Running Shorts

What doesn’t kill you ...
So we, or at least four of we, decided to go bike riding on Sunday.
We is part of a much larger group that I call us.
On Thursday members of us were all over the place. Three went swimming, two kayaked, three took off biking, a handful were running and I believe two more were considering tennis.
Us is an active bunch.
But on Sunday, we could only convince part of us to play on what was supposed to be a nice leisurely 31-mile bike ride.
Perhaps it was the Olympics on TV.
Perhaps they were sane.
After tooling around Crozet for about five miles waiting for the threatening clouds to either pass us by or send us to Dairy Queen, we decided that the sunny sky was a good omen.
We clipped in and were off.
Almost.
“Falling!“ was heard.
One of we was on the ground.
Two Hello Kitty bandages were applied to a knee and we were off ... again.
For the time being.
About 11 miles later, the storm clouds returned just as we had climbed what HAD to be the highest point on the route. As lightning began to flash, we decided that we were not in the best of locations. High mountain, under trees, a power line humming overhead, sitting on metal bicycles.
What to do?
Do we try to retrace the 11 hilly miles back? Do we forge ahead 20 unknown miles? Was there a shortcut back to our cars?
Lightning flashed closer.
“I’m scared.“
The rain started.
“I’m wet.“
We hunkered down on the ground.
“I’m cold.“
So we did the only wise thing we did all day. We called Fast Kathy.
We thought she might know a fast way home ... but the cell phone kept cutting off.
Fast, who is a part of us, tried to give directions, but at this point, we—Easy Deb, Purple Haze, Her-Mix-A-Lot and yours truly—were trapped.
A man came by, rolled down the window and informed us that the storm should pass in an hour.
We laughed.
But then along came another car.
It was REAL BIKE RIDER ANNE. Fast Kathy had called a friend, who lived somewhat nearby, and this wonderful woman jumped in her car, tracked us down and gave four soggy strangers a ride back to safety.
We are eternally grateful.
Are there lessons to be learned?
Sure.
1) Always know the route before you take off.
2) Always honor the clouds.
3) If Fast Kathy doesn’t ride with you, always have her phone number.
4) Whenever faced with the decision between ice cream and biking ... always opt for the Blizzard. Or extra french fries and onion rings.
5) And remember, what doesn’t kill you only makes the friendships stronger.