Cycling

Happy and Blue 2 (link on the side) has several stories about cycling. Funny and well-written, they have reminded me of a time when the men in my life were almost exclusively cyclists. During my twenties, dh was the *only* "non-cyclist" I dated.

I never sought them out. We'd begin talking, start dating, and then I'd be introduced to their Bike.

These young men were very serious about their sport. They rode centuries on the weekend for fun (100 miles in one day). Their bike would often rival the cost of my first car. I was encouraged to admire their bike, but definitely not encouraged to ride it. My first cyclist had a beautiful blue Miata. He once let me ride it **for one short block** if I promised not to go up and down any curbs.

On the other hand, they always encouraged me to ride. I would buy mountain bikes, and we'd climb steep grades, and barrell down dusty trails. I liked riding bikes, but never became a cyclist, much to the disappointment of my first (cyclist), Mike.

Why did I date so many cyclists? Mike explained it best. He loved my calves. He thought they were the most perfect shape for riding. He would admire them, and wish his own legs (honed by many centuries) featured as developed a muscle as my lower calf.

I'm still not sure, as sincere as he was, whether I feel sexier knowing this...