I am very excited about the fact that I can now ride a bike. Today was my forth day out on it and has definitely clicked! My body found its balance center on the bike and now cruising is easier because I trust myself to stay upright! I am better at going at speed and my muscles have quickly adapted.

Now that I am comfy I need to adjust my seat to be higher. Apparently with biking you ideally want to be able to full extend your leg when you push down. I have long legs for my height and heels that naturally drop low (something my riding instructors were always in awe of. Thanks loose connective tissue!), therefore my adjustment need.

My brain is spinning with possibility now! I feel like my mobility has just been greatly increased! Biking is low impact on my joins because my legs won't be directly connecting with pavement, so I can farther faster and with less pain to my body.This is HUGE for me! Another advantage is that Buffalo is pretty flat...unlike most cities in Central New York, therefore I won't have to completely tire myself out going up hills.
DAMN I AM HAPPY!!!!! THIS IS SO EXCITING FOR ME!!!!

It's funny that at the age of 23 in a handful of months I have finally learned to swim and ride a bike, things which most people do when they are children. It has been very rewarding because for the most part I have taught myself. I had a little bit of basis with the swimming but back stroke is the last one I thought I'd master because I have usually been VERY uncomfortable with my back facing down to the water below. This time it came to me really easy though, and I'm to the point of fine tuning my technique, making sure my arms are straight and reaching out of the water, turning my body from side to side with my strokes.
The same goes for biking. Matt taught me how to get on and walked with me while I fumbled around for the first day, offering encouragement, but it was my own determination that brought me out the next day and WORKED on it, as well as the day following in which it CLICKED. Today as Matt walked I rode very comfortably beside him, even picking up good speed and racing far ahead at times.
I am absolutely THRILLED with myself and my spirit is very happy.

People have attempted to teach me to swim and ride a bike multiple times throughout my younger life and it never happened for me.
With my adult determination and patience I have been able to. I know my body better and am able to stave off fear more. I know how to will myself to do something until the click happens and then I trust myself to retain it. It's a wonderful feeling. My confidence is WAY up!

Oh and for anyone wondering, I AM wearing a helmet! For that matter I'm of the mind to wear long pants and sleeves too, JUST IN CASE I ever do fall off the bike for whatever reason. I was an assistant to a bike safety instructor for the majority of the summer and know the importance of being smart on a bike.

Anyhoo, I'm off, possibly to do more riding today.
Peace!
~Lo