She’s home.

It’s April 11th. It’s not the earliest start to the season. It’s not the latest start to the season. It is very likely the most joyous start to the season.

After the past couple of years of not enjoying riding very much and being pretty much limited to riding in town, it didn’t take me 10 seconds to figure out I’m free again. Free to ride as far as I like. Free to get out of the house whenever I choose. Free to not spend unnecessary time getting around by bus.

It’s glorious.

Normally the first ride home is all decked out in leather from head to toe. It’s usually cold and a little tentative and the idea is to get the bike home from the storage drop point as quickly as possible. Tonight I took the long way home. And grinned ear to ear all the way.

It’s the first time since I’ve owned the bike that I feel like I OWN the bike. Yes, it’s finally paid off, but that’s not what I mean. The handlebars finally fit me perfectly and are comfortable (and heated grips are da bomb!). But what’s really beyond describing is how the bike FEELS, how it handles, how I OWN it. I’ve feel like I’ve got as much control of it as I do over a bicycle. I’ve never felt that much control before. I always knew fit was a big deal, but never having had a good fit, I didn’t know what I was missing.

So here’s a toast to the upcoming riding season. I’m almost sad I don’t have a commute anymore since I’m now working from home. But nah. More time for fun rides this way!

Odometer: 13,179 miles