LABOR DAY ANTICS

Earlier this summer, Jan and I bought bikes. Actually, Jan went out to “just look” because her’s was very old and maybe even dangerous. I’m not interested. But I did go along with her just to keep her company. For you who may not be getting the message, this is the same way we got our dog, Rex, in 03.


So, we have these neat new  bikes and actually ride them for about 45 minutes two or three times a week. Since I stopped racquetball (due only to our changing workout centers to one with no courts), I have missed getting any kind of good heart exercise on the off days (those not involving the aerobic machines). When we began using the bikes, I took my heart monitor with me and was pleasantly surprised to see that I got my heart rate up to about the same levels as when I was on the elliptical and with less work. So, I’m a happy camper. We are seeing it getting colder and much darker in the early morning when we would prefer to do our exercise program. So  biking days are numbered and I’m looking for storage hooks strong enough for these two monsters.


I do still have to work and Jan does still have to visit with the grandsons. You know, what’s a person to do? Exercise only has certain priorities, donchaknow. (By the way, I learned that neat saying from Pat Evans in Albuquerque. If anyone of you knows how Max and Pat are doing, I’d appreciate hearing.)


So, it’s Labor Day, 2011—just a couple of days ago. We traditionally make the trek to Ouray to soak in the hot springs pool because that was our first date, Labor Day 1994. Actually, we’ve only missed once since then.


This time, we loaded up the bikes! I really can’t believe it and I’m sure many of you who have known me for years are positive this whole thing is a made-up fantasy to show everyone that even at my age (72), I’m still superathlete. Although my balance seems to be slightly shot.


Loading up the bikes took exactly the amount of  intelligence and engineering ability that I possess. But, we finally managed. Drove then the 60 miles to Montrose and stopped at the north end of town in a beautiful park. We unloaded the bikes – much easier than loading them—and took off down an obvious trail.  About 25 minutes later, we were at the extreme south end of Montrose near the museum. My odometer said we’d gone 6 miles. In the course of trying to verify that, I broke it! So, I am assuming we came back the same 6 miles, but I’m not sure we went 6 miles in the first place. Anyway, a 45 minute bike ride was a high spot for both of us. 


We went on to Ouray and revisited our tradition, including having lunch and getting back home about 4 pm.  What a blessed way to spend a holiday with Jan.  Hope yours was equally wonderful