Day 186: Christmas is in the Air

It’s taken me a while to get into the Christmas spirit this year, but today I could feel the spirit creeping in as I rode through Mill Valley on my way to my favorite mountain. In a way I had better get into the Christmas spirit since I’m hosting a dinner for a half dozen of us orphans. I started thinking about the things that I need to do between now and Christmas Day, and that got me into the mood for the holiday. It’s been very hard for me to get behind the Christmas holiday since my Dad passed away on Christmas Eve of 2006. That night was so incredibly intense. He spent hours and hours struggling with his impending death, and I sat by his side and watched hour after hour. I couldn’t leave him, but then I remembered hearing something that a Hospice care worker told me. She said that sometimes those who are about to die may wait until they’re alone to pass on. So I went over to my father’s bedside and gave him a hug and then literally yelled into his ear, “I love you!” He jolted around a bit as if to acknowledge that he'd heard me. I then all but ran from the room. I drove home knowing that was the last time that I’d see him alive. An hour afterwards I got the call. He was gone. He was a great man that I miss to this day. After writing this passage, and reflecting on the events of three years ago, I’m realizing precisely why it’s hard for me to embrace the Christmas season.

I guess that I just got distracted… Wow!

I rolled out the door for a nice ride today. The weather was cooperating albeit it was a bit chilly. It was a beautiful winter’s day with crystal clear blue skies, and views from the West Point Inn to the city that were extraordinary.

I rode my SuperHeavy up the mountain today. “She” has become a good friend over the course of the last year. I wasn’t very fond of her at first. I didn’t even understand her at first. You see, I’ve been a hardtail rider since 1991, if not earlier. It’s so corny to personify a bicycle, and to use words like “her” to describe it, but it is what it is.

I had a good day of riding. I could have enjoyed it more if I had more time to ride, but I didn’t. The winter months have really put a damper on things for me in terms of doing long rides. I’m going to need to make use of the spring in order to get my mileage back up. You know what (?), I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. I’m actually doing really well given that it’s winter… Bye for now.

Distance: 17.61 miles
Calories burned: 1,528
Time: 1:41:45 hours
Elevation gain: 1,965 ft
Garmin Connect ride details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/20879427