A Belated Thanks to Keith

So the person responsible for my ability to start cycling in the first place, certainly demands some due credit. I was interested in road bikes as I am quite familiar with their cousin, the mountain bike. But to truly love a sport, you must have the right equipment to do it right, and do it often.

Recognizing my enthusiasm and athletic energy, Kieth casually suggested that he might be able to give me his wife's old bike. To be honest, I didn't think it would come to fruition like most casual - but well intended - comments. Lo and behold, a few days later, I come to work and see the old Schwinn.

Steel grey with a bright pink "SCHWINN" running down the crossbar and covered in dust, there she stood. No tires, no tubes. The remnants of an old computer hung like a resilient spider web to the frame. Little did I know that this 15 year old bike would lead me to take on a cross-country trek in the name of ameliorating poverty housing.

She was ready to wake from the long hibernation after a lengthy trip to Belmont Wheel Works for the necessary repairs, equipment, pump, tools, maintenance supplies, shoes, and clips. Although slightly awkward compared to the clunky mountain bike, she rode beautifully all the way down the bikepath from Arlington to Belmont and back. And thus it started!

Since then, I've enjoyed many a ride from work during lunch hour with Keith and James. The 16.5 mile "Carlisle" loop repeatedly relieves stress from the morning to let us return to work refreshed, albeit muscles spent.

Powering through the hills, absorbing the blue sky and sun, slicing through the wind, yes, it's a phenominal way to spend lunch hour.

Thanks, Keith, for making it possible.