Thinking About Riding
After a week without riding, I rolled it out of the garage, to test how far my still sore back has healed, and to quiet a mind grown restless from not being able to fly. Trapped in a riding-less life, it’s odd to observe how much mental space is consumed by riding. From waking in the morning and thinking about what gear might be appropriate to ride to work to gazing at night sky while the dogs run in the garden and wondering if it would be a good night to ride — it can seem like riding a Vespa scooter has taken on an unhealthy bite out of consciousness.
It’s like an addiction, gnawing at restraint, whispering rationalizations to reform reality, providing false evidence to gain what it wants — to be moving along on the road.
I took a short ride this evening, through the village and on to the park, a riding researcher collecting data coldly disconnected from desire and want. The prognosis is positive yet issues persist. An intentional “bump” triggered a groaning response from my back. Getting the Vespa on and off the center stand wasn’t a problem. Mostly, no issues or concerns.
Another night of sleep and I may be able to ride a Vespa scooter again.
One day at time with that back. I know the feeling well. Not long back I had pneumonia and didn’t ride for a week, realizing something huge was missing in life. When I felt better, it was twist and go again which was really the best Rx.
The back is healing slowly. Gives me a chance to practice patience. Went out this morning hoping for a little ride. Had to accept a micro ride..
I was instructed/ coached by the much younger ( and since I passed 66 everyone seems much younger) Doc that I must visit once per year in order to maintain low health insurance rates, that as one ages one needs to mentally “ramp it up” a bit if we have had a career at a desk; His suggestion included, among other things, the yoga “salute to the sun” as a gentle way to start the day and retain one’s flexibility- which will be familiar to anyone that played sports in the 70’s from Bob Anderson’s book “Stretching”, which I believe is available as a free download these days. He also suggested that one become a regular practitioner of the “plank” position (push-ups- really) to build & maintain core strength to ward off back problems……and then there is aspirin, a nice pint or two of craft beer or a glass of wine and some dark chocolate…..Be well
Yoga and stretching are going to take a more prominent place in my life. Thanks for the reminder. It’s easy to overlook the obvious.
I appreciate your thoughts on the subject of staying “healthy”. After years of neglect it remains a challenge to be good to myself.
Some strengthening of the back exercises may be in order Steve, I definitely see them in my future though I am putting things off as usual.
Not saying Yoga mind you…..but whatever works for you.
Putting things off. I know that skill well.
The past is history,
the future’s a mystery,
today is a gift,
that’s why we call it
the present!
The present.
Indeed.
I saw the title and immediately thought, “Riding a Vespa scooter?” Sit, twist and go, that’s easy.
I can relate to the withdrawal. I had to step away from all my bikes since the beginning of August for logistical reasons. Yesterday I finally got to ride the 250cc China scoot from my old house to its new home in Hyde Park. A trip of 156 miles. It felt good to be back in the saddle again.
I’m still a long way from a 156 mile ride. It’s over the horizon — at least from the perch I’m on now. Tomorrow is a new day.
Really, really hoping this won’t be a long forced hiatus for you, Steve. Been a long, long time since I had to deal with forced immobility (ironically), but I recall and know the frustration acutely. Here’s to riding soon, and easily!
Things continue to improve. Doing short rides. All evidence points to the home stretch.