I know this is two posts about bike trips in a row, but please bare with me. Until last week, I really had not ridden a bike in, let's say, 14 years. On Memorial Day, the young adults of our church had the opportunity to go to the coast. We took a boat ride to Black Beard Island. I think that is the right name. If that is not its name, it should be. On that trip, I trekked into the island and around its paths. I know other people have been there (it was a path after all), but I still felt a little closer to nature and peace with myself.
While riding back from the library today, I saw a dirt road and took it. In just a short while I knew I was on to something special. The path split into several different paths. Paths that I will be going back to try later. For now, I stayed on the main course.
The path opened up onto a big man made pond. I would say bar pit, but this is the nicest bar pit I have ever seen. The area becomes very hilly (real word) and rises in some areas to create mini cliffs above the water. There are paths all around the bar pit and it looks like a dirt bike trail with big hills were sculpted out as well.
Due to articles of clothing, beer bottles, and abandoned coolers, I know this place is no secret from the kids and the party people. Somehow my brain has held on to the idea of discovery and the dream that something could be new. In other words, my heart felt like I had discovered the place regardless of how many people had been there before. In your mind, hear the kid opening his presents in "Christmas Story." A big hill, "oh boy, that's mine." An old bridge, "oh boy, that's mine."
The trip was eventually tainted by a couple of young ladies who apparently drove out there for some under age drinking/smoking. I continued on my path with a little bit of resentment. They were proof that this place did not belong to me exclusively.
Still, I invite you all to my new secluded get away in the heart of Pooler. I have dubbed it Lake Merriweather.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Bicycle Diaries
Today I decided to ride my bike for an actual trip as opposed to my unusual (unusual because it is far from normal) ride for exercise. Kirsten left me with the task of getting stamps. So, I decided I would ride my bike to the post office. This is not a short distance, but I remember when I used to ride my bike as a kid to the tune of 10 miles to go to the country store. I quickly realized that I am not a kid anymore, and I am not in shape. I had to take a few walking breaks along the way. Here is some of the adventure.
I passed over a canal that I have driven over a million times. This time I stopped to look at it. It is surprisingly beautiful if you take away the litter left by irresponsible people. I saw a turtle jump in the water.
While riding, I saw a beautiful yard that had grass that was too high for a yard that had been so sculpted. I thought to myself that this seemed odd (my marathon runs of House have taught me to look for clues everywhere), so I thought it was old couple that was feeling sick that lived there. When I rode back by on the way home an old man was riding the lawnmower. I think he sensed my lack of approval and took action.
On the way to the Post Office, I noticed a cross and some flowers in front of a tree that had some debris around it. I wondered what happened. On the way back, I crossed the street and ended up walking and talking to a either a person that works for Western Sizzlin, or is an ex employee that still loves to wear the shirt. He explained to me that it had been a motorcycle accident. The driver died on the spot. Then we talked about a hit and run involving a little boy last night. One of his friends called out to him and he left me.
I was passed by a fire truck responding to a call. On the back of their rig was the Tasmanian devil. I thought to myself that is exactly want I want in a fire crew. I want the Tasmanian devil coming in to save me. Fire be damned.
I stopped for a water at the gas/washer&dryer/hair salon/convenience store. I was standing next to my bike when a child came up to me and asked "who are you?" I laughed and said, "I am Jonathan, who are you?" The boy's grandmother threatened the boy with a beating for "botherin" me.
On the way home, a group of school girls commented that they liked my sunglasses as I rode by. Aside from making me uncomfortable I find that funny because they are Liz Claiborne sunglasses that Kirsten got free with purchase like 10 years ago. Durable and still stylish.
Finally, a school guard stopped traffic for me. She was a little old lady. I told her that I wasn't quite a schoolboy, but thank you. She just smiled and said, "that's alright."
Quite a trip. It may seem boring, but I enjoyed myself. I believe I will have to go on more bike rides.
I passed over a canal that I have driven over a million times. This time I stopped to look at it. It is surprisingly beautiful if you take away the litter left by irresponsible people. I saw a turtle jump in the water.
While riding, I saw a beautiful yard that had grass that was too high for a yard that had been so sculpted. I thought to myself that this seemed odd (my marathon runs of House have taught me to look for clues everywhere), so I thought it was old couple that was feeling sick that lived there. When I rode back by on the way home an old man was riding the lawnmower. I think he sensed my lack of approval and took action.
On the way to the Post Office, I noticed a cross and some flowers in front of a tree that had some debris around it. I wondered what happened. On the way back, I crossed the street and ended up walking and talking to a either a person that works for Western Sizzlin, or is an ex employee that still loves to wear the shirt. He explained to me that it had been a motorcycle accident. The driver died on the spot. Then we talked about a hit and run involving a little boy last night. One of his friends called out to him and he left me.
I was passed by a fire truck responding to a call. On the back of their rig was the Tasmanian devil. I thought to myself that is exactly want I want in a fire crew. I want the Tasmanian devil coming in to save me. Fire be damned.
I stopped for a water at the gas/washer&dryer/hair salon/convenience store. I was standing next to my bike when a child came up to me and asked "who are you?" I laughed and said, "I am Jonathan, who are you?" The boy's grandmother threatened the boy with a beating for "botherin" me.
On the way home, a group of school girls commented that they liked my sunglasses as I rode by. Aside from making me uncomfortable I find that funny because they are Liz Claiborne sunglasses that Kirsten got free with purchase like 10 years ago. Durable and still stylish.
Finally, a school guard stopped traffic for me. She was a little old lady. I told her that I wasn't quite a schoolboy, but thank you. She just smiled and said, "that's alright."
Quite a trip. It may seem boring, but I enjoyed myself. I believe I will have to go on more bike rides.
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