New Cycle Nut

Well, I never did update about the RDA Festival. Here's the short summary: I worked really hard, playing only my very best and original stuff while world-class teachers, newspaper, TV and Dance Magazine reporters observed classes. I met and mingled with other dance accompanists and saw lots of strong, talented young dancers from all over the country. Now they want me to play for the regional RDA Festival again next year. If only it weren't during Memorial Day weekend, which is almost sure to be the performance time of Cleve. School of Dance. (Why can't they hold these things in August, when I'm unemployed for a month?) Anyway, I had a good time and came out ahead a bit in the financial department for the week.

The weather has finally warmed up, and as usual this time of year, my thoughts turned to alternative forms of transport to work (other than the car, that is). Last year, I intended to walk to work at least 3 times a week in the summer. The problem is, the school is 4 miles from home and it takes me about an hour each way. With my classes starting at 9 am every morning, I just never got up early enough to leave on time.

This year I thought, maybe it's time to get a bicycle. I've been resisting for years because 1) Every bike I've ever had except one has gotten stolen, admittedly because I got lazy just for a minute and left it unlocked in public and 2) helmets are hot and mess up your hair. I can solve 1) by being conscientious about locking, much easier now that I'm a grownup and 2) helmets nowadays are much lighter, more ventilated, and surprisingly, don't mess up my hair at all.

After doing some online research for a week, I went to Century Cycles to buy this bike, and I just love it!! It's the first really high-quality bike I've ever had, and now I'm in shape enough to pedal up the hills without having to get off and walk. The first day I had it, I rode to work (8-mile round trip including steep hills). My legs were rubbery afterward and certain muscles were sore so I had to take a day off the next day. Now, two weeks later, I've ridden to more distant destinations, such as downtown or Beechwood Place (15-mile round trip) to run errands. To stay off of the scary, busy, non-bike-friendly main roads I've been exploring the parallel quiet neighborhood side streets.

I really enjoy smelling the flowers and feeling the breeze (which makes riding even on a 90-degree day surprisingly pleasant), as well as the good feeling of being active and saving gas in the process. My body has gotten used to it quickly and now I can ride several days in a row without feeling like I'm overdoing it.

I'm skipping today though because 1) it's raining and 2) I have an extra Windsong rehearsal tonight for our performance tomorrow.