And here we are... rolling into May!

Whew! I feel like it's been an eternity since I've posted here, but I wouldn't want to break my "once per month" unintended rule that I've started for 2018, so I figured on this, the last day of April, I should continue that trend. Hopefully, it will be the end of that cycle and things will get a bit more regular... or at least frequent, but if you've hung around here long enough, you know that I often say that and then the opposite takes place, so we'll just leave it at the thought that I have hope for more writing, but won't promise that as reality.

In part, I've wondered if there's still purpose in the blog. So many have changed formats and are using more Twitter and Instagram, likely because it's easier and more convenient to busy life. I have to admit that even I find that media much easier in the sense that if something amuses me in the moment, I can snap a photo and share without having to sit and take the time to format more elaborate thoughts. But, the other part of me knows that I enjoy the longer process of forming ideas (whether they feel cohesive or not once finished) and/or coming to realizations as I write. It is often therapeutic to be able to rid my mind of thoughts and get them down on paper (or screen, as is the case here).

The truth is that life has been shifting. I've felt it for awhile and I have tried to fight it, but it's not always easy to do. Other priorities are taking up time and there's just a reality to how much time there is in an hour, a day, a week, and so on.

This morning's ride was shorter, but green is starting to appear, which means summer is on its way and the long sleeves will soon be a distant memory

Riding is always a priority, but sometimes it takes different forms. There are times when all I can do is transport myself by bicycle to the places I need to go, and there are other times when I can roam freely for hours and push physical limits. Sometimes I record the rides, and sometimes I don't. There is always an ebb and flow to the whole process and it is obvious to me today that inconsistency is just a reality.

Several months ago, I mentioned that a new bike had landed here. I have been riding it (somewhat inconsistently -- because, I wouldn't want to shake up the erratic flow of present life), but I've also discovered that I don't think it's quite the bike for me. I had high hopes for it and there are aspects to it that I really do like quite a bit, but as a whole, it's just not what I was hoping to get out of the build. So, while I do have a post started about the bike, it may be a bit before I can clearly synthesize what I want to share out of the experience and the bike itself.

Sam and I had also been pondering another tandem bicycle, as has been indicated as a possibility in past posts. The "pondering" became a reality though when we submitted a request for a custom about a month ago. We have enjoyed the tandem far more than I ever thought possible, and the reality of it being too large (specifically, for the captain) over longer distances has taken its toll. Not to mention that we've been attempting to use it for purposes never really intended by the manufacturer. While we tried to just be tough and suck it up, there is a reality to any bike being too large and in order to continue our new-found infatuation, it was deemed acceptable to spend a little money to hopefully find a lot of enjoyment.

So, while we wait for the outcome of this experiment (which shouldn't be too much longer, as we've been told the frame is in the painting processes as of a week ago), we have, of course, high expectations for riding together throughout the summer months. I'm anxious for climbing and exploring and the many adventures we will hopefully be able to take together over the next several months (and years).

Of course, there's also a certain level of anxiety. Custom builds have not exactly been the best experiences for me in the past, and unfortunately with a tandem and our vertical challenges, it's really the only way that is possible. There is fear, like any other unknown, but we also know there will be tweaks to any bike - single or tandem - but have faith that the overall product will be good and usable for us. Only time will tell with certainty though.

In the meantime, we continue to ride - both solo and tandem - enjoying whatever time we are able to be on two wheels. I hope that you continue to roll smoothly through this spring and right into summer too. Feel free to share your adventures here as well. It's always fun to read what others are up to.