Bici Reunion

Among a gazillion social events, vacation, a water leak at my apartment, freelance writing/editing and work this month, I've really missed my regular cycling crew. It's been, oh, weeks since I saw the breakfast on the bridge folks. Grace and her kimchee magic have been absent for I don't know how long. Two weeks? The Sunday market, all the Chattanooga Football Club games.... passed.

In light of my absence (from the blogging "industry" as well), I needed a refresher ride. Last night I joined about 20 other cyclists at Link 41 for the Beer, Brats and Bikes cruise around town to recognize Local Foods week.

The best part? I've never seen many of these cyclists. It felt like sweet success, like I could just sit back, relax, and enjoy myself instead of feeling obligated to drum up support, converse, socialize. Chattanooga's cycling community—and no, I'm not talking about roadies!—is growing. These folks came out in shorts and sandals (eh..) on cruisers, on mountain bikes, one BMX ride, you name it.

J and I didn't stick around for many of the festivities. In fact, we were almost overwhelmed by the crowd at Terminal. I ran into numerous friends, including former high school stand-outs who were catching up over a beer. Apparently it's time for my graduating class to get hitched. The first thing said long-time aquaintance did? Grab my left hand and look for a ring. She'd heard that someone with my name had gotten married, but no, it was a different girl with my name.

Either way, it was great to briefly catch up, exchange high-fives, ride around with J in the cool night. He spotted a shooting star from the porch—and we were the only ones who saw it! Exhausted from my midday kettlebell new workout, one of my new obsessions, I rode up Georgia with J, which I'm slowly growing accustomed to, and passed out.

Another day and we'll be headed to Philly for a family-filled 4th of July weekend. No bikes, again, which hurts my heart a little, but I revel in the excitement and adventure of traveling, especially in big cities.

New end-of-year goal? Finding a new place to live. More details to follow.