Peace and Serenity

Today was a quiet, relaxing day - just me and my bike. I had gone out last night to work up a sweat at Modern in Georgetown, and that was fun. Danced with a couple of cool guys, both a few years younger than me. This one guy was funny, his name is Newton. He says "like the fig." Haha. Needless to say, I won't ever forget his name. Anyway, I actually woke up before noon (!) and the sun was shining. I cleaned up, washed the smoke and all off of me, got cute and strapped up the bike to go and ride. First, though, I needed to get the bike fixed. After last week's crash, I needed to fix my wobbly back wheel. I took the bike to Capitol Hill Bikes and they kindly set me aright again. I also picked up some sturdier gloves, something that might withstand that kind of impact a little better. The top of my left hand still hurts to touch the wounds, and one of the wounds is really ugly - almost looks like stigmata but on the top of my hand. So after that, I decide to ride "The Arlington Triangle." I hadn't completed this route before, because I got off on the wrong trail once I hit Shirlington. That didn't happen again today. It was pleasant, just me and my bike first rolling down Mount Vernon and then over to Shirlington on the Four Mile Run Trail. I stopped to get a shake (Cotton Candy and Southern Peaches) from Maggie Moo's when I hit Shirlington, and wandered around Books-A-Million for a while. After that, it was time to complete the trip. I had missed the Custis Trail turnoff - it wasn't marked on my side. But I didn't get too far beyond it before I made the turn and picked it up. There are some serious hills to climb on the Custis Trail, and some nice downhill rides. When I finished the loop and got back to my car, I didn't feel like stopping. So I went along the trail and over the Memorial Bridge to the Kennedy Center and then I wandered over toward Potomac Park and then back over the 14th Street Bridge and onto Mount Vernon to get back to my car. It was nice to be out in the sunshine and fresh air, and not be in the office working on a Saturday. No stress, just peace, quiet, and health. It was rather idyllic. The weather was supposed to be "scattered thunderstorms" - but God showed his sovereignty again and it was nice and warm, a little breezy, and nary a thunderstorm for miles. I feel relaxed and refreshed. I may go for another ride tomorrow, we'll see. It's tempting to do a full 50 miles but there are some interesting trails I'd like to try, too. There is one that runs by some orchards in Montgomery County that sounds pretty cool. We'll see how I feel in the morning. Have a great night.