Wednesday, May 28, 2025
There was an old biker with dislike,
For any ride using indoor bike.
But in time she knew,
By changing her view,
Riding expanded ... a lucky strike.
What might be hiding in plain sight?
Finally, I'm paying attention
To an asset—
My condo building's indoor, stationary bike.
After years of
Grumbling about boring, no scenery,
I've realized this can keep me "biking.”
True, no comparison to outdoor experience.
Still, I can keep muscles tuned,
Generate enough endorphins to
Feed a mental outlook that is encouraging.
Have easy access
Through any kind of weather.
It was consecutive days of wind,
Then rain this season that finally
Opened my eyes.
I have an in-house reliable way to
Bicycle, whatever conditions exist.
Grumbling ... BE DONE!
Do you know what else sunk in?
Indoor is much simpler to prepare for.
All the clothing layers,
Comfort and safety items,
I require for outside ride—
Unnecessary indoors.
What I don't need:
Bike-specific shoes.
Particular moisture wicking bike jersey.
Lightweight fleece jacket, perhaps.
Two high-viz wind-breakers ( layers for shedding).
Padded bike gloves.
Second layer of gloves for chilly ride.
Neck gaiter, a "Buff.”
Ear coverings for keeping out wind.
Dark glasses over my prescription eyewear.
Helmet.
That's a bunch of stuff,
All necessary by my ride criteria.
But not indoors.
I need a key to the room,
A book to read.
Easy Peasy!
Left: I have key to the room. Right: Not needed for indoor ride.
I wonder what else I can
Change how I view or think of it?
Could that make something easier?
Could what I thought was lacking
Really be key to simpler?
You know that so often I find
Metaphor from biking
Fits my off-bike life.
I'll think about this one.
May you see just the right items
And processes to make life work well.
Hugs,
Lin
Left: Variegated Maple tree. Stunning leaves. Can you see my bike? Upper Right: Trail... brilliant with early season green. Lower Right: Rampant spring greens.
Ah yes, the indoor bike, again, but I find it can be a time of reflection, prayer and sometimes just entertainment (I have a TV in my basement too ;0) Thank you for this little nudge for me to get down there today – I didn’t want to do it, but I also know I can feel much better and more energetic and useful in my day once it’s done!
Yes, I too use my stationary bike through the cold and snowy months and now sometime on rainy days. The ease of hopping on with out all the outdoor prep is great and some days I have 20 minutes here and 20 minutes – I get in a good workout in segments.