He said, "Shall we ride our bikes to the farmers market this morning?"
I said, "How far is it? How can we carry our spinach and beans and broccoli home?"
As I spoke, I knew those were silly questions. He rides his bike daily and carries everything he needs in a black backpack.
He said, "We can ride to the market and then if you want to wait for me Somewhere, I'll pop over to the hardware store and pick up that screwdriver I need to mend your spinning wheel. And then we'll ride home."
The thought of 'Somewhere' intrigued me.
I asked, "Where is Somewhere?"
He replied, "Oh, Somewhere where there is coffee."
He has been encouraging me to ride my bike more. He knows that once I'm out on the bike, on the street, I love it, I feel strong and free. The tricky part is getting me on to the bike. That's where the encouraging part comes in.
He calls it encouragement. I call it bribery. It works.
I said, "OK. How far will we have to ride?"
He didn't say.
We rode to the market, and I felt strong and free, so we rode to the hardware store, where I waited outside and guarded the bikes. Then we decided to ride to the closer coffee place because I wasn't feeling so strong and free. I was hungry and thirsty.
Down the hill on Barry Street. Along Mission Oaks, which parallels the freeway and is actually lined with large, graceful eucalyptus trees, not oaks. Across Santa Rosa and into the parking lot.
He happily paid his bribe.
Round trip: 11.667 Miles
17 comments:
That's what I call a win-win situation!
When at first you don't succeed, bribe, bribe again?
Excellent writing Willow. Your teaching w/IEW will be fantastic. Wish I could take the class from you. I love to ride my bike. I just returned from a bike ride. I did not calculate the mileage,though.
I do like Graf's comment above mine. :)
You've married a smart man, Willow ;-)
Well done. I know what you mean you get stuck in what you do and bribery is good to get you un-rutted. I am trying that with the catching up with household chores now I'm back. I've been doing a task then a blog. It's taken a while to catch up with everyone but the housework is getting done. :-)
Love all those comments and what they said but I'm over here with a voice in my head asking "where is Barry street? And after you crossed Santa Rosa what parking lot? Starbucks close to Adolfo?
Have a nice Sunday...off I go to Orange County again...
If one bribe doens't work, maybe another... or, well...third time's a charm too, they say! This was so sweet, Willow...tee-hee... Happy Day ((HUGS))
Awww. I would have loved to have followed the two of you. Sound like you had fun though?
A wise fellow-parent once said to me that if you offer a goodie *before* the good deed, it's a bribe. But if you offer it afterward, it is, instead, a reward. And in your case, clearly a well-deserved one :)
That's a long bike ride! Good for you.
I envy you! I'd love to bike ride but I'd have to first buy the bikes and then bribe my husband ..lol
Keep it up! Such good exercise and such a feeling of freedom.
Good big girl!!! :) There is something about this time of year and riding a bike! It is refreshing and youthful feeling.
Such a sweetie and how awesome for you (bribery between spouses is a good thing).
I am SO delighted that you visited by my blog! And I have to say, I adore this post. I love narration- especially when I sense a hint of a sardonic tone.... and we might have something very important in common- the love of coffee!
your marriage: lovely.
I would love to ride bike with you. When my walking partners don't cooperate, I've now settled to riding my bike.
I love it.
Fun post and good ride it looks.
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