They’re Playin’ My Song

first published as a Plain Pedaler on http://www.pedaltheplains.com

When I started my journey to Pedal The Plains, (June, 29, 2015) Husband would not let me listen to music while I rode my bike. Instead, he said I must be aware of my surroundings. I should listen for cars approaching, look out for wildlife and people walking their dogs. I was in the Danger Zone! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwBbrngafl0

So I pedaled on, listening to the clackity clack of gears, (yes, I get caught in the middle of the shift a lot!) and the rattle from my husband’s hand-me-down headlamp. (I had no idea the battery wasn’t supposed to make noise until I upgraded to a new light!)

Then, Glory Days! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vQpW9XRiyM About a month into my cycling, Husband surprised me with a cell phone mount. I tapped my music app and turned on my “mixture” playlist, then turned on my bike app to track my progress. I was Footloose!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyD8BxoB2To

I enjoyed listening to my favorite tunes, until we approached a group of riders gathering to start their morning ride. As we passed the pack I thought I was looking mighty cool. Coordinated outfit, posture straight, legs pumping. Then the speaker on my phone blared, Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’ With Lovin’ On Your Mind, by Loretta Lynn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBnkAkmLtaw. Really? Even though I enjoyed it, and the follow-up songs Beer for My Horses https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1JOFhfoAD4 and Alcohol https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3zkkLckeyM, I kinda wondered what my music was saying about me.

Time for a new playlist: bicycle.

And so the new day starts. Up by 4:30 a.m. to be on the bikes by five because you ain’t a loser, ‘Til You Stop Getting Up.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4kc1TOHVfY Cave Creek, Ariz., is Redeemed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzGAYNKDyIU in the winter when it is Paradise City https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV1finf9Oio, but summer makes you feel Wanted Dead or Alive! http://www.vevo.com/watch/bon-jovi/wanted-dead-or-alive/USIV30300459

Husband quickly pulls away from me because he has a hard time Waitin’ On a Woman. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-C-IbkuNWs But Next Thing You Know https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7ISBFJSnMY I catch up to him on a flat stretch of road. I’m not Holding Out for a Hero https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVtaVrUAPK0 though. He’ll push me to pedal faster.  Heading into the hills I got the Eye of the Tiger, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btPJPFnesV4 ready to take on the day. About the time we hit the first big rise we’ll see the Glorious Unfolding https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKMjEvF2Fkw of the morning. The sun starts to slice the sky and I’m Calling All Angels https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRUErh47sao as I stand on my pedals to reach the peak.

Kaolin, from Flat Tire Bike Shop in Cave Creek says I need to keep a steady cadence but you know I’m singing My Hallelujah Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2mu0g3ir_w when I reach the top of the big hill. Time to Roar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CevxZvSJLk8 on the way down!

No time to rest and enjoy my Rocky Mountain High. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_WyUwNPOzQ Even though I Don’t Stop Believin’, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMUk-6cBjko we’re now on a stretch that’s The Climb. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG2zyeVRcbs I’m gonna Hold On Tight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAONwC1CWhE because just around the corner the road flattens and I fly like The Eagle and the Hawk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXcSJnDoAAg It feels like I’m gonna Live Forever https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W01TTkekYC4 until the next incline. That’s okay. Hit Me With Your Best Shot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JRgHol94Xc because We’re Not Gonna Take It. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WtixLg56Y8

Whatever day of the week it is dictates the time and path we ride. Sunday Morning Coming Down https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED5s1-Fe9FA we put in the miles on a three hour trek. We always pass the spot where I’ve fallen three times. Oh well. Every Rose Has Its Thorn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2r2nDhTzO4 and I know we’re close to the spot where we take a break to grab a snack (I still cannot ride and eat). As I Pour Some Sugar On Me, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UIB9Y4OFPs I feel renewed and I Wanna Rock! http://www.mtv.com/videos/twisted-sister/58934/i-wanna-rock.jhtml#id=1685510

Gonna Fly Now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR6FXpaECY8 because we’re back on level ground. I hear the wind rush around me as we’re heading into the Last Mile Home https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9u8QpHGUYkI and think If Today Was Your Last Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrXIQQ8PeRs, it was One Hell of an Amen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IMn4c4MwM0.

I’m Greater https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9XFO1oSk68, as my parents enjoy the Best Seat in the House https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbaaZmFqw8Q, Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTKmjhJ1__o.

Oh yeah. When the going gets tough, I know It’s Five O’clock Somewhere https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPCjC543llU. Cheers! http://www.televisiontunes.com/Cheers_-_Full.html

My playlist is this: God, Family and Country. What songs are on yours?