Introducing : The Duchess

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

boys and girls...

I would like to introduce you to the newest piece of equipment

 in the category of "getting busy" hobbies.

The Duchess!  

Isn't she the most beautiful bicycle you ever did see?!

Now I have to admit, it was love at first sight, but first ride...

That is a different story.

I haven't ridden a bike for real since I was... maybe ten?

I don't even remember.

My first ride was stressful.

I feel worried about getting hit by a car 

and whether or not I'll make it up the very big hills around here.

(why did I not get a bike when I lived in Chicago where EVERYTHING is flat 

and Lake Shore Drive is the perfect place for cyclists?)

Plus my wrists hurt, and taking my hands off to signal...?

forget about it.

I swerve all over the place.

But today I rode her again and it was much better.

I even started to figure out how the gears worked...

Seriously, I couldn't remember.

I knew when I asked for a bike for Christmas

 it would either be a huge waste of money or...

it would change my way of life. 

I'm not trying to do a Tour de France anytime soon,

I just want to be able to use a bike for transportation.

I feel like it makes so much sense to bike.

No waiting for buses, no money spent on gas. 

Model-esque, cellulite free thighs and calves to kill for.

Plus it would save time - exercise while you commute - 

what a novel idea!

Someday I would like to be one of those people who doesn't go to the gym at all.

I want to just lead an active lifestyle.

Hiking and running with Heidi, biking for transportation. 

Yoga to relax and outdoor activities for "fun."  

I'm hopeful that I will get there, 

but I think it is a very long (hilly) road ahead!

ps.  The Duchess is a temporary name until I think of something a less obvious and perhaps a little more personal.  Any ideas?

pss. Please share advice more experienced cyclists!

psss.  Thanks for the bike, mom!