On the Road Again!

Well last week there was a big change to my cycling. I finally got my clip pedals and shoes. I'm at least starting to look like a serious cyclist if not performing like one. Of course it led to a small adventure that hadn't been planned. (Hmm, is it just me or does it seem that many things that have happened along this prep for Sea To Sea weren't in the plans?)
My shoes and pedals were waiting at the bike shop for me and my bike to come and get them. Yes, I had to take my bike in to get them installed and to be properly fitted once they were on my bike. Since the shop is across the street from one of my physio clinics I could drop the bike off and come and get fitted after therapy. Good efficient plan. However, the question was then how to get my bike to the shop. I have several friends with vans who I knew would be there with a phone call but as I look out my window I thought-Why not? Sure it was -7C but it was sunny, the roads were dry, the shop was only a few blocks away and I had always said that I thought it would be a good goal to be back on the road in March. It was February 28, I was convinced. So off of the trainer and outside my bike went. As I a got on a little anxiety rush through...would I have enough balance? good gearing? safe in traffic? But with a sigh and a prayer off I went.
So how was it?(As I have been asked many times)COLD...REALLY COLD. I was quickly reminded of why I didn't bike in the winter. As I was sucking in the cold air, I was hoping that I will remember this chill next summer when I'm sweating through the scorcher days on Sea To Sea. But it was FUN and ENCOURAGING! I can do this again. And I safely arrived at the shop.
My fitting for the shoes and clips went very well. As Brian, my shop guy at Cyclepath, said "I'm a Rockstar!" as I was able to clip in and out on my first try! I pedalled home again(sans clips...let's not push my luck!)
It is so good to see progress. My friend, Dan, commented that he is amazed at where I am considering it was only 4 months since the accident. I forget that sometimes. I see all the stuff still wrong with my body and mind. Reminded of how far I have to go yet; how much work is still to do. It's good to be reminded that someone notices the steps already completed. Often, when you are working towards a goal, you are told not to look back but to keep focused on where you are headed. That's probably a good strategy most days, but there are times that you need to look back at the journey not to rest on those laurels but to celebrate the successes...no matter how small.
I hope I remember to apply this to Sea To Sea during the tour. On day 4 or 5 when the reality of the task becomes overwhelming. When there are more days ahead than there are behind. That I can look back and say...Hey! You've biked XXXkms in just Xdays! Way to go!
July 30 is the evening that marks having more days finished than left to pedal. I think we need to plan a celebration.