Slowly

Written by cycleguy on April 23rd, 2017

I have had a chance this past week to ride a couple of days. The first one, two weeks ago, Jo followed me. I rode 8 miles. Not bad considering I have been unable to do any leg work at the Y or any cardio since February. Broken collarbones and ribs tend to deter those kinds of actions. 🙂  I was okay with her following me since I need and want her to feel at peace while I ride, especially since 90% of my riding is alone.

This past week I rode twice…alone…each time adding miles to my ride. 11.14 then 13+. These were hard for Jo since she knows she has to have peace about me riding. The latter was on a day she was out of town (bad memories surface with that for her since she was out of town when I wrecked in February). Each time I set my RoadID app to record my ride and let her know where I was. In fact, I had forgotten to turn on my Cellular data for the app and it showed me as being stationary. Guess who got a text? 🙂

Each time I rode I added a little mileage. For one, I’m definitely not ready for longer rides of 20-25 miles like I used to do. That would be a recipe for disaster. Second, I have no desire to “poop out” on the way and have to call her to come get me because I have no juice left.

There is a spiritual twist to all of this. How many people do you know who started out strong only to give out? They went great guns and then you watched them slowly fade away. Jesus talked about that in His parable of the sower and seed.  I would rather see someone come to Christ and slowly grow their faith and activity than go like a “house a fire” and whither.

Sort of like riding a bike for the first time in several months.

And I also encourage you to visit 3feetplease.com for this shirt and others:

 

 

 

 

 

7 Comments so far ↓

  1. Ceil says:

    Hi Bill! What a comfort it is to you to get back to cycling, even though it’s little nerve wracking for you and your sweet wife. I bet you never thought you’d even be back to this point in your health in those darker days.

    Slow and steady, it helps to build up strength in our muscles, and in our spirits. What good is it to have a huge bonfire if it only burns out? May God continue to heal and to remember to let Jo know where you are!
    Blessings,
    Ceil

  2. You’ve given us a perfect analogy here, Bill! Glad you are back on the bike, but taking it all in measured steps. Tell Jo I said she is a gem to ride with you and to keep track of your whereabouts when not riding. She is one great woman, but I know you know that!
    Blessings!

  3. Ed says:

    God bless you Bill! Just take it slow, and don’t worry Jo so much. Turn on that data and keep it turned on…safety first.

    Those are really nice bike wear, but a bit too big for my wallet. Maybe for Christmas..oh wait…I don’t have a bike either.. 😛

  4. Betty Draper says:

    Great wisdom Bill in this post. I was wrestling with having knee replacement this July. But a whisper kept coming to my mind saying, it’s too soon, too much, two major surgery in one year or at least that close together. Heard this whisper more then once. So I think I will listen to that still small voice. It’s painful to walk even with a brace but at least I can walk, slowly, but with some strength. And in a few weeks I think the doctor will release me to go back to the pool at the YMCA, I can walk in water with little pain.
    I say again brother, great wisdom.

  5. TC Avey says:

    I’m happy to hear you’re riding again, Praise God!

    Good analogy. I know my own journey in Christ has gone through both fast and slow times, ups and downs. All point me to the cross. Forever I need His grace. May I never run away from Him or fizzle out.

  6. Lisa notes says:

    I’m glad you’ve been able to get in some solo bike rides now, Bill. How invigorating that much feel after your time in recuperating. I’m glad you’re not trying to start back too fast; your spiritual analogy is a good one. Reminds me of counting the cost before we make our grandiose plans.

  7. floyd says:

    Good for you for getting back on that horse… with wheels… Great analogy about perseverance. I think it’s one of the most underrated gifts from God.

    Praying for your safety.