Wednesday, April 13, 2011

MEET LULU


Meet LuLu. She’s my new bike. I got her for my 60th birthday even though I’m not quite sixty yet. I will be April 18. I wanted to get a head start with my bike riding since here in Wisconsin if you don’t get outside right when the ground starts to thaw, you’ve missed spring. You may be asking yourself, “Why would a sixty-year- old want a bike anyway?” Good question. My answer: I think it will be a great way to try and get my aching, aging, overweight, almost, practically disabled body back in shape…she said foolishly. So here’s the deal: As of today, I’m starting The LuLu Chronicles. For some reason my new little Schwinn bike has the name “LuLu” painted on her. Go figure. But it fits, I think. I want to ‘record’ my progress or lack of and hopefully learn something along the way about myself, challenges, longsuffering and anything else my new friend, LuLu, thinks I need to know. I’m actually going to write this blog as if someone is reading it. Although I do think I have three faithful readers. Bless your hearts.

Actually, I’m on day two of bike riding after a week of trying to find the perfect bike seat. Three seats later, bingo! I think I’ve found the largest bike seat this side of the Mississippi. I still hang off of it a bit, if you know what I mean, but it will do nicely. Of course, just because my new seat is the size of Montana and Wyoming combined, doesn’t mean it’s comfortable or that I’ve been able to avoid the dreaded ‘bike butt’ phase of my new venture. For the record, from now on, I think I will refer to my butt and all those parts near by as ‘the cowgirl’ (you know, the bike seat being the ‘saddle’ and all). I’m doing this to avoid any shady characters that happen to Google looking for porn the trouble of finding their way to my sight. That just creeps me out. Plus, it sounds more lady-like, sort of. Anyways, the cowgirl has bike butt after two days of being in the saddle.

Here are my challenges:

I’m middle aged. (Yes, I plan on living to be 120)

I’m over weight.

I have an artificial knee that is a HUGE whiner.

And… I have a terrible track record of sustaining anything that’s good for me for longer than, let’s say, three and a half minutes.

So there you have it. Day Three of bike riding will start tomorrow. If you’d like, join me along the way. I’d like company. Let’s see what we can learn…

deb

PS. The dog in the picture with LuLu and me is Murphy. Little does he know that I've order a little 'doggie basket' for him that fits on my handle bars. Aren't we going to have fun (heh-heh).

13 comments:

Cari said...

Awesome! Good luck with your new routine. When you publish our intentions, you have a better chance of being successful. Whenever I want to make a big life change I always tell all my loved ones so they hold me accountable. :)

Murphy is going to look so cute in that basket! :)

longfamily6 said...

You go girl! and your cowgirl too! We love you Deb. I'm excited to read your blog. I think LuLu is quite attractive by the way!

Patti Lacy said...

You go, girl! I'm for you all the way!!
Patti

ilflyawayjm said...

I'm so proud of you! I "might" try biking once in a while, but I've never made any commitment to it...especially for everyone else to see and hold me to. I'm much better at making excuses for why I shouldn't ride than finding reasons why I should. I think it's been several years since I've been on one, and I don't see those days in the near future, either. But I'm extremely happy to ride along with you in my mind. :)

Kay said...

Way to go, Deb! May God bless you with abundant joy and endurance as you, LuLu, and Murphy delight in the beautiful WI outdoors.

Beth said...

Super great idea!!! I'm sure you and Lulu will have many adventures! We used to have a ball on bikes when we were kids. Yes, we've been friends for a very long time.

Love you and wish you much success with the new routine. Praying for Gary and hope things are getting lots better!

Linda Priddy said...

Deb...maybe our bikes can be friends...my bike is a great pal to me, but she doesn't have a name...maybe the family can help me with this. She is a little pushy...wants me to post a map of Scotland on the office wall and blog our imaginary biking tour of the country...maybe you and LULU can join us for a few days...should be interesting.

The LuLu Chronicles said...

Thanks everyone! It's a little daunting now knowing many people know, but that's the point, to make myself accountable. It's time to get healthy. We'll be in touch..

Debbie said...

Hey, sweetie. Just read some of your entries, and had to reach for tissues.
I know you and LULU will become great friends. In fact, maybe you've just inspired me to dust off my bike and get out there! I didn't last summer--wonky balance and two bad knees--but if you can do it, maybe I can too!
Hugs!
Deb (one of the many other Debs!)

Debbie said...

Ummm....me here again. I thought the comment might ID me as more than Debbie.
It's Deb Jacobs--just to clarify! So many Debs...

Dianne Kinzer said...

Think of Whomps for inspiration an plan YOUR long distance bike trip with me! I won't go, but you can plan it. LOL

The LuLu Chronicles said...

Thanks, Debbie,
I'll root for you too. Don't let a little thing like dizziness keep you from peddling away. Just think of all the places you could go that you didn't intend.
Hey, Bill. Naw. If I plan, you will go!

Jess Riley said...

Absolutely charming...is that your backyard? LOVE IT!!!

(And love the bike!)