My 14 hours of driving for the Amishland and Lakes Cycling Tour was well worth it. The temperature was indeed in the 70’s with blue skies. I rode 50 miles on Saturday and 40 miles on Sunday. The Sunday route had some challenging hills and I used all of the techniques I have been practicing over the summer to conquer two hills that I know I would not have been able to do earlier this year. I think this might be a good location to attempt 100 miles next year. Something to work towards.
It was like going back more than an 100 years. Saturday the roads were as busy with horse and buggies as cars. Sunday I did not see any of the Amish people outdoors at all. The landscape is much clearer without all the wires running to the homes.
Sweet Carli had good time “in the country” with her co-parents. She seemed to be more active with them – even curious about a couple of toys. She even showed off her howl. She loved their dog bed and super soft blanket. I got her a dog bed and supersoft blanket which she slept in on the way home. She has not really used the bed here yet but we both love the superset blanket.
After cycling this weekend with women I met as a part of the my Natchez Trace cycling adventure in 2018 (444 miles in 9 days), I decided to drive the Trace Parkway from west of Columbia (where Carlia was staying) to Nashville. I had not realized how far west of Columbia the Parkway was. I knew the speed limit was 50 mph which is why it is so awesome for cycling – very few cars use it. The one hour trip took nearly 2.5 hours via the Trace Parkway. It was a beautiful drive and I was amazed how hilly the route was. I am a much stronger cyclist now and am surprised that I was able to do that trip 3 years ago. It was clearly the power of determination and the encouragement of the wonderful group that made it possible. The group of 17 people on the trip were all retired and older than I was. The average age was 72 years. The oldest cyclist was 80. The trip was transformative for me. I got a glimpse of healthy aging and happy retirement. It for sure made me less fearful that I would not know what to do with myself.
I have had more energy for engaging my brain this week and am trying to do one productive thing a day. I had hoped to blog from my porch this morning because the weather has been nice this week. I swept the cobwebs and leaves yesterday and thought Carli would like hanging out there while I worked on my computer and drank coffee. It turned out that she only wanted to be out there on my lap. Given the solid walls of the porch, she cannot see anything. Hopefully she will enjoy it off of my lap over time.
Carli redeemed herself this afternoon by getting in her backpack and going for a short walk without getting restless or being disturbed by passing cars. It took my son diverting her attention with treats to get her into the backpack so I think it will be awhile yet before I am able to get her into it myself and then try cycling with her in the backpack. Something to keep me challenges.
All things considered, I am content with my progress.
Tamara Unleashed 