Went for a short but sweet ride today, maybe five miles along Lake Monona. What made it special was that 13-year-old daughter Anna Mei accompanied me on her Trek hybrid. She's a bit like I had been, a reluctant rider, since it always seemed well, okay, but maybe not quite worth the effort. But, with mom's prodding, she went with me. Another glorious day, though the trail was crowded. We stopped at Willie Street Bikes, then turned around and went back, me riding wingman most of the way, making sure no one cut her off or otherwise messed up her somewhat uncertain ride. She stayed mostly in one gear, seeming at ease, and, she later begrudgingly admitted, having a good time. What with ducks and ducklings, geese and goslings, and a big soda at the end, what could go wrong?
Reminded me it can be good to ride with company. But not necessarily just any company. Which might explain my reluctance to follow through on any Bombay Bike Club rides. I have my own list of reasons for solitude, and have always preferred to make my own way rather than find it in company of polite strangers, plan my own route and pace. I also find it hard -- residual shyness? doubts as to my abilities? -- to commit to an already existing group, and to accede to group decisions. I much prefer the old days, riding with Mark and Paul, and perhaps one or two varying side riders. People I knew well who knew me, with whom I could relax and laugh. Not to be maudlin here, there are moments, especially toward the end of long days, in which their idiosyncracies can grate, and God knows what sort of tics and traits I exhibit and they tolerate. Still, it's good that both of them will be with me on the Centurion, and, I hope, we'll all finish together. The Three Amigos, once again.
In the meantime, I already have plans for Anna and my next ride.
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