Speed story

[Catrin]

I had something happen Saturday that was kind of fun! Saturday I put 12 miles on my bike while working with the clipless pedals, and I was at a local park with lots of wonderful drives on which to ride my bike. Of course there were plenty of other cyclists, cars and pedestrians. As I was working with the pedals, I stayed on a circle drive on which few cars generally come, and there is a small hill. I would have made more laps, but 12 miles around a smallish circle is enough :)

So I am "zipping" (for me) around the circle drive going between 13-14 mph. I know that isn't very fast, but for me it was great :) Looking ahead I saw an older couple crossing the drive with 3 itsy bitsy dogs on leashes. So I slowed down, got way over in the other lane to give them plenty of room and one of their dogs started barking at me and lunging on the leash. At this point I was not going fast at all, yet the man started shouting at me that I was going much too fast or the dog wouldn't be barking.

No way was I going too fast, but it was still kind of fun that someone thought that :D I acknowledged the man and just continued climbing the small hill. I saw them several other times, but our paths didn't cross. At least I won't have to limit myself to the circle when I return, now that the platform pedals are back (I have mixed feelings about that, but it seems best for now).

[ny biker]

Slow down, you young whipper-snapper! :D

[Catrin]

Slow down, you young whipper-snapper! :D

Hehehe, I was just tickled pink that I was going 14mph and was NOT going downhill :D

[annielynn]

Silly old man. ;) That puppy sounds like he barks at everything. You are cruising right along at 14mph. I remember the first time I came back from a ride and I avg more than 13, I was thrilled. Keep it up! Watch out for yappie puppies and grumpy old men.

[Catrin]

Silly old man. ;) That puppy sounds like he barks at everything. You are cruising right along at 14mph. I remember the first time I came back from a ride and I avg more than 13, I was thrilled. Keep it up! Watch out for yappie puppies and grumpy old men.

I didn't look to see how fast I was going when I passed them, but it certainly wasn't 14 mph at that particular minute, I thought the whole thing was funny but of course I didn't laugh when he could see it. No reason upsetting him more than he already was.

I was at a LBS this afternoon test riding a bike and the owner who was working with me said that I ride fast for a beginner. He may tell all beginners that to make us feel good, but it was nice to hear. Starting is still a little shaky, but I don't fall over :) Riding more will take care of that :D At some point I need to work on emergency stopping though.