Today's Bike Ride...nothing went as planned!

My neighbor, Krystal, and I were supposed to ride today. Last minute she had to go to a funeral. The original departure time was 9 a.m. but since I was riding alone I left as soon as I was ready...about 8:40.

We were supposed to ride the new section of the Airline Trail in Willimantic. Since I was now riding alone, I decided to ride, instead, part of the Hop River Trail from Andover to wherever it went now. The bridge over Route 316 was installed a few years ago and the surface was improved. I wanted to see how far it went (or ride 5 miles out) whichever came first.

I parked at the trail on Burnap Brook Rd. in Andover. This proved to be a good decision.

From here it's about a mile to the Route 316 bridge. I had not ridden beyond the bridge before...because the surface was narrow and lots of stones. I recently heard it had been improved so I had to see for myself.

The new surface is hard packed dirt with stone dust. Good riding until I notice it was getting bumpy. There is only one explanation for that...horses. The hooves make small indents and it feels like I'm riding a jackhammer. Not fun. However, I keep going.

Most of the gates have soft sand, a couple inches deep, in the area of the narrow access opening, which can be disastrous if you don't see it in time. If you are riding a mountain bike it probably is not a concern. I ride a hybrid.

At about the six-mile mark don't I meet the horse and its rider. Nice guy for the most part. Has a negative attitude about the East Coast Greenway. And I did mention to him how hard it was for me to ride when his horse chops up the surface. He really didn't care (none of them do). He did tell me that those folks who parked their cars in front of the barriers (because all parking spaces are full) are now being towed. What are these folks thinking? The gates need to be clear in case emergency vehicles need to access the trail. And he also told me I was about 1.5 miles to where the trail surface changes and ends shortly thereafter.

So I continued to the end...a total of approximately 7.5 miles. 

Now I have to go back. The trail is a slight up grade for the return trip. Not bad though. However, it is getting hot and I'm getting tired. Thank goodness for the pediatric electrolyte drink! At the 12.5 mile mark, I had to stop and drink the bottle I had with me. It made me feel better, but the last 2.5 miles was a little scary. I kept talking to myself, telling myself that quitting was not an option. I had to make it back to the car.

I did make it, obviously. I loaded my bike on the rack, locked my stuff in the car and headed down the embankment to Burnap Brook.

I sat on a rock and immersed my feet in the cool water. I splashed water on my face and over my head. Oh, my! Did that feel good! Then, squishy sneakers and all, I trudged back up the hill (I was so tired), stowed my stuff properly, made sure my bike was secure and headed for home.

What Does it Feel Like to be 80 Years Old?

I know many 80-year-olds and it's different for each of us. Most of us are still very active; others aren't. None of us are what I would consider ‘spry." That's a word used way back to describe little old ladies that tottered along and called everyone "dearie." It was also the brand name of a hydrogenated cooking oil going as far back as those little old ladies. Check with me in about 10 years to see if I’m spry yet (little old lady, not hydrogenated oil!).

I can only answer for myself.

Physically

I'm very fortunate to have a relatively strong, healthy body. I do have a few aches and pains and some stiffness of joints now and then, but by and large, my body continues to serve me well. The gym is still essential for strength training. Between my PCP and my Chiropractor, I am able to keep going. I can still take care of myself, keep house and cook for myself. I tend my flower gardens for three seasons and shovel snow in order to clear a space to feed the birds during the winter.

I can still go for walks, although somewhere around 3 miles I start to stagger. I cannot run for the life of me! My preferred method of self-propulsion is my bike. I can still do 15 to 20 miles, but not every day. When Kathy and I rode the Erie Canal bike path in 2008 we were doing 40-50 miles a day and after eight days it sucked the life right out of me. Right now, 15-20 is a good ride.

Mentally

As far as I know my mind is totally intact. Some folks might tell you I'm crazy, but that's because they don't understand (or choose not to understand) what I'm talking about…or they are one of my kids. But that's OK. I don't have a good memory; never had a good memory. Even as a kid, I saw no reason to memorize or remember anything. If I needed information I could always go to the library and look it up. Obviously, this was way before the internet.

Spiritually

I have definitely grown spiritually. I no longer practice the religion of my parents. I went looking for a more direct contact with God and decided I did better without the "middlemen" who were more prone to punitive rules that made no sense to me. I chose a loving God and I continue to learn the Laws of the Universe that seem more reasonable.

Wisdom

According to ancient tradition, at 80 the Crone becomes the Hag, a Woman of Wisdom. You may call me a Hag if you wish. Years ago I was taught that knowledge is only knowledge…until it is shared. Then it becomes Wisdom.

Ok. What do I do with my knowledge when those around me don't want to hear it?

Even though this was taken in 2008, nothing has changed

The Wisdom, in this case, becomes showing by example. Nothing has ever been taught by cramming things down someone else's throat. So I live my Truth in hopes others will catch on to what I have been trying to show them.

Do I have all the answers? Oh, my no. What I know I could put in a small thimble and rattle it! There is so much more for me to learn and I am in the right place, at the right time, surrounded by the right people to help me continue to the next level.

I turn 80 on May 25th.

So! What does it feel like to be 80 years old? It feels F A N T A S T I C!