Thursday 25 October 2012

Serendipity

Now that I am finally back in fighting form I have been putting many, many hours into the clean-up of the property and repair of outbuildings damaged by the storm back in July. And for most of that time my bike has been sitting in the garage, tempting me every time I pass by. But for today the weather guy was calling for sunshine and warm (18C) temperatures, so I figured I had better take advantage as one never knows which ride will be that last one of the year once November approaches.
Despite the forecast the morning was quite cool (10C) and overcast but by noon a general lightening of the sky could  be seen, so I decided to bundle up and head into Arnprior for a haircut and a quick lunch en route. It’s only 30km each way but at least it would be a ride and I would actually accomplish something at the same time.
But when I hit the crossroads I turned right rather than left. I’m not sure why except that all of a sudden I had an urge for a Quiznos sandwich (Classic Italian on Italian herbs and spices bread – mm-mmm, good) for lunch and the nearest Quiznos is in Ottawa, 80km away. What the hell, the weather was improving and I wanted a longer ride anyway.
When I arrived and went into the restaurant the person in front of me in line turned out to be a friend and co-worker from about 15 years ago whom I had long since lost track of. And so instead of eating alone with a newspaper for company we shared a table and got caught up on all the news in our respective lives and careers since that time.
It was really great having the opportunity to get re-acquainted with Jim and it never would have happened but for that spur-of-the-moment decision to go right rather than left back at the crossroads. I’m not sure I believe the old adage that everything happens for a reason, but sometimes it sure does seem that way.
When I finally got home a few hours later, and after running some errands in the city (I was there anyway) I remembered the initial reason for the ride. I never did get a haircut so perhaps there’s still one more ride in the season for me.

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