The Candlelight Sanctuary

Here it is, my newest toy and exercise machine! So pretty and shiny, who would have thought it would try to kill me on our first outing. It looks harmless enough; almost begging one to climb on and go for a spin. Well, don’t be fooled by the apparent friendly invitation. Once you have taken the bait and climbed aboard, this harmless, looking machine takes on a new personality. Its true intent is to make you suffer and wish you were closer to home; That is close enough to walk back there. That’s it! It wants me to go for a walk next time and leave it at home. I’ve got it!

Well, I’m not giving up that easily, but I wonder why they build bicycles that are so much harder to ride than they were, say, forty years ago. Now, those were good bicycles; so easy to ride. Those bicycles could be ridden the whole day and many miles and never cause me to break a sweat, or breath hard. Apparently, these newer bicycles are a different “breed”. I rode this one a total of seven blocks and wondered if I would ever breath normally again.

Now, don’t let the thought cross your mind that I may be out of shape. It’s the bicycle, I tell you! Just like everything else you buy these days; They don’t build them like they used to. Bicycles used to roll smoothly and with very little effort from the kid riding it. And, yes, I’m still a kid. I’m just prematurely gray. That trait runs in the family, but I have to admit I’ve had a hard time convincing many that I’m only twenty-one.

My lungs have quit heaving, but my leg muscles are still burning, and as soon as I fully recover, I plan to have another go at cycling. Now, that I’m fully aware of my capabilities (or lack or them) I’ll try to ease into a more sensible routine. But, I still don’t think they build bicycles like they used to.