Darwin and I enjoyed two fabulously long days off together this week. Sunday we worked on Theodore for several long hours (which will be discussed in another post) and Monday we used spent mostly on our bikes.
We slept in Monday morning which always seems to make that first cup of coffee taste even better. The three of us Darwin, Me and Bowie sank into our positions on the couch and dozed off again (Bowie), read (me), and watched super cute puppy videos on Facebook (Darwin). We eventually headed to a few thrift stores and returned to home base to fuel up on food and head out on a long ride. May I now fully introduce to you The Prince Veronica. The Prince Veronica is my Surly, Ogre. Darwin built him up for me as part of an early birthday gift. She is all black with a few anodized purple highlights; needless to say he looks like a bad ass.
Backstory: In recent months I have really have been bugging to ride my bike to the grocery store, load the groceries on the bike and ride back to home base. I would have never been able to do this on my old bike The Doub. I am not clear where this goal/obsession came from but it’s there and I want to be able to do it. I may also kinda want to join Darwin on a bikepacking trip or two hence the Prince…..
More Backstory: I was stuck between names so I joined two. Prince is obviously from that most beloved rock star that recently met his end. He was one of the few men I would have left Darwin for. Veronica comes from an old memory from a Betty and Veronica Comic Book were Veronica paints her whole bedroom the same purple as her favorite nail polish. Man I used to love reading those comics! You now can understand why I refer to The Prince Veronica as both male and female.
Originally we had planned on taking the train up to Santa Fe to ride The Rail Trail but due to weather we had to improvise. We now were headed to the Bosque to ride around. Dressed in my sock monkey wool socks, purple tights, and blue thermal we headed out on the bike path. We cruised down past the library and past exit the for The Canteen without a hitch. I made a mental note to have Darwin adjust my saddle. My ass was sliding around causing me to put more pressure on my arms; my wrists ached a bit.
We continued on to the university. On another ride on The Doub I had to take a break at this point due my ass and lady parts falling off. Now however, my parts were still intact and I could fully focus on the ride and making sure I didn’t run into any headphone wearing students. We flew around campus and headed towards Old Town riding along in a bicycle lane. Years ago when Darwin tried to get me to ride along with traffic I freaked out and almost fell into a car. This was a combination of no bicycle lanes, a lack of experience riding and a lack of experience with clipless pedals (which as of date I’m still terrified of). Back then I dreaded any type of bike riding. I now only felt slightly tense as we weaved around a few idiots who were driving in the bike lane. What ass wipes!
We made it down to a park by the bosque and took a water and snack break. I have recently came to realize that eating a Luna Bar does nothing for me. I ate one before leaving and now as we stopped ate another one due to the fact I was again starving. These bars are supposed to be what women need but fuck, call me a man-chick cause I need more! I think the bigger issue is that I’m addicted to the Lemon Zest flavor. I need an intervention.
After our break we took stock of the time and how the sky was looking cloud wise and decided to start heading back before the madness of the five o’clock traffic. Unfortunately we didn’t get to ride on any dirt trails as planned but I was proud of myself regardless for having rode this far. After a few farts from me and giggles from both of us we headed back.
We had to climb up some monster hills (at least they were monster like to me, Darwin was totally in his element). I peddled my ass up to the top of each stopping for a breather only when I conquered the last one and waited to cross traffic. Woohoo! I felt I had buns of steel! We continued retracing our way back to the bike path. Darwin suggested we stop in at The Canteen for a beer and I was all for it. Man oh man, how the world of riding a bike can open up so much that is missed when a person drives a car! We jetted off the bike path down to the brewery and enjoyed a much-needed adult beverage and discussed future videos and other doings for the website and YouTube channel.
We rode back to home base powered by beer and without any complaints from my body. I even had enough breath to keep discussing website stuff. When we arrived home I felt fully satisfied, in awe of myself and the Prince Veronica. This was her first long ride and we worked well together. This is the start of a beautiful relationship.