Discovery

Hi everyone,

Tuesday was a typical day - not much to do, no deadlines to meet - so I did something I haven't done in two years: I went for a bicycle ride. This is a momentous occasion for one reason mainly: I have Lyme Disease and aerobic exercise doesn't usually help. In fact, the aftermath of strenuous exercise (which means anything but walking or yoga) can create one big herx: running one mile often feels like you just ran a marathon. (There is another reason to make the bike ride such a momentous occasion: Two years ago my bike was stolen - six days after I sold my car - cutting short my plans to use my bike on a semi-regular basis.)

Anyhow, I decided that Tuesday morning was the time to borrow my sister's bike and set off for my adventure. I had no idea how long I would be able to bike for, half-expecting that I would need an emergency pick-up from one of my friends or family. I headed south along the I-205 bike path for about four miles and then headed west towards the Willamette River on the Springwater Corridor. I have biked, run, or walked portions of this 40-mile loop, but had never been on this portion of the route.

While I appreciate what the Corridor provides for Portlanders, its execution could use some help. Because the portion between SE 92nd Avenue and SE 42nd Avenue is ugly. I tried to see some beauty in it, but there isn't much. It's mostly flanked by tall grasses - which could be beautiful except for the stench of weed - and old warehouses covered with graffiti.

Though my thighs hurt at first, my body had warmed up enough by the time I got onto the Corridor. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself in Sellwood (about 10 miles from home) and feeling tired, but still with lots of energy. I helped myself out by making sure that I didn't pedal too hard and that I coasted as much as possible. Consequently, little kids passed me, but I didn't mind: I was just grateful that I was out biking.

In Sellwood, I stopped at a coffee shop to break up the bike ride. I sat in the comfy chair for about a half-hour journaling, reading, and looking out the window. To have nowhere to be, with no timetable, is bliss.

From there, I rode over to the bluff that offers great views of the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, Oaks Park, and, a bit further, downtown Portland. I sat down for a few minutes to take in the beauty. I set on towards Sellwood Park, raced down the gravel path, and met up with the Springwater Corridor again towards downtown. By this time, I was getting tired and coasting as much as I could, but I made it safely to the Hawthorne Bridge to catch up with a bus to take me back home.

Overall, I probably biked 16 miles or so. I was very tired when I got home - and rested for the remainder of the day - but I was just fine. I didn't herx the day after or even the day after that. My body must be healing itself.

A.