I like cycling.
The problem is finding people who want to cycle with me. I'm in that awkward bracket: not hardcore enough for most enthusiasts, too hardcore for my casually biking friends. So, when I plan a trip somewhere, I usually end up going alone.
But this time, the trip wasn't my idea. "Let's go to Rogów," my friend Kasia (in the picture) said. "Let's go to the Life Sciences Arboretum." Only, of course, the minute I said yes, the planning fell to me. And planning is odd when you can't gauge the endurance of your group. Already, there were complaints. "Eight in the morning? Why do we have to leave that early?"
"Because it will be boiling hot by 11 am, and because it's thirty miles, and I can't see you going faster than eight on average."
And because I only know half of the way there. But, I didn't tell them that.
I plotted a route, strapped my new Android phone to the handlebars for GPS assistance, and hoped for the best.
We got lost, of course. Pro tip: when the opening of a trail is guarded by a headless Jesus statue, don't follow it. It's a very, very bad trail.
The next trip I'm planning will be lonesome. Apparently no one wants to bike sixty miles to see the ruins of a gothic castle.
~Rodia
It was a pretty day for a bike ride.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are marvelous.
Calma
Neat! But now I'm just too curious about that headless Jesus statue...
ReplyDelete-Krawler
LOL I am curious too!! Where did that trail lead?
ReplyDeleteWow! You can bike 60 miles? How long does that take you? I would love to bike around with you but I am afraid I would tire out after about 1 mile. ;) :P
Vana
The trail was a real trail, it was just meant for downhill and mountain biking. Lots of roots, pits, huge puddles, sandtraps, rolling gravel. We had to walk most of it. But we saw bunnies and a baby deer!
ReplyDeleteHeadless Jesus...was just a really old roadside chapel. The light was all wrong so I didn't take a photo.
Vana, I've never actually biked a whole 60 miles before. The most I've ever done was 40. But I can totally do this. I expect it will take me about four, five hours, including rest stops. I don't bike for speed, I need to keep an eye out for photo ops!
I want to bike 60 miles to see the ruins of a Gothic castle!! ...okay, actually I just want to see the ruins, but if biking there is what it takes, then I'm in. :D
ReplyDeleteExcellent day for biking, I will go with you to see the Gothic castle, virtually that is. I will sit on your shoulder and give you directions so that we don't get lost.
ReplyDeleteGreat picture.
Jules