Back in the saddle again

I can’t believe it’s been seven months since I last saddled up on my bike.

I’d planned on some heavy riding during the winter months at several organized events, all towards the goal of training for one more century ride. But five miles from the finish of the 25-mile Bike the Bay in San Diego, my wheel caught the edge of a jutting railroad track that threw off my balance and sent me crashing to the pavement alongside several other unfortunate cyclists. Bruised collarbone, bloodied legs and a broken bike = no finish for Tony that day. A doctor’s visit later and there went my winter season.

But tomorrow’s the comeback.

The Cycle for Sight in Napa is as good a place as any to get back on track. And the proceeds will go to two local organizations, Enchanted Hills Camp For The Blind & Visually Impaired and The California Veterans "Pathway Home Project." Being the son of a Korean War vet, that means I get to dedicate the ride to the memory of my pops. Another plus!

I may opt to do the shorter 25-mile route, not because I can’t do the 50 without any training since I did that before for the Honolulu Century. But hey, we’re talking a ride in wine country so the sooner I get back to the finish, the sooner I can partake in pleasing my pallet at the post-ride festival!

But I digress.

I’m looking forward to stretching my legs and wheels out after such a long time on the sidelines. The exercise will do me good and the grand scenery will help settle my mind. And I can’t wait to once again yell out, “Woooo-hooooo!!” when I make a descent down a steep hill.

As Johnny Blaze once said, “Let’s ride.”