Renewal

Many things are running through my mind! Firstly, we have a new president. Wonder if he rides a bike like the guy he replaced? I've heard he likes to shoot hoops ... maybe getting a bike will improve his game.
Yesterday I ventured out on the American River Parkway. It felt good to be on the bike and due to the forecast of rain I went a little faster than usual. All my concentration was on mechanics today. Spinning the pedals without bouncing on the saddle. A few fast sprints, where I pushed up to almost 24 mph, really felt good. The last sprint was to make the left-turn arrow at McAdoo. Made it!
The parkway is greener every time out there. We haven't had lots of rain, just enough to make it green and beautiful. On the other hand, the river is lower than I've seen it in the eight years since moving to Folsom. While pedaling, my thoughts were about how badly we need rain! We need it to nourish the land and everything that grows. We need it to fill our reservoirs so there is sufficient drinking water for the region. We need it to wash away all the dust and dirt from our roadways. So, late yesterday afternoon, the rain came. It is still raining today and it is expected to do so for the next few days. A good start ... but so much more is needed!
This is a season of "renewal" for me too as I have decided to get back to organized cycling events. The past couple of years I've been in a drought too. A cycling drought that is. Yes, there has been plenty of riding both on and off road ... but no fun rides with oodles of other people. Everyone is so excited at these events. The riders, the organizers, and certainly the volunteers. Each ride has it's own personality as do those involved with the planning and execution of the various events. Some are hilly and many have mountains to climb. The good news is that you are rewarded for the effort pedaling up by beautiful vistas and long fast downhills!
Yep, it is a time for renewal. A time to climb on the saddle and go. More time enjoying nature and more time enjoying the ride with other like minded folks.