Worse Day of the Year Ride

[DarcyInOregon]

Hi Everyone,

Suzie and I rode in the Worse Day of the Year Ride in Portland, Oregon, today. Did anyone else from TE participate in this ride?

We rode the 18-mile urban course. I had an amazing amount of fun. This is the first time for me riding an urban course with clipless pedals. I had a lot of years when I was younger, when I lived in San Francisco and Austin, where I biked on a Schwinn 10-speed. My old urban biking skills came back.

Suzie and I finished in the first 100 riders.

Here is a photo of Suzie and myself at the start of the ride, with more than 1000 cyclists lined up behind us.

[Bikingmomof3]

Thank you Darcy for sharing the photo and telling us about the ride. :cool: Congrats to you and Suzie. :)

[Blueberry]

Congrats! Sounds like a fun ride!

I LOVE the pink bike:D :D

[ace]

That looks like lots of fun! Why do the call it the Worse day of the year ride?

[DarcyInOregon]

I love the pink bike too. Several dozen cyclists complimented me on my bicycle, which really made my day.

And I burned 1124 calories, which really made me happy.

When Suzie comes online, I think she wants to ask how to pedal up hills, seeing stop signs on the hill ahead of you, while clipped in or not clipped in. I chose to pedal not clipped in on those hills, rather than clip then unclip on a steep grade with so many stop signs. I think Suzie's question is how to pedal while not being clipped in. I do most of my riding in the Oregon farmlands, and I will pedal while unclipped when I need to, but it is just something I do, and I don't know how to describe how to do it. My pedals clip on both sides; one side is not flat.

Darcy

[DarcyInOregon]

That looks like lots of fun! Why do the call it the Worse day of the year ride?

Because it is winter, February, and the weather is lousy. It isn't really the worse day. The worse day is snow, or ice, or high winds. However the ride is for charity, and nobody would register for the ride if it took place during a high gale ice storm.

Darcy

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You two girls totally ROOL. How I wish I could have been there riding it with you!!!!

I love the blue/pink combo next to the yellow/black combo.

[KSH]

Awesome! Great picture! Looks like fun.

Please tell me Suzie didn't fall over. Poor gal... she needs a break.

[luv'nAustin]

You two look great and I love your bikes! Glad you had a good time. :)

[suzieqtwa]

I have never been so scared as I was today at the 18 mile ride.:eek: There were about 1,500 riders ,and we were in the city with tons of stops. My shoulders hurt so bad from being so scared. Yesterday I was having a great 28 mile ride ,and I got into a left turning lane on a hill thinking I could make the green light....well it turned red ,and I had to stop quick ,or get hit by a car ,of course I tipped over. Today I fell once on the road ,but I'm kinda getting used to the humiliation.:o No harm done ,and I didn't hit my head. I just feel beat up. :( I don't think Ill do another charity ride in the city. Darcy seemed to do Ok................I thought for sure she would fall ,because she rides only on country roads ,and at the State park. Someday Ill get this figured out. My problem seems to be when I'm on a hill. I cant un clip early because I cant pedal without getting clipped back in.

[Blueberry]

Someday Ill get this figured out. My problem seems to be when I'm on a hill. I cant un clip early because I cant pedal without getting clipped back in.

I've been known to just go up the hill not clipped in. I ride SPD's with Sidi mountain shoes. I know where the cleat is, so I know where I can ride without engaging (back of shoe, either side of the cleat, just behind the cleat). I've also got mine set pretty loose. I think it really is a matter of comfort and having pedals that are easy for *you* to get out of (I like SPD's - did not like Looks - haven't tried speedplays or crank bros - too many bikes to upgrade to change now;))

Good luck and congrats again on the ride!!

[SouthernBelle]

When I need to pedal unclipped, I usually use the arch of my foot.

Glad ya'll had fun.

HTH,

[cosc]

Suzie and Denise, congrats, on finishing the front of the pack. Thanks for sharing your pics with us. I have trouble with slipping feet on my spd's when I'm not clipped in. I need to practice because sometimes you don't have time to clip in, or for a quick dismount up a hill. The trainer would be a good place to learn unclipped pedaling.

[mimitabby]

Suzie
I am breathlessly watching your progress with clipless. I do not have as many falls in me as you have in you (translation; if i fall too many more times, I'm just going to bag it)
How come you can't pedal without getting re-clipped in?
my husband bought some of those pedals that have clips on one side and are normal on the other. He doesn't like them though, because the clips weren't as good.

Your ride looks fun but i really understand the stress of being fearful (not to mention all the times you've fallen, maybe stuff hurts because of that too?)

I haven't gone back out and ridden since my short clipless excursion in the school yard because i have been sick. I'll keep you posted.

[suzieqtwa]

Mimi,
Believe me ,all this falling has taken its tole on me. I cant explain the sick feeling I get when I know its about to happen. I just feel helpless. I know I'm going to fall ,but I cant get do anything about it. I haven't cried yet ,but I feel like it, just looking at my bruised knees ,and elbows,and hands I know I took on a lot too fast ,and actually Saturday I was having a great time ,and felt super comfortable,the gears are coming naturally ,but then the hill ,and quick stop. It took all the fun out of that ride real quick. I don't have a trainer ,but I'm going to practice peddling un clipped. I think I have SPDs ,and Mtb bike shoes. The pedals are on both sides. I can get un clipped for a normal stop ...its just any slight hill . The feeling of just laying in the road with your bike on top of you on a road is sooooooo embarrassing.
Yesterday ,riding slow with all those bikers around me was awful I didn't have too much fun. I think I would have done better if I choose the 45 of hills,and less stops. Well next week Ill be in Santa Fe ,so I have to take a week off from the bike...give my poor body time to heal. Oh, I also slide when trying to pedal un clipped. If I can get that down I should be OK.

[oxysback]

Great picture!! I wish I could have ridden with you.

Is that a guy in a bear costume in the background of your pic? :confused:

Suzy: Sorry to hear you're having a tough time with the pedals. I hope you get used to them soon!! It's no fun feeling like you're going to fall. I'm sorry I don't have any better advice to give you other than don't give up!

Darcy, glad those street skills came back to you! I would be a bit nervous riding the streets of Portland, as well.

Way to go, gals!!

[Batbike]

Suzie, from the photo it looks like you have SPD pedals. I completely understand your fear of SPD because I have them on my mountain bike. It was difficult to clip/unclip until I learned you could adjust the tension on the SPD's so that it is easier to get in and out of ... in fact, after time it got too easy and I had to readjust to keep my foot clipped better! Have you tried loosing the tension to make it easier to unclip?!

Also, when I got my road bike, I changed the pedal system from SPD-R's (a once popular version of SPD's for road bikes) to Speedplay because I found it MUCH easier to get in and out of pedals. Speedplays are not for everyone, but makes me wonder if you changed your SPD system to something else if it would be easier and give you more confidence on quick stops and hills ... just a thought.

Good luck!

[Kitsune06]

How did I miss this ride?! Nooooo!!!!
I guess there's always next year. :rolleyes:

[East Hill]

I went down to Portland yesterday and had forgotten all about the Worst Day Ride.

I was at the Expo Center with my husband, and had brought down a blue Peugeot mixte to re-home with a gentleman who I know via BF (he came down on the Yellow Line and mentioned that he had seen a number of cyclists out and did not know what the ride was--hey, he's been busy, give the man a break!).

If I'd known...but on the other hand, I was not there to ride, but to get the Peugeot mixte to someone who would love her, and I also picked up my new bike commute trailer. I'm getting ready to test the waters with the trailer today.

East Hill

[KSH]

Also, when I got my road bike, I changed the pedal system from SPD-R's (a once popular version of SPD's for road bikes) to Speedplay because I found it MUCH easier to get in and out of pedals. Speedplays are not for everyone, but makes me wonder if you changed your SPD system to something else if it would be easier and give you more confidence on quick stops and hills ... just a thought.


You sound exactly like me.

Speedplays are so much easier to get in and out of. I love them.

Suzie, you might also try practicing quick stops. Imagine you have to stop quickly and practice getting out quickly.

Otherwise, it might be a good idea for you to stay out of situations that will put stress on you. Try to stay away from riding in groups, around dogs and kids, and cars. Try to ride in a controlled environment and get your confidence up on getting clipped out, before throwing in other "obstacles".

Good luck Suzie!

[chickwhorips]

congrats you two!

love the picture. thanks for sharing!!

[texascyclist]

GREAT Picture! Seeing both of you makes me really anxious for my first ride of 2007, which will be Tour Dallas in April.

Suzie...Reading about your falls kinda makes me a little nervous. I'm in the process of getting my new bike and going clipless too. My DH has finally convinced me to give it a try. :eek: He is wanting to get the SPD's for my bike but after reading this post, now I'm wondering if Speedplay might not be the better choice for a first timer. If it is, which would y'all recommend? I notice on thier website their are different ones to choose from.

[Jo-n-NY]

I went from SPD's to Speedplay Frogs (upon the recommondations for many gals here). I use a Specialized mtn shoe but ride a roadbike. I there is no tention what so ever to unclip, just turn the heel out and lift. However, they do not unclip when your not suppose to. It is hard to explain, (anyone else chime in that uses frogs), but they are so easy to use.

I always have one foot clipped in (my left) and always clip my right foot in while pedaling. It just slides right in. Like I said they are just so easy to use. I will add, that I practiced on a trainer and at this time of year it what I solely use. Every so often I will practice clipping and unclipping really fast just to know that I can do it should I need to. Sort of a confidence builder.

Just my two cents, hope it helps.

~ JoAnn

[emily_in_nc]

GREAT Picture!He is wanting to get the SPD's for my bike but after reading this post, now I'm wondering if Speedplay might not be the better choice for a first timer. If it is, which would y'all recommend? I notice on thier website their are different ones to choose from.

It depends on whether you want to use road shoes or mountain shoes. If you want a recessed cleat and walkable shoes, you want mountain shoes, and you would use Speedplay Frog pedals. Like JoAnn said, they are VERY easy to use! I recently changed from Crank Bros. Candies on my mtb to Frogs and love them. I had a tough time clipping in on the second foot with the Candies.

For road shoes (non-recessed cleats, harder to walk in), you can choose between Speedplay X series or Zero pedals. I would not recommend the Zeros. I tried them for months before selling them. I had a terrible time clipping into them! They required a huge amount of torque, and I'm really petite, so I could never get it. My DH loves his, though. X series (I ride X-2s on my road bike) are very easy to clip into and out of.

You can definitely use mountain pedals and shoes with a road bike, by the way, but don't try to use road cleats/shoes on a mountain bike....

Good luck!
Emily

[spokewench]

Suzie: I promise you - you will get it! The getting out of pedals trick that is. Yes, you can pedal when you are not clipped in. SPD's are hard for me to pedal in not clipped in because they really are very easy to slip into. you have to be very light on the pedal - don't push down very much and move the cleat forward of the place where your foot will go into the cleat. I agree, try it on a trainer. And, if you have a trainer, get on there and get in and out and in and out. Just keep practicing that when you can't fall over.

Here's the last little tidbit I can give you other than practicing. Learn to jerk your foot out; I remember when I first started using spd's and thought I was a dweeb cause I was having a hard time getting out and realized (it was kind of an AHA) that I just needed to jerk harder when I was in danger of falling over. Kick that heel out and kick it out hard. When you first start using the pedals with cleats you are tentative and you don't use your ability to get out. Just kick out hard! I know this kind of sounds stupid, but once I realized that I really wasn't trying hard enough to get out, I was fine.

[DarcyInOregon]

I think Suzie has road shoes, not mountain bike shoes. I am trying to think of the difference between her and me, because I don't have any problems with clipping, unclipping, or pedaling unclipped, and it is the shoes and the pedals. I wear Pearl Izumi sport shoes, and the cleat is recessed, and there is lots of room on the shoe to pedal without clicking in. I wear this shoe so I can walk in it also, and this is because I am a rural cyclist, and if something happens to me I need to be able to walk however many miles. The pedals I have are Shimano SPD-M520.

Can anyone tell what type of shoe Suzie wears from the photo?

[Batbike]

I think Suzie has road shoes, not mountain bike shoes. I am trying to think of the difference between her and me, because I don't have any problems with clipping, unclipping, or pedaling unclipped, and it is the shoes and the pedals. I wear Pearl Izumi sport shoes, and the cleat is recessed, and there is lots of room on the shoe to pedal without clicking in. I wear this shoe so I can walk in it also, and this is because I am a rural cyclist, and if something happens to me I need to be able to walk however many miles. The pedals I have are Shimano SPD-M520.

Can anyone tell what type of shoe Suzie wears from the photo?

She has SPD pedals, which means her shoes are SPD compatiable and more than likely recessed -- making them mountain bike shoes. However, I have a pair of non-recessed road shoes that has SPD cleats on them that I use for spin classes, so I guess you can put them on either type. BUT, based on how she is standing (complete foot touching ground) it looks like her cleats are recessed, making them mountain bike shoes. Can she walk around in them well -- like normal shoes, not having to "clump" on the cleat?! If yes, moutain bike.

Maybe your tension on cleats is different from hers? If the tension on SPD's is tight, it will be very difficult to unclip, especially when you are not use to it. You can get in, but it is hard to get out. I really feel that loosing the clips and practicing with the loose clips will greatly help Suzie gain confidence in her pedal system!

As for Speedplays (asked by someone else on forum), I have always used the road version -- X series. I will carry cleat covers in my pockets if I plan on getting off bike and walking around. Many people do use the mountain bike pedals, Frogs, so that they can walk around without having to carry anything extra. I know people who do long tours on their road bikes and use Frog pedals -- love them because they are easy to clip in/out, even with a full load, and easy on the knees!

[Fredwina]

another idea that could be causing Suzie's probelms - Make sure the bolts on the shoes are tight. if one is loose, the cleat will rotate around the tight one rather than unclip:)

[PinkBike]

GREAT Picture! Seeing both of you makes me really anxious for my first ride of 2007, which will be Tour Dallas in April.

Suzie...Reading about your falls kinda makes me a little nervous. I'm in the process of getting my new bike and going clipless too. My DH has finally convinced me to give it a try. :eek: He is wanting to get the SPD's for my bike but after reading this post, now I'm wondering if Speedplay might not be the better choice for a first timer. If it is, which would y'all recommend? I notice on thier website their are different ones to choose from.

if this is for a road bike, i suggest the speedplay light action. they're cheap, two-sided, have lots of float, come in several colors and are way easy to get in and out of.

i have speedplay zero titanium which are very expensive, but went to the light action when i saw them in PINK!!

HOWEVER: make SURE you get the covers or you will not be able to walk. when i get more $$ i'll prob'ly gp back to the zero which i see now comes in pink also.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Suzie, be sure to read this thread having to do with clipping in from a stop:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=13427

[mimitabby]

Ah, the frogs. Frogs were counter-indicated to me because I toe out so much Erik Moen (the bike guy PT) said they would be very hard for me to get in and out of because of the way you have to twist your foot to get into them.

All of you that are giving Suzie advice, remember you're giving it to me and a lot of other people too. :eek: :eek: As for me, I already have the things adjusted as loose as possible. The problem is that the instinct to stop doesn't include getting out of the Spd's yet, and when you start stopping with your hands and then start tugging your feet out of pedals, suddenly you are tremendously off balance! and then all the stuff you already know about riding and balance goes out the window because you're in a state of PANIC!

[ace]

Two things for you, Mimi (and remember, I'm only slightly ahead of you on the curve, having ridden clipless with spds for only a couple months now):

1. Do you really have your pedals adjusted as loose as you need them? You say you "tug" them out, and I never feel like I'm exerting much effort unclipping- I just turn my foot and I'm out. If you can make 'em looser, try it. I never unclip unintentionally, and mine are set about as loose as they can go.

2. My learning curve was flat (and painful- fell three times because I tilted over to my clipped in side from a stopped position), then a big peak. In other words, I had to always think about the fact that I was clipped in for about the first 2 months, then all of a sudden, it became instinctive. I think your body just gets it at some point. Unless, of course, the pedals you have just aren't comfortable because of your particular body type.

It will get instinctive to unclip, I promise.

[mimitabby]

Two things for you, Mimi (and remember, I'm only slightly ahead of you on the curve, having ridden clipless with spds for only a couple months now):

1. Do you really have your pedals adjusted as loose as you need them? You say you "tug" them out, and I never feel like I'm exerting much effort unclipping- I just turn my foot and I'm out. If you can make 'em looser, try it. I never unclip unintentionally, and mine are set about as loose as they can go.

2. My learning curve was flat (and painful- fell three times because I tilted over to my clipped in side from a stopped position), then a big peak. In other words, I had to always think about the fact that I was clipped in for about the first 2 months, then all of a sudden, it became instinctive. I think your body just gets it at some point. Unless, of course, the pedals you have just aren't comfortable because of your particular body type.

It will get instinctive to unclip, I promise.
Thanks Ace. DH said they are as loose as they go. Since I toe out, it is hard for me to turn my toe in to unclip particularly on my weaker, more turned out right side.

I will hold you to that promise. I hope to do some riding in the tandem
clipping in and out a lot. That should help because DH is holding the bike up, not me.

[ace]

I do promise you that you will clip in and out instinctively.

Now you promise me that I will be able to learn how to use integrated shifting when I get my road bike without having a really bad accident.....;)

[mimitabby]

Integrated shifting? I'm not sure what that is. It has taken me about a year and I am just now getting more comfortable with having 3 chain rings in front and 9 (or 10?) gears in the back.
There are some I never use (they don't tell you that in the LBS)
the higher gears on the smallest front chain ring
the lowest gears on the big chain ring.
In the middle chain ring you can go anywhere in the gears.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

There are some I never use (they don't tell you that in the LBS)
the higher gears on the smallest front chain ring
the lowest gears on the big chain ring.
In the middle chain ring you can go anywhere in the gears.

Mimi,
It helps to think of it this way instead:
It's not that there are GEARS that you don't use. It's that there are gear COMBINATIONS that you don't use, because those combinations will make your chain too crooked between your front and rear gears (cross-chaining) and that bad chain angle will cause your chain to scrape against the derailleurs and/or jump off and other bad stuff.

[mimitabby]

Mimi,
It helps to think of it this way instead:
It's not that there are GEARS that you don't use. It's that there are gear COMBINATIONS that you don't use, because those combinations will make your chain too crooked between your front and rear gears (cross-chaining) and that bad chain angle will cause your chain to scrape against the derailleurs and/or jump off and other bad stuff.

yes, that sounds nicer.

[suzieqtwa]

Gears are the only thing I really picked up on quick. After about 3 times on the bike I was fine. I usually stay in the middle gear. Like what Lisa said ,you don't want your chain to fall off ,so it stay in the middle gear till you are comfortable. I can shift going up hills with no problem.
Mimi...you put it in exact words about the stopping with your hands ,and trying to kick your feet out ...the balance (or lack of) and PANIC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't think straight. I'm taking off about 4 days ,so my body can heal. Ill be back on the bike for some long rides this weekend. I'm done with falling ,and humiliating myself.:o
Someone mentioned about kicking out real hard. Well I did almost fall at a busy intersection on Saturday ,and right before I thought I was going to fall ,I kicked out real hard ,and didn't fall. Oh, I un clip on the right ,so its always away from traffic.

[mimitabby]

Someone mentioned about kicking out real hard. Well I did almost fall at a busy intersection on Saturday ,and right before I thought I was going to fall ,I kicked out real hard ,and didn't fall. Oh, I un clip on the right ,so its always away from traffic.

Do you mean so you always fall away from traffic by unclipping the right foot first?

[suzieqtwa]

yes, in less Im in a left hand turning lane. I did fall into the traffic lane when I wiped out on the railroad tracks ,but I guess there werent any cars coming (I dont remember). More than not ,I will fall to the right (away from traffic). Hopefully Im done with falling.

[DrBadger]

One more person piping in with a suggestion or two. I have been following the going clipless threads, and remember well what you are all going through. I went clipless just over a year ago.

Mimi and Suzie- you both talk about feeling off balance, or loosing balance when you "kick" your foot out while coming to a stop. I wonder if the balance problem is from the "kicking" motion. You shouldn't have to jerk or kick you heals to disengage the cleat from the clip (unless it is an emergency stop, and even then it will really just be a reflex). What I made sure to do, based on the suggestions from the board, was well before I got to the intersection I would just pivit my right foot out to disengage the clip. There was no kicking or real fast motion, but a nice smooth turning out of the heal as I was coasting and braking to a stop. Now when I got slow enough to stop my foot was already out and I was able to put my foot down without thinking about it.

Suzie- that you said you fall away from traffic when you are unclipping your fright oot makes me think that it is the jearking motion from kicking out your heal causing you to fall. Normally people fall towards the side that is still clipped in because they lean the bike that direction accedently and there is no foot to catch you (I did it 2 times, and had one amazing save). The way I no longer do this is as I am coming to a stop and putting my right foot down I turn my handle bars and wheel to the left (like I was going to make a slight left turn). This causes the bike to want to tip towards my unclipped foot. Some people do it the other way... a good way to figure out which way you want to turn your handle bars is to stand astride your bike, turn the handle bars a bit in each direction, let go, and see which way the bike wants to fall. Remember which way made the bike fall towards the side you unclip on generally and turn the handle bars that way as you stop.

I know this seems like a lot to think about all at once when you are learning, but trust me, before too long it will be second nature and you will wonder what you ever did without clipless pedals!

Good Luck!

[bianchigirl]

Don't give up!!!! It will come...I have had many embarrassing falls. Soon, you will not even have to think about it.
If hills are your worst fear practice going up half way and stopping, over and over.
I swear, it will become easier...

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!