The smoothly graded track stretched up into the Port Hills before me, slightly intimidating after 3 months of healing a broken arm. I was determined to make my first attempt at riding up a hill a success and I wasn’t going to let the plethora of small dogs infesting the track stop me. A gentle tail wind assisted me as I spun my weak legs and slowly but surely climbed up. Sooner than expected I was at the top, taking in the amazing views of Banks Peninsula and getting my breath back. A huge grin was plastered on my face as I zoomed down the hill with only a small accompaniment of pain from the vibrations going through my metal elbow. Soon I’ll be playing in the hills again.

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The shiny metal orbs felt reassuringly heavy in my palm and glinted in the afternoon sun. I ran my fingers around the inscribed lines and hefted one gently into the air to feel its weight. Peering into the distance I could just make out the small wooden globe, calling to me, urging me to make this toss the one. To make it that elusive throw that ends with metal kissing wood. Gracefully the metal orb arced up into the air, catching the light, and then falling to the earth with a deep thump. Gravel sprays out from the impact and the ball rolls just a little. Just enough to rest against its target. My opponent cries out in frustration, thwarted by my expert handling of the boules. This end is mine, but the game carried on, a close fought battle in the garden, surrounded by family.

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Is it wrong to draw all the curtains and shut out the sun for one day during a long weekend? Surely not. A day on the couch, reacquainting myself with an old Playstation 1 favourite is a good day. Laughing at the ginormous pixels and blocky people, but still loving the game play and getting a quiet sense of satisfaction from improving my “Playstation Tan” for a day.

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The sandy forest whizzes by under wheels and I’m in the air for a split second from one of the little jumps. Red eyes shine in the trees when my light hits them and rabbits race me down the tracks before diving into the bushes. I push into the corners, not wanting to lose speed as there are no gears to help me up the next pinch and my legs and lungs are burning from extra punishment the singlespeed brings. Easter holidays come to an end in the dark, with a great ride with friends. Smiles all round.

Nice!

Thanks

Tinkerbell wrote:The shiny metal orbs felt reassuringly heavy in my palm and glinted in the afternoon sun.

Orbs = Win : 'The evening air was pale and chilly and after every charge and thud of the footballers the greasy leather orb flew like a heavy bird through the grey light.' (James Joyce, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man)