Weighty Matters

Ghirardelli 60% cacao chocolate chips. My munching habit..

It's normal for me to gain 4-5 lbs. during winter. The weight creeps up on me slowly, eventually reaching maximum poundage by February. It's not an ungody amount, of course, but noticable none-the-less. And totally within reason for anyone who exercises less but still continues to consume the same calories year-round. Ahem, like the chocolate habit I wrote about here.

But this year is pleasingly different—I'm unsure why that is. I haven't gained one pound. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I cycled 10 miles a week throughout January and February—not a huge amount in the overall scheme of warm weather cycling—but certainly more than past years where I completely stop for 3-4 months. I also walk every morning and evening, contrary to last year where I walked/jogged only at 5:30 a.m.. Either way it's the same total distance.

So, I presume it has more to do with an increased metabolism; I exercise more frequently. But whatever the reason, I'm thrilled. Especially as this aging body could have the tendency to gain weight as I enter my 50s. I'll just keep up the activity and see what happens.

Heaven help me if I have to cut back on the chocolate.

Cycling for Nerf Darts

I have to laugh at the errands I accomplish while I'm out pedaling. This particular Monday morning my goal was to purchase Nerf Darts for my son. He needed a special type as a gift to his friend whose birthday was that very day. "The hard tip ones", my boy said, "not the suction cup or the black ones." What? Well, wouldn't you know I found just what he described at Kmart, an easy 3 mile ride from home.

I wait until noon before I venture out to take advantage of the warmest part of the day. And since it was lunchtime I also bought my favorite pretzels for mobile munching.

My bike wasn't the only one locked up outside Kmart on a sunshiny February day. There were all these others, confused at the lack of snow. I guess they too wanted to breathe the fresh air. If Kmart can't sell snow shovels (on sale at the entrance) then bikes are the next best thing.

Now a good mom will bring along wrapping supplies to package the gift. An organized mom would've remembered to buy the gift ahead of time, but often mothers are as forgetful as their children.

At least she had time to get it done plus ride a bike, swim laps at the YMCA, and pick up her child at school. All just in time to hand off the gift. Phew!

What is the oddest thing you've set out to get by bike?

Girly Bike Touring

There's something about growing older that lends poise to youthful competition and conformity. No longer do I wear tight jeans, starve myself to look thin (to fit in those jeans), or care about what other people think. Along with this is the appreciation for the health of my parents, my children, and the gratitude I feel every day for my husband and close friends. So yes, literally, I can finally relax, let my hair down - not caring that it's turning grey. Frankly, it's liberating.

As I age I no longer count the miles on long tours. That's a good thing. And, I've always been on the slow side of average, often bringing up the rear on organized rides. So why not embrace it?

Along this same vein, I have an urge to tour with female companions. Load up the weighty Ross (because I've never toured with her), meet others, and preferably ride an urban rail trail or else this 40 lb. bike might not make it, or rather the woman riding the beast. I envision my partner(s) as new to touring—it's the perfect venue for initiates. Flat. I find comfort with women companions, especially ones that enjoy photo ops, garage sales (at least to browse), moving slowly, sharing dreams, coffee shops, and laughter. A girly bike tour on girly bikes.

My only quandary is who to go with. I have a few pedaling buddies, but most require the comfort of a bed or get bogged down with the equipment or fret on the weather. Heck, I know that often a duffle bag will do. I am also the bungee cord queen. I can fasten anything to a rack. I have panniers to loan and a plethora of tents, ground pads, and sleeping bags—thanks to past adventures and a penchant for collecting outdoor gear. No excuses, ladies!

Any free-spirited women who are game for a slow-rolling party on wheels?

Plum and Black

A fine day. Nary a ripple on the lake. Granite blocks line Perkins Pier.

I'm in a contemplative mood, dressed in a double layer of tights and my favorite thick fleece top.

I love the length of this coat. Hip coverage. Deep pockets. 

Not exactly fitted or stylish. High zip collar. Definitely comfy. Cozy.

And I bought this in Chamonix, France nearly 20 years ago. Plum just right.

France - Baguettes and Chateau Camping

Follow New Posts in the Around The World series on Mondays. Click here for the Introduction.

48 miles, Monday, August 1

When I woke up in the tent this morning, I told Andy that I’d dreamed I was speaking fluent French. It was a profound hint to learn more of the language. Either that or I’d crammed too many words in my head in the glow of the flashlight.

After consuming couscous and fruit for breakfast Andy vowed to find out what the locals eat. My husband is a voracious breakfast eater and was spoiled with two or three plate-sized pancakes with real maple syrup each morning. After a month on the road he misses his constitution and must find a replacement.

A common sight outside boulangeries and markets. Photo credit: WhoTalking.com

It was a short jaunt to a supermarket where the variety was a delight. In the dairy aisle we spied 12 different kinds of cheese. We chose Camembert. The wheel is shaped like Brie, yet its flavor is less pungent with the same nutty taste. By lunchtime, the cheese is a pre-warmed creamy treat spread on bread. Outside the store we filled pannier pockets with groceries and watched the morning crowd exiting with arms full of unwrapped baguettes. One couple strapped 5 long loaves to the racks of their mopeds, like lumber on a truck.

A tailwind swept us along through quiet towns. We noted that city offices and banks are closed on Mondays. Andy and I have only 100 francs in cash, but I’m not worried. Food has become a priority and I’m thankful we have enough money to fill our bellies for another day.

Maps to guide our travels; also helps locate campgrounds.

By day’s end we sailed once again to the Seine River. A few miles later, as indicated on the map, we located a campground. Surprisingly this wasn’t an ordinary setup allowing space for caravans and tents. RVs occupied all the designated spots. Fortunately, the proprietor accommodates a few travelers like us, allowing access to his spacious backyard quasi miniature golf course. Andy and I chuckled and enthusiastically erected the “VW Beetle”, as we’ve nicknamed our yellow home, in between holes 4 and 11. The greens are gone; only the cement tubs remain. A white table with chairs provides a spot for eating with a view of all 18 holes plus the owners’ brown and white chateau. We couldn’t believe our luck. It was further testament to our mode of travel and the unexpected pleasures of the moment.

One of the most delightful and unexpected rewards after a long day on the road.

After dinner we ambled along the Seine’s banks. With the company of others, and fishermen on the dock, my husband and I enjoyed a bucolic sunset; downriver a castle reflected in the slow moving water, like a scene from a postcard.