Yesterday I dusted off my bike, literally. It had been languishing in the filthy New York air all summer on the balcony beside a varying array of winning and losing crops. Due to my hip I had been unable to walk without a cane until recently. I took the opportunity of a beautiful day to test my legs in an 18K bike ride. This is not a lot for cycling but it was the first time since fracturing my hip in June that I done some serious exercise. I swam a few times but that was pretty relaxed, low stress stuff. I wanted to break a sweat. About twenty minutes in I could feel which muscles were good and which were in dire need of further activity. Cutting back on the booze and being careful with my diet meant I didn’t blow up as I expected, but I did put back on a lot of the weight I had previously lost. It was this aggressive activity in trying to drop a few pounds that led to my injury in the first place. By the time I arrived in Long Island City I was just in time for a beautiful sunset. I lay on the grass for a little and remembered how much I used to love these solitary trips.

Long Island City Sunset

On my return, I explored some new bike lanes by the water that had been installed over the summer. I admit, I got lost for a minute or two but stumbled across familiar railroad tracks that left me at the Pulaski Bridge. I remembered seeing a brewery below the bridge months ago and decided to pay it a visit. Transmitter Brewery was still open and the staff sat at a large table drinking to what looked like the end of a long day. I bought two beers, one dark for Marisa, one light for me. They brew on location and I’m looking forward to opening it later tonight.

S1 Mahogany Saison

When I got home I collapsed on the couch. I was totally drained and feel I have a long way to go before I can brush off a +20K cycle. It felt good to have my mobility back again though. Hopefully as my hip and legs get stronger I can take in a few more sunsets before the winter sets in.