I Spent the last couple of days talking about a bike ride, but never got to it as the evening rolled around. I did, however, manage to go for a walk, and take photos.
A brief backstory; when the lockdown began in 2020, I was in bad shape after about a month. My normal routine of going lifting at the gym, or training Muay Thai was not an option anymore. On the other hand, Vanilla Oreos, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch were in abundance. My eating restraints had been lifted.
I’m aware of my disposition to consume an inordinate amount of sweets when I’m going off the rails. During that time I ballooned up over 200 pounds; the most I have ever weighed.
Anyway, my Dad helped me reignite an interest in cycling, even though I hadn’t ridden a bike in ages. The gear shifting was a struggle on any slight incline as I acclimated myself with the tension. As the hills became steeper, I decided to walk. My balance stayed in the negative for quite a bit.
After some time sticking to it, one day it all just clicked; shift to lower gears at the foot of a hill you want to climb. With more power and resistance on flat land, you can build speed in higher gears.
In 2020, riding along the Wissahickon Trail was my main source of exercise, and a reprieve from the impending pandemic doom.
Revisiting this tranquility was the best way to spend my last day here. I took my camera to capture the art; old statues and vine covered structures. Each piece (un)intentionally placed, creating calm by design.
(Whizzing by on a bike, you can miss a lot.)
It is a privilege to spend a day reflecting on how I’ve grown. I am very grateful to participate in this journey called life.
