I started the ride anxious. A lot of people worried me about the wind (narrow road with a cliff dropping off to the crashing ocean waves below!), the blind corners, the unknown terrain, the potentially spotty cell service, the traffic, the heat, the humidity, you name it. I focused on riding as far over to the curb as possible more than I focused on enjoying myself. I felt hot. It was 7 in the morning for crying out loud! I took refuge in knowing that the temperature would got up another 10 degrees at most by noon. Then. Cars melted away into nothingness. I saw birds lollygaging on the street. I inhaled the thick, floral air. I saw spots I remembered from the time I rode this loop in a car years ago. In a car, you see all the amazing sights. But on a bike, you fully experience what you see. Every view is coupled with a smell, a sound, a taste, and a feeling. It is such a rich and complex way to enjoy a beautiful place. I ran into several other cyclists on the road. I chatted with a few others who were visiting like me, as well as a local. I should add that the local kindly escorted me through the only section of the ride with turns, rendering my taped-on cue sheet totally unnecessary.
While the first part of the ride was the most scenic, the last part was the most invigorating. The southwest corner of the island was flat, hot, and sunny. But it also came with a tail wind to beat all tail winds. I pedaled at half the effort and went twice as fast. What a rush! Literally!
I got to ride a Specialized Ruby, the girl version of my own bike, the Roubaix. The frame felt small, too small. I felt numbness and soreness in strange areas I don't normally feel; clearly a result of the strange fit. I definitely noticed the light and nimble feel of the upgraded, newer components. I shifted inefficiently, not familiar with the gearing of compact bikes. I loved the bike though, and I loved the seamless experience of the rental.
Who wants to ride with me next time?
