles pumping, seeing the miles racking up and the scenery going by

Passing a little brown bunny eating grass at the side of the road

Going somewhere under your own power

Drinking when you're really thirsty

Knowing that you made it

Feeling alive

Plus, the cool clothes.
Of which my brother-in-law Mark and his lovely wife Seannette of Aussie Racing Apparel  are going to send me more.  (women's medium)  (Peter wears XL.)  (Thank you very much.)


Rode 20 miles in Placerville today and saw some kind of animal skull on the side of the road.  After that, from a car going the opposite direction, someone who knew me honked.  Or maybe it was someone who thought I looked hot.  Maybe it was someone who wants to drive a leg of our trip because we don't have enough drivers yet. 

That would be good and I would definitely like that.