Saturday, March 3, 2012

Enjoying the Ride

July 27, 2011


I am not an avid bicycle rider. I never have been. While I have extremely fond memories of learning how to ride a bike, having a pretty sweet yellow Huffy bicycle with a banana seat and, later on, feeling the awesome wonder of a surprise gift of a 10 speed bicycle from my parents, I can honestly say I've never considered "biking" a hobby.

However, that didn't stop me from volunteering to provide sag support at the 2000 Giro di Peninsula, despite the fact I was out of shape and had no experience, whatsoever, in volunteering for a bike ride! At that time, the "medium-intensity, one-mile climb" up Crystal Springs Road seemed like a "mountain!"

I was looking for that "going in blindly" and "just do it" attitude today as my partner, Rory, and I participated in Bicycle Sunday - car-free biking on Cañada Road. Our starting point was at the intersection of Cañada Road and Highway 92.

By most accounts, Cañada Road, between Highway 92 and Edgewood Road (approximately 4 miles), is relatively flat, with lightly rolling hills. I won't argue - this is a beautiful, scenic route and definitely recommended for learning how to ride or getting re-acquainted with riding. But, I have to keep it real. I have not been on a bike in a long time... a really long time. My heart was racing from exertion at certain times.  I haven't looked at any elevation maps for the area, but I'm sure the inclines throughout the route were minimal (and they were definitely gradual).  And, yet, I felt as if I was actually climbing and grinding!

Shortly after turning around at Edgewood Road, looking ahead, I could see approximately three distinct "rolling hills." I felt exasperated with the thought of having to climb those hills and anxious about how much more climbing there was ahead.
But, just as quickly as I felt exasperated, I felt a sense of calm and inspiration.

It became clear to me - regardless of how potentially daunting the road ahead would be, if I could only look back to see what I had already accomplished in the previous climbs (when I felt certain I would have to stop), I would see that I accomplished some major obstacles already.  All of a sudden, those three rolling hills coming up were just "bumps" on the proverbial road ahead and, literally, no more difficult than any climb I had just completed, today or at earlier points in my cycling adventures. And maybe there were more ascents to come, but to cite one of my favorite quotes:

"It always seems impossible until it's done" - Nelson Mandela.

Thank you San Mateo County Parks department for making Bicycle Sundays possible, to my brother for a belated 40th birthday gift of a safely tuned, used bicycle and a helmet, and to Rory for continuing to inspire and motivate me to take on new adventures. Tour di Peninsula 2011, here we come!

Happy Birthday to Me

05/07/2011
As I reflect on this past year, I remember all the great new ways I was able to experience my Burlingame hometown of the past seven years: 
- Hiking in Mills Canyon with Rory: I've hiked the Ed Taylor Trail in Mills Canyon before; but as with hiking in general, each experience is always new, even if you hike the exact same trail.  This last time, we experienced it with new eyes, looking out for the flowers pictured at the trailhead.
- Paying with my iPhone at Starbucks: I've had my Starbucks gift cards registered at Starbucks.com for years now but only recently installed the Starbucks app on my iPhone.  I can walk out the door with my keys and iPhone (no wallet or Starbucks card necessary) and stroll down to Starbucks. They simply scan the barcode display on your iPhone! 
- Lunch at SF Soup Company's Urban Bistro on Lorton Avenue: What a great new addition to our local dining selection.  Refreshing array of soups, salads, sandwiches and other entrees.  Great, open space with indoor and outdoor dining.  They have dishes for which I have developed specific cravings!
- Reading in the Burlingame Main Library terrace: What a great, new way to experience the space.  Perfect reason to get out of the house and catch up on some light magazine reading or casual book reading outdoors. 
- Walking through Burlingame's historic Willborough Neighborhood: I've only driven through this neighborhood to admire the quaint, decorated Tudor homes during the holidays.  This past year, I actually walked through the neighborhood and thoroughly enjoyed it.  It was a great way to force myself to slow down and soak in the surroundings.
- Helping my cousin move into Burlingame from San Francisco: One of the things I appreciate most about Burlingame is its pedestrian-friendly areas.  My cousin recently moved to Burlingame, residing on busy El Camino Real.  With every visit, I park in adjacent streets, and love the ample sidewalk space, both the varying bustling and serene, quiet streets, and the different trees which line so many of our neighborhoods.  I also love being in spaces where a park is within walking distance. 
- Moving to a new office space: After working in the same building for the past 11 1/2 years, it's been a challenge adjusting to a new space.  I'm still primarily working in Burlingame, but the new office space is in a residential area near the new medical center.  I'll miss having the bay waterfront within walking distance. But, if there's anything I've learned about the non-profit sector, it's the significance of adaptability.  And, ultimately, I'm thankful I still love what I do and for my awesome co-workers. 
Surely I'm forgetting some other local experiences as I write this entry. But, despite the "small town" vibe of Burlingame, I'm certain I'll have many more opportunities to experience so many new things within the city boundaries.  Chronologically, I'm a year older, but this 100+ year old city helps me maintain my childlike wonder.