Art's AIDS/LifeCycle Journey: Riding with Jude

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Riding with Jude

Distance 14.2

Moving Time 1:19:46
Elevation 702ft
Avg Speed 10.7mi/h
Max Speed 36.9mi/h
Heart Rate Avg 92bpm Max 143pm
Calories 357
Temperature 64

Today's ride was me the newbie turned veteran to share with Jude what I had learned since I started this cycling journey in February. Jude and I had planned to ride today for at least a couple of weeks. Since I knew this was going to be short ride, I wanted to get in a few more miles before our 8:30am meet time. As I got closer to Tunnel Road, I heard my phone notify me with a text from John at about 7:49am. Jude's excitement got her to 48th and Telegraph 40 minutes ahead of schedule. I turned around and rushed back home to meet Jude so that we could head out to the Bay Bridge.

Before riding, I showed Jude a few pointers about her bicycle, including taking off and putting back on her front wheel, knowing what the tire pressure should be, and pumping air into the tire. Funny how I had to think about what to share with her since these basics were now ingrained in my DNA. We reviewed hand signals and vehicle safety guidelines (well, stopping at stop signs and red lights - that's a biggie).

We were off to the Bay Bridge. Not too much traffic since it was relatively early for Saturday. As we descended from the small incline overpass to IKEA, we made our hairpin right turn into the bicycle path towards the bridge. As I looked back to make sure that Jude was completing her turn - WIPEOUT! Aww, I felt so bad for her. Jude was a bit frazzled, but claimed everything was fine and that her wrist felt a bit out of whack, but not enough to keep her from reaching the top of the east span of the Bay Bridge, cycling at an average speed of 10 miles. Way to go, Jude.

Before ascending onto the span, we took a short water break. I asked if she was ready to climb, and I told her it was okay to cut the ride short if her wrist was bothering her. She opted to shorten the ride, but only if I would promise to schedule another ride to the bridge. Deal! Her health was more important than getting the clocking-in the miles. As we headed back, we got to the end of the bike path this time across the street from IKEA. A right turn. WIPEOUT! Awwwwwwwwww. I rushed to Jude's aid. This time she scraped her elbow and injured her wrist, again. When she said she would walk her bike up and across the overpass, I decided to have her stay put and I'd ride back home to get the car and bike rack. Got home, got ice, got Alleve, got the bike rack, got in the car and off I went to reduce the damsel in distress.

Jude was such a trooper! I hope she'll mend in time for another ride before the holidays.