Skinned Knees & Memories

After the first couple of weeks of being cooped up indoors and not going out past our backyard, Kiera and I grabbed our bikes and began an evening adventure.

It started as very short adventures. I was excited that we would be getting exercise and having fun. At first, it didn't seem like a lot of exercise. We were constantly stopping.

"Let's take a break." Kiera would suggest a block into our ride.

Over the next week, I would try to encourage her to go a little further each time without stopping.

After deciding that our neighborhood street was not the best place to ride our bikes due to traffic, we began to load our bikes up and ride in a friend's neighborhood.

The very first day in our new neighborhood we set off to explore. It was great. We rode a little longer than normal, cutting up as we rode beside each other.

Just a few blocks from our friend's house, Kiera hit a puddle, losing control and hitting the pavement hard.

I jumped off my bike and hurried to her, trying to hide my concern. She untangled herself from her bike quickly and fought back tears.

All down the front of her body was covered in mud and leaves and blood ran down her knee. I knew immediately that we were done with that ride. I pulled Kiera in for a hug and called in back up for a ride.

I was afraid that she would want to hold off on riding the next day, so I was delighted when she asked if we could go.

As we headed back to our spot, Kiera asked, "What do you like best about our rides?"

"I love that we are getting in better shape and getting exercise, but I think my favorite part is making memories with you," I stated.

"Well, we definitely made a memory yesterday." She said with a smile.

I couldn't help but laugh.

We've made a lot of memories out on our rides. Sometimes, we make a map and follow it, other times we make a search list and look for those items as we are riding.

With each ride, I have had to push Kiera less and less.

It all became obvious Monday night. After stretching, we began our ride and Kiera kicked it into high gear after the first couple of blocks... and she kept it in high gear, only stopping once to change her music selection.

As we started around a circle area, Kiera yelled back at me, "Let's see who can do this 10 times around!"

I laughed and yelled back at her, "Let's do it!"

I had no idea what I was getting myself into. About lap six, my legs began to feel like jelly.

Kiera began to slow down and pull to the side. I inwardly sighed in relief to take a break and pulled up next to her.

"You need a break?" I asked trying to mask the gasping for air part of my voice.

"Nope. Just wanted to change this song." She said as she pushed a button and proceeded to pull back out.

Not wanting to be outdone, I kicked it back into gear and followed after her.

Lap eight, she yelled back at me, "I'm not even tired!"

"That's awesome!" I yelled/gasped back at her. I briefly considered taking my water bottle out and grabbing a drink as I continued pedaling... but then I thought twice about the possible outcome of that decision. I'm fairly certain we would have been calling for back up for me if I tried to multitask like that.

We made it all ten laps and without stopping for a break, rode the few blocks back to our truck.

She climbed off her bike, pulled her hair out of her ponytail, and smiled at me as she unlocked the truck.

I, slid off my bike, concentrating on making my leg muscles obey me. The hair that had slipped out of my ponytail was sticking to my sweaty, red face as I contemplated loading our bikes into the truck.

In all seriousness, I am proud of how far we have both come in our riding. I may be hurting tomorrow, but that means muscles I haven't pushed in a while are beginning to get back the way they need to be. I'm proud of Kiera and how hard she is pushing herself.

Here's to many more miles and memories... and maybe a little less gasping on my part.

Rowonna McNeely her husband, Aaron are regular volunteers in the community, and have their hands full with their daughter, Kiera, along with three dogs and one cat.

Thank you for sharing in our weekly journeys. If you have missed any of our past stories, check out our blog page at www.lifea2k.net or drop us a line at lifea2k@yahoo.com.