Turning Point

Even though there were some flurries yesterday when I was on my bike, spring is in the air. I've been pulling together stuff for my BikeMS Team - a training schedule, tentative dates for group training rides, sizes of jerseys we'll need for the tons of new people who have joined our team this year, laying claim to as many hotel rooms as the MS Society will hold for us in Hinckley, etc.

It's an exciting, and somewhat exhausting time, given that I'm also planning my trivia fundraiser, trying to learn my Irish dance routines, and work obligations are at an all-time high.

As I ate my dinner, I perused the AAA magazine. (Even though we don't drive much and we have newer cars, we got so burned with all of our old clunkers that we're avid AAA members. We also used them to help plan our Europe trip, which was great.) The new issue is really bike friendly.

I learned that, as of May, AAA extended its bike benefits throughout the state. I got stuck last winter with a flat tire, the wrong sized tube, and too numb of hands even if I'd had the right equipment with me. Because I was in the county in which they were piloting that program, my bike and I got a ride home, which was fantastic. I'm excited to know that if I get stuck elsewhere in the state, this is an option.

I also learned that part of the impetus for creating AAA was that nearly all pre-existing maps in the U.S. back in the day were cycling maps. (If you're still looking for U.S. cycling maps, these guys are great.) In this impromptu, unpaid infomercial for AAA, I should add that they discuss how hands-free phone users are just as distracted as people using handheld devices and are just as likely to hit pedestrians and cyclists, and they also suggest a spring break staycation (for those who get spring breaks), riding the earth-friendly light rail. I'm confused, but happy.

I'm exited about the upcoming forecast for next weekend, as the days get longer and warmer, and we get ready for the biking season to truly begin after a weird winter.

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/MS150Maggie2017

Always Learning

It was a weekend of learning. The things I learned are listed by day, rather than by importance because they are all valuable lessons.

Friday: Grady the dog-sat poodle apparently cannot be guaranteed to not counter surf, even in a short window of time. Episode 2 of the most recent season of Sherlock ends in such a way that episode 3 must be watched right away.

Saturday: I should buy fewer canned goods when grocery shopping by bike. I may need to buy a thing to make my hair poofy for Irish dance. Grady the poodle likes to lounge on two dog beds simultaneously.

Sunday: Sunny days bring the return of little kids at the park who want to pet Piper. Apparently some kids are confused and say "pet" when they mean hug her neck tightly and kiss her face. (My dog is blessedly patient.) Fleece pants over running tights when biking at 37 degrees can be just as hot as rain pants over running tights at 28 degrees. The nice Somali people I had dinner with own daycares, IT, and other small businesses, are teachers and grassroots organizers, feel well-served by Mayor Hodges especially in light of what's happening federally, and are happy to give restaurant recommendations.

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/MS150Maggie2017

Manual Reboot

To make a long story short, I'm spending 10 of 14 days in the Bay Area, with the four days in Minneapolis somewhere in the middle of all that. It's an unconventional way to spend February, but I don't seem to always do things the most easy or logical way.

I have the opportunity with these trips to see friends and family in the midst of tucking in some work (I do need to get paid, after all), and am particularly appreciative of my sister's support in helping me connect with a long-time friend last week. In my job, there are people that I have gotten to know really well over a long period of time. The friend that I got to see last week falls into that category. He's had an extremely tough year and still has some big challenges ahead. I'm grateful that I got to visit him and meet his family, each and every one of whom is a source of inspiration in their own way. 

I'm glad that on the heels of that visit, my sister and I got into the woods twice in one day. That helped me process some of my thoughts and feelings, and also was a great way to transition out of the Minnesota cold and grey.

While there was a lot of good quality family time on this trip, my sister and I made it a priority to spend a good chunk of time together without others. I got to borrow the nicer-than-any-of-my-bikes bike of my now-taller-than-me niece for two bike rides. The longer of the two took us to this great water temple by the reservoir - always a favorite destination. It was great to be outside on a bike and not be numb and to get to ride up and down some hills, which are a rare commodity in Minnesota.

My sister and I also went to the ocean and looked at creatures big (seals) and small (hermit crabs) for a long time, enjoying the salty breeze before topping the perfect day off with dinner at a vegetarian Indian restaurant.

This was just the bit of re-set I needed to get me through the vacillating end-of-winter temps as we get ready for spring. It also was the bit of sanity restoration I needed before a big push of effort at work, at dance class, and to get that trivia event to happen. Fresh air, sunshine, and a lack of long underwear and mittens can do wonders. And now to pack that bag...

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/MS150Maggie2017

The bike as teacher.

When I visited my parents in mid-January, I received one final Christmas gift: What Goes Around, by Emily Chappell. It is somewhat ironic that a book, written by one of London's best, and most punctual bike couriers, arrived late. Then again, it wasn't shipped BY bike courier across the ocean.

I referred to a blog post by Emily Chappell about a year (?) ago, when she talked about a difficult ride up a mountain and relying on the strength of all the people she knew who were supporting her. I've followed her on Twitter, and followed her progress during the Transcontinental Race last year. She is also one of the main people affiliated with the Adventure Syndicate, a "collective of extraordinary cyclists who happen to be women and who aim to challenge what others think they are capable of." She's pretty amazing.

Anyhow, it was a good book, in which she credits her years as a courier for teaching her how to think, observe, and engage with the world. She discusses the "joy of watching your body develop its own intelligence; the satisfaction of subordinating reason to instinct."

There is no way that I'd be a courier. Especially in London. Or anywhere.

I did try to observe more on yesterday's sunny but brisk bike ride, however. While I saw an eagle and a juvenile deer in the typical spots, I also noticed that all summer I ride at least twice per week past a big sign for a video store that does not exist. I also ride past the two tiniest houses imaginable, which I think were built in the early part of the 1900's as summer cottages for lake-goers. Why have I never noticed these things before? What do I normally look at? Potholes and possible car doors, probably.

I think that one of my cycling goals for 2017 should be focused on becoming more observant. I can't wait for long, warm rides with minimal layers, and eating snacks on benches outside of coffee shops.

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/MS150Maggie2017