Up Mountain 9 miles

Hi Friends,

Continuing to pedal up mountain;
Not yet to top of Snowy Range.

Up same mountain route with 1/2 wind,
e.g. gusts of 25 not 50 mph.
Less wind, more aware what conditions required, meant more miles.
Slowest one hour of whole trip, and
It worked.

Relearned that when stop midst uphill,
Move to higher gear before stop.
Starting in lowest gear, nearly impossible for me.
Without some resistance, can't even get both feet on pedals.

Thinking about my very first talk,
"Extraordinary Adventures of an Ordinary Person."
Remains good title.

I am having unusual adventure,
Still Ordinary Person who happened onto
Satisfying activity.

Privilege of being able to take on
Bike trips as my commitment.
Opportunity to spend many days on bike,
Getting down some road "one pedal stroke at a time."

I get too tired, too hot, too grumpy.
I think "why am I out here?"
"If I'm on vacation, why is it such hard work?"

These last couple days in college town surrounds,
Where there are young, fit people,
Confident and fast in outdoor activities they do;
Easy for me to compare and feel
Lesser than.

Today on uphill, then downhill miles,
Passed three times by same guy
Training on his bike, probably for "Tour de WY."

Took me some minutes to come back to knowing
My rhythm, my skills, my possibilities,
Are just right for me in my adventure.

All is well.

Hugs to all,
Lin