Friendship & Bike Legs

This past weekend was fabulous.

It included the company of long-time friends, good conversation, fantastic weather and a bike ride.

After work on Friday, I headed south toward Milwaukee to catch up on the past nine months with friends I have known for a long time. We had not seen each other since the end of July 2016. I had not seen the new house they moved into last August. There was “catching up” to be done, along with a tour of the house and a Friday night fish fry.

“Fish is often served on Friday nights during Lent as a restaurant special or through church fundraisers. Beer is a common beverage of choice to accompany a fish fry. A fish fry may include potato pancakes (with applesauce) and sliced caraway rye bread if served in a German restaurant or area.”

Fish? Check.

Potato pancakes? Check.

Beer? Since the only beer on tap was varieties of Miller, I opted for a brandy old fashioned sour. With fruit. Check.

The remainder of the time, from Friday night to Saturday afternoon, we celebrated our 40 year friendship by watching a movie, hanging out, talking stupid, eating brunch and watching Jax the dog chase his many balls around the house. Jax is a little dust mop of a dog, no bigger than my cat Gibbs, who loves to lay by “dad” and look at the rest of us like chopped liver. This was a quick visit, not even 24 hours, but it fed the absence of nine months with the laid-back ease that a long-time friendship brings.

---

It was 70 degrees Sunday afternoon.

That’s warm for April in Wisconsin.

What’s a girl to do except get on her bike and ride. I’ve been thinking of Joanne over at My Life Lived Full. She reported the purchase of a new trail bike that she will be riding as you read this post (I’m expecting a full report some time this week). Joanne’s excitement over her bike was the encouragement I needed to get my butt on the seat and move it.

There’s not a lot to report from this ride other than the weather was almost perfect (the wind could have given it a rest) and the first venture of the season was a respectable 11 miles. Not a great distance, but it was a nice leisurely ride and I had to welcome back my bike legs. (Bike legs are like sea legs, without the waves and nausea.)

I’m going to let the gallery and photo captions speak for the ride. Between friendship, nice weather and quality time on the Kona, I feel rejuvenated and ready for the week. Whatever work has to throw at me, it will not wipe the smile of the weekend from my face.

One should always obey the sign. Veer right to go left.

A short, but new stretch of trail discovered.

There’s green grass near the road and on lawns, but the rest of the landscape remains various shades of tan and brown.

I don’t think you have to worry about trespassers unless someone feels the urge to try out their new hip boots.

The wooden bridge is a favorite part of the trail. It’s always inviting.

New headquarters of a credit union. I hope they have an open house and lots of doors.