Newbie weekly achievement thread

[rubysoho]

not a total newb but took some time off after a big scare on the road. Today was my first day back in heavier traffic! Was out for only 30 minutes but I survived! :D

[VeganBikeChick]

WTG, Ruby!!

[hebe]

hurrah, Ruby! How do you feel now?

I rode into town to go the opticians and run some errands today. It was a beautiful morning, and the panniers are brilliant for bringing stuff back. The bike stands I saw were all 70%-100% full, which I guess is due to our fuel still going up.

[rubysoho]

hurrah, Ruby! How do you feel now?

Feels good to be back!

[NickiSue]

I did 31 miles last Sunday. 1/2 of the Salem, Oregon Monster Cookie Ride. Never thought i could do it, and at the end of the day i felt good. Ok my butt was sore (looking for riding shorts now). We had beautiful weather and peanut butter and jelly never tasted so good at the 15 mile rest stop. We had a few practice rides before this one, the longest being 13 miles. Can't wait for the next ride!

[Velocivixen]

Hi NickiSue! Nice to "see" another Willamette Valley lady here. I'm doing PetalPedal next month. How about you?

So my accomplishment are a few:
-rode 25 miles on Sunday on Sauvie Island.
-rode 21.95 yesterday around town
-rode down some hills without my breaks on
-actually put it into a harder gear and pedaled down some gentle hills
My friend, who has cycled a lot with a club, suggested I pedal in a harder gear while going down hill so I would feel more control on the bike. Normally I coast down with brakes on while holding on for dear life! lol.

[NickiSue]

Greetings Velocivixen, Sounds like you have been getting some good rides in. I will not be in the pdx ride... i live in the west mid-valley. Our next big ride will be back roads of Independance/Buena Vista and Ankeny wildlife refuge. We also want to try the rail trail from Banks to Vernonia, or at least a section. I am just starting to do research on bike events for our region. There is a ride that looks interesting on the Umpqua. 20,46 or 66 miles! http://purplefootgang.com/ride-routes/ You are lucky to have a friend guide you in the do's and don't. there was one hill on the monster cookie ride where the down hill scared me to death! lol.

Keep riding and enjoy.

[Velocivixen]

@NickiSue, PetalPedal is actually in Silverton, OR and supports the Oregon Gardens there.

The Banks-Vernonia trail is alright, but I thought it boring. Oh well, that's just me. Have fun exploring and riding.

[Roseisarose]

Hi I'm Rose, and I'm new. A new cyclist (well, I used to cycle when I was a teenager) with a newish bike (a 2009 Jamis Coda Femme in Celery, named Celray) that I bought last October but didn't get on until this last two weeks.

My big achievements this week are

1) I managed to get my bike both ON and OFF a city bus bike rack
2) I managed to hang my bike on and off a HOOK at work (we have a bike room)
3) I commuted back and forth 2 x this week for a total of 31 miles.

I'm hoping to commute every day. I love my pretty bike. However, I'm 47 and 40 pounds overweight, so 14 mile rt bike ride isn't going to be possible every day to start I don't think. I'm still getting used to traffic and biking over bridges.

Anyway, it is good to meet you all. I've already learned a lot just lurking.

I'm also a Willamette Valleyer

Rose (isarose)

[MojoGrrl]

I didn't get around to posting - this week (well, Sunday) I rode 33 miles and I beat my previous time on a segment of the local bike club's race ride (22:32 for 5.8 miles). My bike is in the shop for a tune up so I haven't been able to ride it since :( although my other half and I took the tandem out this week, which was nice.

I'm also cross-training and I had a kick-*** run last night, so that should translate into more and better cycling when I do get my bike back :)

[RadicalEdward]

Hey :)
another newbie to cycling - Bought myself a second-hand Felt ZW25 3 weeks ago and have been riding it for my daily commute (45-50 minutes each way)

You guys are all so inspiring!
Looking forward to challenging myself more as time goes on

Similar to alot of people I grabbed the bike due to being overweight, I've been exercising regularly since November
But I've been doing it solo, which has made it hard to stay motivated -so adding the bike to my regime has added 'purpose' to my workout (get to work on time -haha)

So far its been amazing :D
Bought my first real pair of riding pants today

Looking forward to getting to know some of you ladies*

*pick your brains/have a laugh/share the pain

[Bike Writer]

Welcome Edward and congratulations on starting a fitness program and cycling. Good group over here, I am certain you will recieve a warm welcome and loads of information about biking.

[Velocivixen]

@Roseisarose-good job! I have taken my bike on the MAX a few times and one on the WES train in Beaverton. Have NOT done it on a bus though, so you are brave in my book. I looked at the Jamis Quest yesterday. Do you like your Jamis?

So my accomplishment was that I did a test ride (inside the store) of two different road bikes! I haven't ridden drop handlebars with skinny tires in about 25 years! I was wobbly because there were customers in the store and merchandise! He offered to have me go outside, but I was unstable and it was in close in SE Portland (think cars), so I just said, "Thanks".

[Roseisarose]

I looked at the Jamis Quest yesterday. Do you like your Jamis?



Hi! I LOVE MY JAMIS. It is fast AND quiet.

SE Portland is a trip to ride in--I ride from south of Woodstock through the Clinton area up through Ladd's Addition to get to work! Many many cars and other cyclists.

Rose

[Savra]

This is more a newbie weekly achievement for my mother. My mom has rheumatoid arthritis and doesn't do much exercising. I got her a bike a few years ago to see if she could ride a little. Well, I FINALLY got her out for mother's day and convinced her she could ride at least 4 miles. I drove to within 2 miles of Niagara on the Lake and stopped at one of the lots along the way. She was rather skeptical she could do it but once she got on the bike and we rolled along the bike path she was so excited it was so easy!! We biked the 2 miles into Niagara on the Lake, walked around, had lunch and then biked back. So, not 4 miles straight but 4 miles at all in one day for my mom was a great achievement. :)

[hebe]

Savra, that's wonderful! Well done to your mum :D

[Roseisarose]

Sarah that is terrific....I have some inflammatory immune problems and I find getting on the bike helps so much. Congrats to you and your mom

[Roadtrip]

Not entirely bike related...

Went to the gym with a friend who recently joined a local facility and invited me as his guest free of charge to check out the place.

Did a good cardio workout on the spin bike (6 miles in 15 minutes to get warmed up) and then hit the weights for about an hour, which kicked my butt, my arms are so sore today!!

Shannon

[Glory]

I did my first 10 mile ride today =) Longest ride so far. I'll admit it took me forever lol I rode across some bridges that normally scare me into walking them. And I rode down the scary hill lol, I've been walking up it and then walking down it. Its pretty short but pretty steep as well. Not feeling like such a big chicken on this bike anymore :D

[Velocivixen]

@Rose, your ride sounds nice. Did you know that River City Bicycles has "beginner, recreational" group rides at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday? This one coming up is #3 and I haven't made it to one yet. I think I'm a chicken.

If you ever want to meet there and go on one I'd meet you. Just private message me. ;)

So my "accomplishment" is that I watched/learned/helped my DH change his rear derailleur cable a few days ago (I posted it's own thread on this). I didn't realize it would be so easy!

[628BJ]

Yay, me! I rode my new bike from my new job to home (ok, the airport but that is my second home). About 16 miles--if I ever buy a bike computer I'll find out for sure. I used to ride half that distance ten years ago and loved it. With the new fancy, schmancy bike I should be good for the full distance soon.

It was grand, it was lovely and I'll be curious to see if I can sit down without complaining tomorrow!

Have a great weekend everyone!

[skywalkerbeth]

I am back from vacation and the official training has started. I am aiming for the Seagull Century, which is 5 months away. I did a few rides, about 10 miles each, before I left on vacation.

Sunday last week - 12 miles including some actual hills.
Wednesday - 14 miles, some inclines for miles but no real hills.
Saturday: 15 miles - some inclines for miles but no hills. You can feel the grade though.
Sunday (today) 15 miles - ditto, same ride.

So whaddya think - can I get ready in 5 months, when you consider I am starting at almost but not quite zero now?

I feel really good - more energized - and that's only with a little bit of riding!

[Tri Girl]

So whaddya think - can I get ready in 5 months, when you consider I am starting at almost but not quite zero now?



Most definitely!!! Do you have a training plan that you're following? If not- this is a pretty decent one that you can adjust to your specific needs.

http://www.maccfund.org/docs/trek100/riders/train.pdf

It starts at a long ride of 30 miles during the first week, but you can work up to that in a few weeks by making your long ride a little longer each week. Maybe do a 20 next weekend, a 25 the next weekend and a 30 the following. Upping by 5 miles a week on the long ride is doable. Most century training plans have the longest ride before the event to be 65 miles. I never feel comfortable with that. I usually do a 70 or 80 mile ride at least once before a century because, IMO, there is a big difference of how you feel at 65 miles and how you feel at 80. That might be just me, tho.

With it being 5 months out, you have PLENTY of time to work up to a 75 mile ride and do it slowly and progressively.

Good luck!!

[hedgeapple]

I went on my first real road ride yesterday -- 25 miles through country backroads near my house. I've done a few 15+ mile rides through town on the last few weekends, but they included stops at stores, etc. This ride was non-stop except for breaks to check the map. :) No issues except that my shoulder was killing me by the end! But I think that's a yoga injury, not a bike issue.

I'm on a 2011 Trek 7.3 FX, set up for commuting. Maybe if I keep up the weekend road rides, I'll be able to justify a real road bike soon ...

[chryss]

Last Thursday: 25 miles: 6 miles or so running errants over lunch, and then 19 miles with the slower of two women's riding groups of the local bike club. Flat to the airport and then around the airport practicing pace lines and drafting in a lot of wind (for Fairbanks).

Today: 23 miles, that is 21 on the hilly side of the road (Runkeeper says 1050 ft elevation gain, which is hilly for me!) plus 2 getting to the road and back slowly on gravel roads.

Newbie distances, but my thighs are feeling like jelly tonight.

[skywalkerbeth]

Most definitely!!! Do you have a training plan that you're following? If not- this is a pretty decent one that you can adjust to your specific needs.

http://www.maccfund.org/docs/trek100/riders/train.pdf

It starts at a long ride of 30 miles during the first week, but you can work up to that in a few weeks by making your long ride a little longer each week. Maybe do a 20 next weekend, a 25 the next weekend and a 30 the following. Upping by 5 miles a week on the long ride is doable. Most century training plans have the longest ride before the event to be 65 miles. I never feel comfortable with that. I usually do a 70 or 80 mile ride at least once before a century because, IMO, there is a big difference of how you feel at 65 miles and how you feel at 80. That might be just me, tho.

With it being 5 months out, you have PLENTY of time to work up to a 75 mile ride and do it slowly and progressively.

Good luck!!

Thanks Tri Girl! I think I already lost almost an inch in my butt, not kidding.

My legs (muscles) feel just fine. I do have some aches, though. My right ankle, inside, hurts a little (my riding companion on Wednesday told me I toe in on my right side, big time, for some reason). I don't have shoes with clipless pedals yet, just those "stirrups" you stick your sneaker into...

and my upper back between the shoulder blades, and a little in the lower back.

hmmmmm

[rubysoho]

Twelve miles today. The hills that were hard two weeks ago weren't nearly hard today. Yay! Hoping to bike to work this week now since it is just a twelve mile commute and I feel like I still have energy and could make the ride back home, though maybe a bit slower. ;)

[MojoGrrl]

38+ miles on the tandem this weekend, half of it into the wind. Was planning to do a long solo ride yesterday as well, but we had rain and freak hailstorms scattered throughout the day, and I did not want to get stuck in that. Looks like I won't be doing a ride tomorrow for the same reason. :(

Also had another awesome run yesterday - running and riding get easier and easier the more I do of each! :)

[muddysmudge]

I love being on my bike, it's the best therapy in the world :)

Just over a year a go, I had major surgery. After 8 weeks of complete rest (sunning myself in the garden!) I decided enough was enough and dragged the bike out of the garage and gave it a wash.

That afternoon I cycled to my local park and had to have a rest on a bench when I got there. (I was enjoying the view!!) But boy, I was so pleased I'd cycled all that way and not stopped, a whole 1.5 miles.

Bit by bit, day by day, I cycled just a little bit further. A week later, I cycled all around the park once I got there, twice! A mile round, each time. A week after that, I cycled there, twice round, and then home again. A large glass of wine was my personal present that evening! And my thighs hurt like hell....but I didn't care, I was grinning from ear to ear!

A year on and I do a 26 mile round trip commute four days a week into London and back home on my (new) road bike. I go mountain biking at the weekends with 'the boys' on my full-sus mtb, and road biking with the girls as well. I go cycling with my kids, I go cycling with close friends. And I even (occasionally) like hills! With a good friend I've entered a 100 mile sportive in Brighton in September, the challenge is on!!

And yeah, sometimes my thighs still hurt like hell, but I just love it :)

The great thing about cycling is it really doesn't matter how far you go, it's always great fun. But if you keep at it, your fitness will improve very quickly, much more so I think than other sports.

As we sometimes say over here, "slowly, slowly, catchey monkey". In other words, bit by bit, keep the patience and you will win the game :)

Oh, and by the way, I'm the wrong side of 40, so if I can do it, anyone can ;)

[hebe]

That's brilliant, Muddysmudge!

I took my Spesh out today for a little off-road riding whilst Small Girl was in nursery. It's been a while as I've been running errands on the other bike this year rather than riding for the fun of it. I had a great time, did 7.5miles which I'm quite pleased with as my normal off-road circuit is 5miles. My target is to get up to 10 off-road miles, which I think should be do-able especially as I explore more byways and bridleways.

[Roadtrip]

Looking at my ride log, managed only a paltry 20 miles outdoors the last month and a half, no wonder my legs and back are cranky.

March was cold and icy (I also had a nasty cold that lingered into April.) April here was soooooo wet the few nice days were also days i too busy at work and get home late. I've also been futzing with my fit and having some troubles dialing it in... So the last few rides were cut short due to pain and comfort making it difficult to log more then 6-8 mile as a time.

Here's hoping the rain stays away this weekend like they say it should!

Shannon

[Kerry1976]

I have commuted to work every day this week.

Yes, I know it is Bike to Work Week, but my reason for starting now is our university commencements were last weekend and the students have gone home so the town is super quiet.

Tomorrow I plan to drive. It is supposed to storm, and I need to run errands to get groceries and other items.

But I commuted 4/5 days!

[muddysmudge]

That's brilliant, Muddysmudge!

I took my Spesh out today for a little off-road riding whilst Small Girl was in nursery. It's been a while as I've been running errands on the other bike this year rather than riding for the fun of it. I had a great time, did 7.5miles which I'm quite pleased with as my normal off-road circuit is 5miles. My target is to get up to 10 off-road miles, which I think should be do-able especially as I explore more byways and bridleways.

Well done you! It's great fun exploring bridleways, and 7.5 miles off-road is as good as 10 miles on-road. You see so much more on a bike than you would by car!

I went for a little pedal along the Thames today with a mate of mine. We started at the Thames barrier and followed the Thames Cycle Path past the Millennium Dome and all the way into Greenwich, had a posh coffee and slice of cake overlooking the river and then pedalled back again, just in time for the afternoon school run....

Happy days...:)

[Ruby]

First week commuting to and from work. I rode all five days and it was fantastic!
Also did my first 70km road ride today on local country roads- legs are so sore, but it was the best day. Bring on my first 100km ride!

[MojoGrrl]

I just did 46.5 miles in 3'11" with an average speed of 14.6 mph, climbed a big hill (at least, for someone with hardly any climbing experience) with an elevation of 268 feet and was able to keep moving the WHOLE WAY UP - did not drop below 6.5 mph - and I am exhausted but satisfied that I will do fine on my 100k (flat) next weekend :D

[MojoGrrl]

Also did my first 70km road ride today on local country roads- legs are so sore, but it was the best day. Bring on my first 100km ride!

Hey, me too :) Kudos to both of us!!

[rubysoho]

Not a huge achievement to some but I rode 8 miles yesterday with barely a stop. Even the traffic lights that give me some slight relief (lol) were all green so I had to keep pushing on! I almost didn't go out yesterday but now I am so glad that I did.

I also had my first motorist give me the bird bc I was in the left lane (approaching a left turn I needed to make). I crossed early bc there were no cars but I am thinking I need to figure out a different route to make that necessary left a right. Or...just tell the motorist to buzz off. I dunno. :rolleyes:

[ClockworkOrange]

Not a huge achievement to some but I rode 8 miles yesterday with barely a stop. Even the traffic lights that give me some slight relief (lol) were all green so I had to keep pushing on! I almost didn't go out yesterday but now I am so glad that I did.

I also had my first motorist give me the bird bc I was in the left lane (approaching a left turn I needed to make). I crossed early bc there were no cars but I am thinking I need to figure out a different route to make that necessary left a right. Or...just tell the motorist to buzz off. I dunno. :rolleyes:

Yes, it is a huge achievement and what a great feeling it must have been, most of us have been there, in fact once again that's just what I am doing, so I really understand.

Hahaha, hope you gave him the bird back. :eek:

[Orange utopia]

I did a very hilly 13 Miles yesterday. The group started off planning 16-22 but some of us ended up taking a wrong turn and made it back to the cars quicker. I did it on my hybrid and was longing for my light and quick road bike. Of course, had I taken my road bike I would Have been wishing for my my more upright hybrid on 40+mph descent and when the big trucks were speeding by. I do feel more in control on my hybrid even though it is a heavy beast.

[rubysoho]

Yes, it is a huge achievement and what a great feeling it must have been, most of us have been there, in fact once again that's just what I am doing, so I really understand.

Hahaha, hope you gave him the bird back. :eek:

OMG, it was so out of character for me but I did! With a huge, endorphine-rush smile on my face. It was the last 1/8 mile of my ride and I was pedaling HARD and... well... I didn't feel like taking crap! :eek:

[ClockworkOrange]

OMG, it was so out of character for me but I did! With a huge, endorphine-rush smile on my face. It was the last 1/8 mile of my ride and I was pedaling HARD and... well... I didn't feel like taking crap! :eek:

Love it, you made me laugh so much, I didn't expect your reply back.

Sometimes these things have to be done, even if it's out of character.

Good luck on your next longer rides and hopefully no 'bird' signs from any car drivers. :D

Ride safe.

[tomaskova]

I share the same goal as in keeping my bike upright - I also have clipless pedals waiting for me too, and shiny new shoes...maybe later this summer ;) Good luck to you!

[bikegrrl]

I hear you. I learned to really ride last spring. Had a bad crash and got great suggestions here on recovery stuff in last fall. Finally did my first 4 miles of the summer. I know its not much but I was so happy to be back riding! I am starting wobbly right now, esp as I am on a new bike for me -- a Trek 7.3FX. Used to be hubby's -but we got a better fitting and realized we both were riding bikes too small. I have his now -- and he's got a new one. My new goal is to get my starts off smooth again.

[VeganBikeChick]

Getting up the hills to work is easier! Made it to work today in 23 minutes, as compared with 28 last week. I only had to walk my bike up one hill, instead of the 3 I usually do. It really has given me renewed motivation that I can do it.

[jamijo]

I mentioned it in the Memorial Day Weekend Rides thread on the open board, but I had my longest and fastest trip so far today! Did 10 miles on a rail-trail, averaging about 10 mph (normally I'm around 8). I probably could have made it faster if I had gone the opposite direction, I did a real good job of riding down the gentle grade with a tail wind in the first 20 minutes, and then taking 40 minutes to haul back to the start point. But it was still a blast!

[Velocivixen]

@Veganbikechick, great job on the hills. I hope commuting to work is going well with you. It's nice to hear about success stories.

I am doing gardening things today and have a surprise bike adventure planned for myself & DH tomorrow. He's so great in that he is willing to just "go along" with whatever ideas I have. Honestly, if it weren't for his willingness to go with me I doubt I'd be doing as many bikey things as I am. Most of the bike "groups" around seem to have "beginner" rides which are either faster or longer distances than I'm used to riding, so I just ride alone.

Hope everyone has a safe and fun filled holiday weekend.

[rubysoho]

Went riding with a guy friend today for 23 miles. Nearly twice as long as my longest ride. :) it was awesome! Had some great sprints and conquered a few tough hills. Might meet up again tomorrow for another 20 mile ride, though a little more flat and I am going to keep sprints to a minimum (currently icing a knee that I tweaked during one of the last sprints). It went a lot faster than i expected, having someone to compete against was a lot of fun too! :D

[MojoGrrl]

X-posted in Memorial Day ride thread -

I did my first (metric) century on Saturday in Indian Valley (Northeastern CA, the Sierras). Longest single ride I've been on and the altitude was WAY above what I'm used to, which made it really hard - it was close to 4000 feet and I live about 200 feet above sea level. There were lots of small hills, but I am totally new to hill climbing, so that was a challenge too. And on the way back, for the last, oh, 20 miles, it was 40 degrees and raining - eventually sleeting/hailing, VERY painful - and I have never ridden in the rain. And did I mention I was wearing shorts and fingerless gloves? Thankfully I had 5 layers on top and a waterproof windbreaker. I was shivering when I got back but okay - my boyfriend, who did the full century and got up to the elevation where it started snowing, did not have any wet weather gear on and came back soaked and almost hypothermic :(

I was pretty proud of myself for completing the ride and making it through those conditions - hell of a first ride! - but I felt pretty awesome. Not bad for just starting riding (3 months this weekend!!)

[Velocivixen]

@MojoGrll, what an accomplishment! Congratulations on a job well done.

I rode my bike a total of 27.55 miles today, including a partial trip by light rail. I posted about it on my thread about riding outside of my comfort zone. Had great fun. It was only about 59 degrees, very cloudy, breezy, but not one drop of rain!

[rubysoho]

Did another 20 miles today and my thighs are definitely feeling it. Quite proud of myself for doing 43 miles in two days. A friend is doing 120 today :eek: but somehow I am still pleased with my own rides. Bike still needs tweaking because my shoulders are hurting quite a bit by mile 10 ( today and and yesterday). But yay for adding mileage!!!

[tbl35]

I did a 7 mile loop on one of the trails here on Tuesday. Really impossible to not stop when it's 90+ degrees & you're on asphalt. Thought the wind in my face the last 3 miles would kill me though! :D

Finally got my bike computer last night so I can monitor how far/fast I'm going.

[linzq]

Ok, I had a rather embarrassing day yesterday...

I bought my first roadbike in February, and yesterday was the first day I got to ride it outside with my partner (experienced road cyclist & racer).

So we get kitted up, and I'm SO excited, and we get downstairs and outside, and I just can't do it. I have no idea what happened, but I freaked out and started crying. I've never done that before, and I'm just not normally that kind of person. Rock climbing? No problem. New adventures? Bring it on. So it was a really new and odd experience for me.

We went back inside, and end result was we put me on the trainer for 40 minutes and did some drills. I got used to my new position, how to shift gears, and even tried the brakes a couple of times.

I think I just had too many new-to-me things going on:


starting/stopping when my feet don't touch the ground
brakes that don't give the same 'feedback' as MTB brakes, so I feel like they don't really work
new (more aggressive) position
new bike
clipless pedals (I had them for 3 rides on my MTB last summer)
traffic!


So now, I'm feeling good that I'll be able to get outside on my bike this week, but I don't want a repeat of yesterday. My partner already feels that he pressured me into buying a bike that's too much for me. Ack! He's been nothing but supportive, and it was totally and completely me that pushed to get me a road bike!

Any suggestions? Hugs? Words of advice or stories of how you were just brave and conquered your fears?

Thanks for the help. I know I can do this, and already did another 20 min on the trainer this morning. I just need a little positive reinforcement.

[Lavigne]

@linzq, I wish I could give you a hug. It sounds like you need one. I am a newbie too. I have just shy of 100 miles on my bike and I have learned a few lessons the hard way. I've taken baby steps. My first goal was to learn to start and stop with my clipless pedals. I barely left my driveway and I didn't stop unless my DH was standing right there to catch me which he needed to do quite a few times. Once he pointed out that I should unclip as soon as I can and not wait until I'm almost stopped, it helped a lot.
I had my longest ride yet this weekend. I rode 35 (flat) miles and only fell once. The lesson learned there was don't try to clip in and get started when you are in the big gear.

It sounds like you have a very patient and caring partner like I do. Remember that you don't have to get it all down overnight. I suggest finding a flat area with little to no traffic and practicing until you feel comfortable enough to get on a road. That's what I did. Every rider I've talked to has stories of falling thanks to those stupid pedals. You probably will fall at least a couple of times. You will skin your knee and maybe an elbow. It's not pretty, but it's not too bad. Don't be scared or nervous. Just think "I can do this." When I fell this weekend, the DH said "that's enough...we're going home." I refused to let it get to me and we rode another 20 miles.

I too wonder if I got in over my head with this new bike thing. When I start feeling that way, I just think, "One more ride then I'll decide." It gets better every time.

I know you can do it too.

[Catrin]

Linzq,

First of all, welcome! I think you are doing a great job - and you are certainly adding a lot to your plate all at the same time!

The trainer is a nice idea, that will help you get used to the new way of shifting (says she who has never ridden with non-trigger shifters). Is there a nice quiet parking lot you can go to for practicing with the new bike? All of that new stuff + traffic can be, well, a little nerve-wracking. I know it would be for me :)

Is it an option to put platform pedals on your new road bike until you are more comfortable with it? This would give you one less "new thing" to focus on. The important thing is that you feel safe, and especially where clipless pedals are concerned there is quite a difference on how it feels on the trainer than it does on the road. At least that is my experience...

Congratulations on the new bike - and before you know it you will be having fun on it and forget this part of the process :)

[jelee1311]

!!Linzq --- hugs to you! Breathe and know it does get better :D maybe even fun soon. I agree with Catrin ditch the clipless pedals if they are making you anxious. I fought using them for awhile and then realized going up big hills is easier with them. Everyone I know has turtled and crashed in them for me its been part of the learning curve. I laugh about it now. Give yourself a break and remember riding a bike is fun,or at least it should be.

[rubysoho]

aww, linzq! Don't be discouraged or think of yourself as silly. Try finding a quiet parking lot or paved trail (ie, away from traffic) to get started. Nice and easy. No need to go all out on a first ride. ((hugs to you!))

And it is okay to wear normal shoes. ;) I switch back and forth depending on what I am feeling. For new challenges I've been going with the stock pedals because I feel more comfortable with the freedom right now.




I pulled a newb moment on my first 50 mile ride this weekend. Was chatting with my cycling buddy, looked over and didn't hold my line. :eek: Ended up riding INTO him (thank god he is waaaay more experienced, has been in races and bumped shoulders, so he held steady) and I freaked, over corrected and wasn't recovering control (had I stayed still I would have been fine!). Ended up bailing off the back of my bike, landing on my feet and catching Ruby by the seat in one movement - no way did I want my bike falling! :o It was quite the experience. My friend and I had a good laugh but I really need to work on multitasking and being able to hold my line. Lol.

I did master grabbing the water bottle from the cage AND drinking AND putting it back - all without wobbling all over the place - on that ride. :D

[Bethany1]

Ditch the clipless for now. I like mine, but if it's too much, you can add them back on later. My new Sirrus hybrid just has regular pedals since it goes so much faster than my Hardrock MTB and I'm not used to going really fast yet. I panicked on the way home and probably wore out the brakes today. LOL.

If you need to (I did) lower your seat so your feet can touch the ground and ride around for feeling safer. As you get better, raise your seat back up to where you should be. It will make sense why the seat is high after you get used to it. Falling off my bike is the most terrifying part of biking for me and I've done it once with the clipless. Knowing I could put my feet down on the ground helped my confidence.

Go someplace quiet with less traffic or just practice going around the block. I thought I'd get run over when I started, but most cars just go by without any issues..even the semi trucks. I do ride on the sidewalk in my small town because it isn't safe using the road until you get further up a few more blocks. I'm not brave enough to make a left turn and use the crosswalks. I don't live in a huge city so managing full-time traffic would be hard.

My Sirrus has funky brakes as well. My MTB will almost dump you over when using them and my Sirrus seems to take forever. I've thought about adding disc brakes to my Sirrus but not worried about it right now. I've only had it since Saturday and figure I'll get used to the brakes.

The important part is to have fun. You can do this!

[tbl35]

I did master grabbing the water bottle from the cage AND drinking AND putting it back - all without wobbling all over the place - on that ride. :D
I haven't mastered that one yet, though I keep trying! :)

As a newbie, I have no words of wisdom for you linzq but remember to have fun out there. You are braver than many, trying all those new things PLUS traffic! I like the parking lot suggestion until you are more comfortable.
---
I did 10 miles on Sunday, my longest yet. Next time though, I'll remember the sunblock. :( Temp on my bike computer read 105.5 (asphalt trail)!

May I add, bikers are so nice. Had to stop a few times outside of rest areas and every time I did, everyone passing asked if I just resting or needed help. I really liked that. :)

[rubysoho]

I did 10 miles on Sunday, my longest yet. Next time though, I'll remember the sunblock. :( Temp on my bike computer read 105.5 (asphalt trail)!

May I add, bikers are so nice. Had to stop a few times outside of rest areas and every time I did, everyone passing asked if I just resting or needed help. I really liked that. :)

Definitely take it easy in that heat!





Rode 20.4 miles in 1h and 22m today. The first 10 miles I tried to go easy but then pushed pretty hard the last 10. I am excited to have a new 'puter on my bike so I can start tracking this type of data and hopefully see improvements! Next goal: Thirty on Thursday. Why? Because that is all I need to break 100 miles this week!

[Silverado]

I finally got my bike out and decided to start riding again and I found this forum. So many helpful tips and friendly advice that I decided to join you all. There is no question I have a lot to learn!

I have done two 5 mile rides this week. Hills, hills & hills. Hopefully, soon I won't have to stop and walk up some of them.

[tbl35]

Rode 20.4 miles in 1h and 22m today. The first 10 miles I tried to go easy but then pushed pretty hard the last 10. I am excited to have a new 'puter on my bike so I can start tracking this type of data and hopefully see improvements! Next goal: Thirty on Thursday. Why? Because that is all I need to break 100 miles this week!Nice! I also love the computer, makes it so much easier to see what I'm doing and to give myself little goals to meet. :)


I finally got my bike out and decided to start riding again and I found this forum. So many helpful tips and friendly advice that I decided to join you all.
Welcome! I'm new myself and love the info here.


I have done two 5 mile rides this week. Hills, hills & hills. Hopefully, soon I won't have to stop and walk up some of them.
Awesome, keep it up!

[Bike Writer]

Ok, I had a rather embarrassing day yesterday...

I bought my first roadbike in February, and yesterday was the first day I got to ride it outside with my partner (experienced road cyclist & racer).

So we get kitted up, and I'm SO excited, and we get downstairs and outside, and I just can't do it. I have no idea what happened, but I freaked out and started crying. I've never done that before, and I'm just not normally that kind of person. Rock climbing? No problem. New adventures? Bring it on. So it was a really new and odd experience for me.

We went back inside, and end result was we put me on the trainer for 40 minutes and did some drills. I got used to my new position, how to shift gears, and even tried the brakes a couple of times.

I think I just had too many new-to-me things going on:


starting/stopping when my feet don't touch the ground
brakes that don't give the same 'feedback' as MTB brakes, so I feel like they don't really work
new (more aggressive) position
new bike
clipless pedals (I had them for 3 rides on my MTB last summer)
traffic!


So now, I'm feeling good that I'll be able to get outside on my bike this week, but I don't want a repeat of yesterday. My partner already feels that he pressured me into buying a bike that's too much for me. Ack! He's been nothing but supportive, and it was totally and completely me that pushed to get me a road bike!

Any suggestions? Hugs? Words of advice or stories of how you were just brave and conquered your fears?

Thanks for the help. I know I can do this, and already did another 20 min on the trainer this morning. I just need a little positive reinforcement.

As others have said, that is a whole lotta stuff to bite off in one sitting!

I give you tremendous credit for attempting it. Hugs, empathy and mucho support coming your way! There should be no shame in trying all those things at once it's only a lesson that you can take advantage of. The advice so far is good and should be followed.

ditch the clipless pedals
lower the seat
practice in a "safe environment", not traffic
have fun
you bought a bike to have fun
fun should be the primary objective
other goals will follow if this is fun; if it isn't fun you won't have the ambition to try new things.


and welcome to the forums at TE!

[linzq]

Oh my goodness, thank you so much Lavigne, Catrin, jelee1311, rubysoho, Bethany1, tbl35, and Bike Writer for your replies!!!

I told my partner about you lovely ladies, and I'm so happy I have extra support from you all!

I've now been on the trainer a couple of times, and have sorted out shifting (phew!) and have convinced myself that these brakes work even though I don't feel them gripping as-tight-as-death.

I've got the 1/2-1/2 pedals with SPDs on one side and flat on the other, so I'll try them out flat, with my lowered saddle.

And I've convinced the boyfriend that our next ride out will be a tour de parking lot. He's happy, I'm happy, it's all good.

Can't wait to update you all on my success and FUN! :D

[Roadtrip]

Great to hear from everyone and their accomplishments!! Got out for a 15-18 mile ride (computer glitch, not sure exactly how ar it was, tho according to trail maps closer to 18) ride this morning... Stopped at LBS on the way home and bought a new pair of bike shorts on clearance.

All in all-- a good day!!

Shannon

[rubysoho]

biked the entire George Washington Memorial Parktrail yesterday. Definitely had some bigger hills than what I normally face but after 36.5 miles my legs could have gone further! Yay! Though today I am a bit tired, however I think that is a combination of the entire weekend (rehearsal dinner/open bar Friday night, friends' wedding/open bar Saturday night, no sleep either night because of frat boys staying at the same hotel as me, woke up at 5:30am Sunday to get back home for the bike ride by 11/noon).

[jessmarimba]

I know we're not supposed to brag about such things, but I caught (and stuck with! But not on her wheel) a roadie today on my commute home :)

Actually I wouldn't have really cared, except that I was stopped at a red light at a particularly dangerous intersection, and I was pretty irritated that she came up beside me on the right and kind of wandered through the light, so she was through the intersection before it turned. I caught her on the other side and probably could've passed if I'd pushed, but I didn't want to keep leapfrogging a light runner.

I also GPS-ed my ride home for the first time today and we were riding 20+mph for that chunk (2:40ish a mile) and I had no idea I could go that fast when it wasn't downhill. Especially on a 30 pound bike!

[Roadtrip]

20+mph for that chunk (2:40ish a mile) and I had no idea I could go that fast when it wasn't downhill. Especially on a 30 pound bike!

:)

Goooooo you!

[Velocivixen]

I have a 2011 Trek FX 7.3, so I decided to order the MKS "lambda" pedals (aka Rivendell "Grip King" pedals-they designed them), received them today and put them on my bike! I posted a couple of days ago that I bought a long handled pedal wrench and some grease and it took me standing on that wrench to get my pedals loose. I just wanted to make sure I knew how to get them off in advance of actually having to swap them out when the Lambdas arrived. The pedals came off nicely (original Welgo pedals) and I put them into the boxes that the Lambda pedals came in and labeled them as my original pedals. So....that's my newby accomplishment.

[Bike Writer]

I have a 2011 Trek FX 7.3, so I decided to order the MKS "lambda" pedals (aka Rivendell "Grip King" pedals-they designed them), received them today and put them on my bike! I posted a couple of days ago that I bought a long handled pedal wrench and some grease and it took me standing on that wrench to get my pedals loose. I just wanted to make sure I knew how to get them off in advance of actually having to swap them out when the Lambdas arrived. The pedals came off nicely (original Welgo pedals) and I put them into the boxes that the Lambda pedals came in and labeled them as my original pedals. So....that's my newby accomplishment.


Good job! Great accomplishment!

[jelee1311]

Wanted to give this thread a bump.I'm finally feeling comfortable being clipped in. Because of my achilles issues I'm still wearing braces on both ankles when I ride it kind of sucks but I'm still able to ride. I went out by myself and did 25 miles of hills and backroads with no bike lanes(conquering that fear). Baby steps, not enough hours in the day to ride like I want but maybe life and the weather will be better in July

[rubysoho]

That is great jelee!

[Dr.Doo]

Yesterday...first time I've done 20 miles in many year and I could have kept on going but couldn't decide where to go. It was tough as it was very windy and that's one of my asthma/copd triggers but I did it. Wooo Hooo!

I'm not one that's stuck on numbers - I don't have a cycle computer - but I'd love to know my averages for that ride :rolleyes:

[jelee1311]

Good job!

[Owlie]

This is something I should have managed to do two years ago, but...I can finally take my hands off the bars! I haven't managed to grab water bottles or anything out of my back pockets yet, but I'm getting more comfortable doing stuff. Who knew that a new saddle would make that much difference? :D

[Roadtrip]

I can finally take my hands off the bars!

Woooo hoooooo!!!! I still can't do this. Awsome :)

Shannon

[Jiten]

Hi gals. I just signed up. I've just discovered this forum and have been reading many posts for two days. I just finished reading every post on this thread, and I knew I had to join this community. The moral support here is fantastic!

I'm a relatively inexperienced cyclist, although quite experienced in falling off my bike, haha. Like many in this forum, I never learned how to ride a bike when I was a child and had to teach myself, through sheer persistence, how to ride one as an adult. I've had many falls, and I still remember each of those falls, but I also learned from each mistake I made which caused me to fall (for example, I learned that a street post won't move out of the way just because you're a newbie cyclist). One of my falls was really bad--I flew over the bike handles and landed hard on my helmet. I'm pretty sure my helmet saved me from having a broken skull. Before I discovered this forum, I thought I was the only one who learned how to bike as an adult, and the only one who falls off bikes, haha. Man, it's so good to learn I'm not the only one. I should have known about this forum several years ago when I first taught myself how to ride a bike.

Reading the posts here has inspired me even more to dust off my mountain bike, do the basic checks and adjustments, and to start riding again. I'm also contemplating getting myself a Bike Friday. I'll record those here as my weekly achievement as a "newbie". :)

[Catrin]

This is something I should have managed to do two years ago, but...I can finally take my hands off the bars! I haven't managed to grab water bottles or anything out of my back pockets yet, but I'm getting more comfortable doing stuff. Who knew that a new saddle would make that much difference? :D

Congratulations! I am SO far from doing this, but I can do lots of stuff with my left hand off the bars, less with my right hand. Currently I am ok with that :)

I think proper fit and saddle makes so much difference where this is concerned - as comfy as my LHT is, there are things I can do on my Gunnar that I just wouldn't do with my cushy tank.

Poor cushy tank, she hasn't been ridden in so long.... sniff... Plum Blossom is just so much more comfortable than Ms. Explorer - and that is saying a great deal as the LHT is quite comfy.

[Dr.Doo]

By the Goddess! I'm so stoked. I rode even further yesterday. Lady H and me managed just over 25 miles, 15 of them really uncomfortable miles on a bad saddle and into a head wind on the return journey. The saddle I'm using is filched my housemates cheapie hybrid - the one I've been riding for a year - and it's so darned uncomfortable I've been looking for a new saddle that I can actually afford. I won the bidding last night on a Bontrager Evoke R WSD at a price that means if it's not the saddle for me I can give it away to someone who it might suit.

Anyhoo, I've managed (approx figures worked out from google maps) a 20miler, a 25miler, a couple of 10milers and a couple of 5milers this week and I'm so proud of myself, especially as lot of those miles were into head winds which is one of my asthma/Copd triggers. Yesterday all my miles were on the road with traffic which is something I usually try to avoid due to the lung disease thang and after I'd stopped at my bro and sis-in-laws for a mug of tea I could really tell I'd been breathing in car fumes despite the roads not being overly busy, I don't cough often since I gave up smoking last year but oh boy I was coughing yesterday.

[Nick]

Yesterday was a really good biking day for me. I did my usual loop in the state park with the additional challenge tracks, twice. Most importantly for me, I conquered the dangerous, rocky descent that terrifies me, working my way down at a controlled pace. Still wobbly, but I made it down - twice. Getting back up that hill is another story. It's very rocky with lots of grooves, and I have a hard time getting a good, lasting grip. Still working on that.
I also took the difficult incline with a couple of curves at a slow, steady pace. This was the first time I wasn't deeply focused on trying to make it up the hill, but enjoying myself along the way. Slowly but surely I'm building those mtb skills...

[Espresso]

Two achievements!

1) Broke the 50 mile mark on my long ride, at 54 miles :D

2) Bought a mountain bike and did my first trail ever! Don't really know what I'm doing, but I have some friends who ride mountain bikes, so I'll get them to show me the ropes.

[KatzPajamas]

tbl35...way off topic, but your little cat in your avatar looks just like our cat Howie! CUTE! :cool:

[ShubieGA]

Have been back on my bike for the 1st time in 2 years (med stuff) during the last 3 weeks. Back upto 15 miles. 20 next! :D

[Dr.Doo]

WooHoo ShubieGA...happy pedaling now that you're back in the saddle. :D

[MojoGrrl]

This weekend I rode the entire loop around Lake Tahoe (almost 75 miles!!), longest ride so far! I also had the new experiences of dealing with a lot of bad car traffic (sharing narrow roads with stop and go traffic, most of whom were not paying attention to the cyclists), horrible road conditions (caught my front wheel in a rut and almost ate s***), lots of terrible, steep, and endless hills that I wanted to give up on, and some scary descents including the freeway (down Hwy 50, 40 mph with traffic whizzing by me). But I DID IT!

I also learned that the saddle on my new bike (Fizik Antares) is NOT a good fit for my lady parts and I am saddle shopping today for something better...too bad because it is a very nice (and expensive) brand new saddle. Guess I will have to sell it.

[Juliegoddess]

Congratulations! I am SO far from doing this, but I can do lots of stuff with my left hand off the bars, less with my right hand. Currently I am ok with that :)

That's where I'm at, too! I just can't seem to get the guts to really let go with both hands. I usually keep my right hand on the bike, and do as much as I can with my left. I think that's why my shirt is always hiked up on my right side and not on my left! :D

[Bike Writer]

Hi gals. I just signed up. I've just discovered this forum and have been reading many posts for two days. I just finished reading every post on this thread, and I knew I had to join this community. The moral support here is fantastic!

I'm a relatively inexperienced cyclist, although quite experienced in falling off my bike, haha. Like many in this forum, I never learned how to ride a bike when I was a child and had to teach myself, through sheer persistence, how to ride one as an adult. I've had many falls, and I still remember each of those falls, but I also learned from each mistake I made which caused me to fall (for example, I learned that a street post won't move out of the way just because you're a newbie cyclist). One of my falls was really bad--I flew over the bike handles and landed hard on my helmet. I'm pretty sure my helmet saved me from having a broken skull. Before I discovered this forum, I thought I was the only one who learned how to bike as an adult, and the only one who falls off bikes, haha. Man, it's so good to learn I'm not the only one. I should have known about this forum several years ago when I first taught myself how to ride a bike.

Reading the posts here has inspired me even more to dust off my mountain bike, do the basic checks and adjustments, and to start riding again. I'm also contemplating getting myself a Bike Friday. I'll record those here as my weekly achievement as a "newbie". :)


Welcome Jiten!

I hope that your falls become a thing of the past for you soon. Practice does wonders for balance and confidence. I rode as a kid and just got back into biking again last year after a long absence. I had a lot of falls in the begining. Congratulations on having the courage to get back on after a fall and keep going. Try to have someone from a bike shop watch you on your bike and check your saddle and handlebar height for proper fit.

[Jiten]

Welcome Jiten!

I hope that your falls become a thing of the past for you soon. Practice does wonders for balance and confidence. I rode as a kid and just got back into biking again last year after a long absence. I had a lot of falls in the begining. Congratulations on having the courage to get back on after a fall and keep going. Try to have someone from a bike shop watch you on your bike and check your saddle and handlebar height for proper fit.

Thank you for the welcome, Bike Writer! I think I will always find something inspiring to read on these forums. BTW, I've been reading your blog, too, and consider me a regular reader now. :) I saw pictures of your nice bike! *drools*

[hebe]

Welcom Jiten, and enjoy riding! I'm coming up to a year now and it's the best thing I ever did. I still mess up occasionally but I don't worry so much about that any more.

I can take one hand at a time off, to indicate or wipe my nose. My local discounter has unicycles in last week, and I was mildly interested until I realised that they had no handlebars.

No riding here since holiday :( Weather grim and too much to do. I really want to do a 10 mile ride before my ride-i-versary in a couple of weeks too.

[Jiten]

Welcom Jiten, and enjoy riding! I'm coming up to a year now and it's the best thing I ever did. I still mess up occasionally but I don't worry so much about that any more.

I can take one hand at a time off, to indicate or wipe my nose. My local discounter has unicycles in last week, and I was mildly interested until I realised that they had no handlebars.

No riding here since holiday :( Weather grim and too much to do. I really want to do a 10 mile ride before my ride-i-versary in a couple of weeks too.

Thanks for the welcome, hebe. I hope you find the time and good weather to get in your 10-miler.

[Rockyroad]

Hey gals :) Well, I'm almost complete with my fixie build. It's going to be awesome. I'm eager to surpass my current biking stamina.

[hebe]

Hey gals :) Well, I'm almost complete with my fixie build. It's going to be awesome. I'm eager to surpass my current biking stamina.

woo hoo! And welcome :)

[Owlie]

Welcome to TE, Rocky Road!


Congratulations! I am SO far from doing this, but I can do lots of stuff with my left hand off the bars, less with my right hand. Currently I am ok with that :)

I think proper fit and saddle makes so much difference where this is concerned - as comfy as my LHT is, there are things I can do on my Gunnar that I just wouldn't do with my cushy tank.

Poor cushy tank, she hasn't been ridden in so long.... sniff... Plum Blossom is just so much more comfortable than Ms. Explorer - and that is saying a great deal as the LHT is quite comfy.

Oh, it's only one at a time (I'm far too chicken to ride no-hands on my roadie...I was too chicken to try it on the bike I had as a kid!), and I can really only do it while coasting within certain speeds, but I can do it long enough to shake my wrists out and signal. I'm still working on brushing strands of hair out of my face and the like.

You should take your LHT out for a bit so she doesn't get jealous. ;)

[blue_angel]

Hey gals :) Well, I'm almost complete with my fixie build. It's going to be awesome. I'm eager to surpass my current biking stamina.

Don't forget to post pictures and a description in the Fixed Gear Gallery (http://www.fixedgeargallery.com)!

[Bike Writer]

About the handed thing...last year when I got back into riding I did not think I would ever be taking my hands off the bars, not even one. A friend I rode with would remove her water bottle, drink and put it back, all while riding and pedaling along and I was in awe.

This year, no problem. I prefer keeping my left hand on the bar and am stronger with that one one but in a pinch, either will do. No hands :eek: Not yet. As a kid and teenager I rode no handed all the time and recall once riding for over a mile no handed just because I wanted to see if I could do it. No problem. Young = invincible, older = scaredy cat. About some stuff anyway...

[hansbrea]

Hello, ladies. I am so glad to find this forum, too. I have tried a few others and there was a lot of bashing on them and didn't seem to be many woman. Plus, they were all super competitive. Since I am a newbie and just starting again this particular thread seems to fit me so well. I do see there is a mix of long range riders in here, too. I'm guessing you started out as a newbie?

I started riding again 2 weeks ago. I wanted to ride races when I was a teenager but never got any support from my parents so I didn't do it. To ride in a bike race is on my bucket list before I die. A SIL is starting triathalons and somehow I got in the mood to try a race, too. My first race, and only this year probably, is next weekend. :eek: Yup, three weeks after I start. I would like to do one later but there isn't one so this is it. This one is perfect as it is a fun ride for a cause so not too stressful.

The ride I am doing is 15 miles and so far the farthest I have gone is 10 miles. I did that last night and came home and felt like I could easily go do more except it was dark. Obviously I'm not pushing myself hard enough? The first one I did two weeks ago of 6 miles was killer so I find it odd that I can already do 10 fine.

My goal is to lose weight and have fun. We're toying with adding to our family again so I'm not going to get too serious right now even though I'd like to. I'm hoping all the exercise will get me in better shape for babycakes. Tomorrow I am hoping I can go a longer ride since it is DH's day off.

Thanks for reading my yappy post and I'm looking forward to visiting with other lady cyclers.

[Mako]

hansbrea,

Just wanted to say hi and welcome!
I'm new here too and joined because it seemed so friendly!

All the best with your cycling! It's totally addictive, you'll keep upping your mileage in no time :)

Good luck!

[hansbrea]

Thank you, Mako!

I went for a 6 mile ride tonight since I am still sore from yesterday's 10 mile ride. Sigh, I'll get there eventually. I had 20+ mph winds at me for half of it and I pushed myself to try and get better time. Plus I removed 2.4 lbs. of stuff off the bike. I still wound up with the same time I've had of 5:30/mile.

Tomorrow I am going to work on getting the bike geared up, hopefully figure out something for tires as apparently I have "really aggressive mountain bike" tires, figure out something for a new cushioned recessed seat or get a gel cover for the one I have.

I am look at tires on http://www.nashbar.com and am not sure what to get. What would be good for road racing tires? I have a low budget but want something that won't cause me to slide off the road, too.

[jelee1311]

Welcome to all the new ladies of the past week. I've had a crazy week I broke my deraileur cable right in front of my house,we fixed that then 2 days later when I went to go for a ride my back tire was flat. I fixed it and then struggled to get the tire back on when I finally did the tire went flat again. I pinch flatted it and then had no more good tubes , covered in grease I sat down and cried. DH fixed my flat that night when I was at work. The next day I was 2 blocks away from my house and my chain fell off.I walked home and was cracking up when I called DH to tell him.I'm. Getting some good practice with bike maintenance and I consider myself sooo lucky that the problems happened near or at home. Four days without riding was killing me so tonight my DH went for a 20 mile ride with me. The weather was perfect so we went around a local lake and it was beautiful. Its good for me to ride with DH because I wouldn't be alone if I had anymore bike technical difficulties. Maybe next week I will have better bike carma:D

[Nick]

Hello again everyone. I had my best ride yet today. I've been practicing skills I learned at the mountain biking clinic, particularly going downhill with my body pulled behind the seat, with my chest low. Today I took the rather steep incline (but not overly long) which is paved and a good place to practice descents. A multigenerational family was walking up the hill as I made my way up. When I sped past in mountain biking downhill position, I heard a "wow, daredevil!" -- coming from one of the younger adult males. That was so funny, lol! Going downhill terrifies me, which is why I keep practicing... and I use the body behind seat position because it feels so much safer, not to be daring. It was a good ride, and my one handed riding is going well -- both sides are getting much stronger at that. I have a lot more skills to learn, though, and need to build stamina for those uphill climbs.

[hansbrea]

Ah, hugs, Jelee1311!

Hmm, the clinic sounds interesting. I didn't know people even gave clinics on how to ride but it makes logical sense people learn technique somewhere. I am going to try the seat trick downhill, too, and see if that makes a difference for me.

I rode the 15-mile race route today for practice. I also bought new tires and tubes today - and they are WAY too big. I'm going to have to return them and go the bike store instead. Apparently WalMart doesn't hack it.

The ride went well at least and I finished within a minute of the time I wanted to. I'm hoping with slicks and adrenaline I can do a little better next Saturday. No headwind would be nice, too. I spent 5 miles battling the wind.

Oh yeah, and I also got hooted and hollered at by a two cars full of teenage boys speeding around. It took me a second for me to register they were yelling "love you butt!" as they waited behind me for a car to pass. I figured it out when they were hanging out of the car waving at me, etc. That is first time in my life I've literally had anybody hoot or whistle at me, literally. My thought was "don't they see I am a mid-30's overweight lady?" as I got a big smile on my face and laughed. :)

[Velocivixen]

@Jelee, I'm so sorry to hear of your frustration, but you're right it's making you stronger and giving you opportunity to learn and practice. Of course at the time it can be frustrating. How are your women's rides? I still haven't done a group ride!

@hansbrea, welcome. I'm interested in about our bike and set up, and what type of riding you've been doing. Sometimes it helps if. We know a little more specifics so we can offer better or more appropriate suggestions. Happy riding.

My "newby" achievement is that I finally bought my first road bike in 27 years! It's being built up now. It's a Surly Cross Check in "Robin's Egg Blue". I can't wait to get out and practice on it.

[Roadtrip]

I did my longest ride of the year today!

Twenty-three miles on my new saddle and the entire ride was clipless. I didn't really even feel the saddle until mile twenty when I "felt" the cutout a little and repositioned myself a little every so often.

I've also swapped out the SPD pedals for Speedplay Frog pedals and I VERY much like them. I had a few "oh crap" moments, but stayed upright, which is a good thing!

Feeling good about today :)

Shannon

[hebe]

Woot! new bikes, new achievements, new personal bests and fingers crossed for better karma for Jelee this week :)

I had a surprise morning of riding today. Mondays are normally sacrosanct for housework, but the Mister set off to a meeting with the child car-seat in the back of his car. So I got to ride small girl to nursery which was lovely - she's not been too keen on it for a while and I went off it a bit after tipping the (empty) trailer over in traffic. Anyway, it was fine. The nursery let me leave the trailer there, which was great as they have some lovely off-road riding just a few hundred yards away. So I did some riding through the sun and cornfields, then nipped home for a cuppa before riding back to nursery to collect Small Girl and her trailer.

I think I might have finally got close to doing 10miles, just need to check on the map (forgot my Garmin). The problem isn't stamina so much as finding routes. Hopefully a new map will help with that.

[rubysoho]

*happy dance* I brought out the clipless pedals that I bought a couple months ago. Originally I put them on right away but practicing inside (with no momentum) made me super nervous because I was super unsteady. Well, put them back on yesterday, played with them some this morning and went out to a parking lot to practice. And guess what! It was GREAT!

I'll be honest, this morning that same fear crept back in. I do not advise practicing indoors trying to move forward when you really can't go anywhere and can't get any momentum. Just practice clipping in and out, one foot at a time, nothing more! :p

I did put them on their easiest setting and that also helped. But did an easy 15 mile ride this evening (which was beautiful, passed a herd of deer including two spotted fawns) and even felt good stopping and starting at stop signs and crossing the roads that intersect the trails.

So yay! I am happy I conquered a fear (one I probably didn't need to have in the first place!).

[itsalldownhill]

Hi all! *waving madly* I'm new and thought this was a perfect thread to say hi in!

I hadn't ridden a bike in 15 years before last year a friend convinced me to go on a ride with the See Jane Ride girls (if you haven't found them - check them out - very cool concept). I rode for a little while with the Janes that fall, maxing out at about 12 miles a ride, and then of course, winter hit, I became sedentary again and life just fell apart.

4 weeks ago, I got the cycling bug again, and started back up. My Schwinn Wal-Mart comfort bike took me for the first 200 miles, but just wasn't comfortable for longer distances.

All that to say my accomplishment for the week was riding my brand-new (to me) Jamis Satellite Sport on a 43.94 mile ride on Sunday, and making it! It was hilly, hot (88 degrees) and humid. The thought did cross my mind numerous times that I was going to have to call my husband to come get me. But, I made it, and that's the longest I've ever spent on a bike!

[hansbrea]

Wpw, ladies, way to go!

Itsalldownhill, 43 miles would kill me I think. :eek: I go 15 and my "seat" is pretty uncomfortable.

Velocivixen, I am riding a Gary Fisher Marlin mountain bike that I got new when I graduated from high school in '95. It's been left outside all one winter on accident (we have acreage and my son got it out), brakes don't work perfectly, same old seat I started with that is very uncomfortable (although I bought a new gel cover that helps a ton), and the gears are CRAPPY to say the least. Some day I would love to buy a new bike but can't justify it at all seeing how much they cost. The bike weighed 26.4 lbs. before I changed tires (probably close to the same weight?) and added the heavy gel seat.

Roadtrip and Rubysoho, why are they called clipless pedals if you clip your feet into them? Or, am I thinking of something else? Do they make a difference in how fast you go?

Hebe, glad you had a good time and got a surprise ride in. I bought a van with built in car seats just so for DH moments like that.

I did my first "bike race" on Saturday. Turns out it was just a fun ride and not a race at all. That didn't stop me from trying to get done first, though. :) There was a husband and wife that passed me when I stopped to adjust my seat and I never did catch back up to them. I ended up getting done third out of a group of 16 I think. It doesn't say much, though, because 4 of them were ladies in their 50's who hadn't been on bikes in years and were all more overweight than me, 2 were youth about age 10, 2 more were the dads riding with the youth and that leaves 6, including me. I don't know what the other 3 people were like because I didn't look around enough before we rode off. Everyone else was out for a leisurely ride it seems - even the couple who were both in good shape. He kept looking back to see if I was still behind them and if I got close he'd weave around and take up the whole road. Haha. Goof, he could have ridden me into the ground anytime but was staying with his wife who also had their toddler on a seat on her bike. It was fun, though, and I finished it 6 minutes faster than when I practiced.

There is a bike race this Saturday I am looking at that is an hour away. We'll have to see what the family plans are but right now I think I might be able to work it in since it is at 6:30 in the morning. That's WAY too early for me but I'll force myself out of bed anyway. Fortunately I can stay at my in-laws which is about 10 minutes away.

[hansbrea]

I forgot to add that we ordered several bike jerseys off of bikenashbar.com. I am hoping I ordered the right size but am worried they will be too big. I usually wear a large or xl in ladies shirts. I got my bike shirt at the fun ride last week, had ordered a large, and it was HUGE. I ended up switching it for a medium. I did order one medium jersey but also two larges. They were awesome prices so I got several. I am SO excited for them to get here as I don't have any decent riding shirts that are long enough except the one I got Saturday. HURRY UP FEDEX!

[rubysoho]

Roadtrip and Rubysoho, why are they called clipless pedals if you clip your feet into them? Or, am I thinking of something else? Do they make a difference in how fast you go?

*shrug* I keep thinking the same thing. Apparently the "clip" pedals clipped onto your toes????? I don't really know. I still "clip in" to my clipless pedals. :rolleyes:

I definitely noticed a difference in how smooth my pedaling was. My knee also wasn't bothering me like it sometimes does, but I didn't push myself on the ride either. After much fear, once I figured out how easy they were I actually liked them. I've almost lost my platform pedal before trying to go super fast. Since I set them to the easiest setting I also never felt "stuck" or trapped - which was a huge fear of mine.

[Bike Writer]

Wow we have a lot of new folks around here since the begining of July. Welcome!

I see many of our "old" newbies have also set some personal bests and milestones. Woohoo Congrats all around!

Last week I posted my longest week of riding this season. Just a tad over 56 miles. Many folks here do twice as much in a day, but for me, that's alot and am happy with how my riding is progressing this year. Speaking of which, where did this year go? I can't believe I just took up riding again nearly a year ago. I feel so comfortable and my skills have improved quite a bit. I'd been off a bike for so long it was almost like starting over.

Well, ladies new and old, happy riding and congrats again on the accomplishments. It's a great forum with loads of information and great comraderie.

[hansbrea]

THEY'RE HEEEERREEEEEE!!!! I got home from cub scout day camp today and notice a package stuffed in my mail box. I was like a kid at Christmas ripping open the package to try on the shirts. I've decided it's a good thing I got larges and realizing I probably should have gotten x-larges. :mad: I REALLY need to lose weight! I've put on 15 pounds since February and am having trouble losing it. :eek: Weight loss is one of my motivating factors for riding. So, hopefully the shirts will fit soon.

The two I got for $9.99 look great, the $14.99 is okay but really makes me look fat. It is more comfortable, though, so I am okay with that since looking skinny right now is a hopeless cause anyway. I'M SO EXCITED AND WANT TO GO BIKE RIDING TONIGHT. :cool: Too bad DH's jersey is on back order but dad's came so I am happier about that. It is going to be his Christmas present. If we never get DH's and I get a refund, I am perfectly fine with that since it was an impulse buy for someone who never rides a bike.

The order came with a catalog so of course I had to look at all of it, right? The stuff I ordered is for "sale" for at least twice as much as I paid for it in the catalog but there are still lots of other good deals. Right now I am good, though, the short are tempting.

[Velocivixen]

@hansbrea, it's fun getting those kinds of goodies in the mail. Enjoy them.

So my "achievement" is that I rode my new road bike for 15 miles today! I haven't been on a drop bar bike in years so I thought I'd have more of a learning curve. Also it has a Brooks B17 Standard saddle that's working out well. I will say that the fork was left uncut so my handlebars are higher up than a typical road bike would have. The stem is about the same height as the saddle. I'm fine with that though, especially riding in an urban setting where I need to see over cars.

[10ACTRIgirl]

I did my first triathlon 7 years ago, after a stint as a collegiate athlete.

I'm nowhere NEAR that kind of shape anymore, but I decided that I was going to start doing triathlons again. I signed up for my first race at the end of May. For my birthday, I bought myself a $300 bike online. Flat black and pretty, I fell in love with my cheap-o as soon as I got him.

I, honestly, did precious little cycling to prepare for my two races in May (cycling is my weakest leg--I swam competitively for twelve years, and I am also a former marathon runner, so I've got the basics on those two legs of the race!). I felt like when I said, "I am a cyclist" what I meant was, "I own a bike."

Not anymore! Last Saturday, I had a "bike date." Turns out the guy I had been seeing was an avid cyclist! Yay for me! Well, the relationship isn't going to go anywhere, but that ride awoke my inner cyclist! I have been on my bike or in the gym EVERY DAY since then. The ride we went on was a 11 mile REALLY hilly loop...I walked up ALL the hills that first ride.

Well, 11 days later, and 5 more times around that loop, and I've made it up all but one of the hills!!! I'm also getting better at clipping in quickly and efficiently, changing gears often and at appropriate times, and handling the downhills and switchbacks without fear! The other day, I actually caught myself saying, "weeeeeee!!!" :D aloud as I cruised down a hill I had just chugged up. I'm not fast...and I don't ride pretty (I'm sure I make the elite cyclists on the loop cringe) but I love it, and I'm hopelessly addicted. And, I'm REALLY excited about my upcoming triathlons. I feel so much more prepared now!

Oh, and I've lost 7 pounds in 10 days! :D

[Owlie]

Good for you! Just remember to rest and keep drinking.

I guess all the riding I've been doing has paid off. It's too hot to ride outside, so I stuck the bike on the trainer. I did half an hour with only two short breaks for water, as opposed to winter, where I did half an hour with several longer breaks for water and for my legs to stop burning. :o

[chincitop]

Took my bike up the two steep hills on my commute, and most of the little hills, instead of getting off like a sissy :)

[hansbrea]

I got a babysitter for last night and went on a 10-mile bike ride. It was supposed to be around 15 but I bailed out at 10. :( I am doing a 16-mile race tomorrow that will actually be timed and riders listed in order finished. I am really nervous about that. I don't want to come in with a terrible time and have people see it and go "look how slow she is". Also, I haven't ridden the route and there is now map available so I don't know what it is like. For the most part it can't be too bad, though, as that is the town where I grew up and I know the area where they are having it, just not exactly where.

Last night I had to stop three times to take a breather so I think I must have been trying to go too fast. Is it better to go slow and steady or really try and push myself? Other rides I've gotten home and felt like I could have kept on going. Last night I was happy to be done. :rolleyes: I threw some speed workouts in there too where I went as fast as I could for 20 seconds or so.

Wish me luck tomorrow and thanks for all the advice I've seen on here so far, ladies.

[itsalldownhill]

Okay, the achievement for this week actually belongs to my family. My two youngest kids (ages 9 and 11) and my husband and I went on a 22 mile ride, and they made it at an average of 8.9 mph! My hubbie was on a fixed gear (not intentionally, his Trek's gears were broken), and the two kids were on their old beat up BMX bikes, and it was 93 degrees out and muggy...they did so well that we got the eldest a cheapo mountain bike (he really wants a new racing bmx, but we're going to do more bike tours so thought a geared bike would be appropo) and the youngest got a Specialized Hotrock because he wants to learn to ride like Mom :D

They are having so much fun on these rides that as we're planning our vacation (in two weeks!) they want to incorporate a lot of biking! Yay!

As far as my achievements go, my mileage for last week was 88.9 miles - 10 miles better than the previous week. I also got my bike fitted today, which should make a huge difference in my riding ability. My seat was, as I suspected, too narrow for my sitbones (155, in case anyone is wondering), and he moved it back (which will alleviate my knee pain) and up...then he changed my handlebar stem to a shorter one to make the reach better.

I was so proud, after we were all done the fitter said "you've got a sweet little ride there" - I'm proud of my little girl (Jamis Satellite Sport mens). It's not a common bike around here since no one carries them, but it's a good solid steel bike, and seems to be very versatile.

So very happy for a good biking week and an excited family!

[itsalldownhill]

hansbrea - forgot to ask - how did your race go?

[rubysoho]

hansbrea - forgot to ask - how did your race go?

Yes! I want to know too. Hope it went well!

[hansbrea]

Umm, it went, how's that for an answer? Haha. I was the fattest lady there and the majority of others were on rode bikes, had snazzy riding gear and obviously rode more. I placed somewhere in the 20's, not exactly sure where as the guy wouldn't give me an exact number. I also don't know for sure how many riders there were but do know there weren't much more than that. :( Three riders came in behind me but I know one of them should have been in front of me (he looked about 12) as he passed me and then turned around to ride with his family.

I did manage to finish the ride without stopping once and averaged 12.6 mph. I was hoping to do a little better than that but oh well. My time was 1:16 for 16 miles. You should have seen everyone peel off and pass me at the beginning. It was REALLY embarrassing. :( I'm not at all happy.

My only consolation is that this year there was only once bike race instead of a 10 and 24 mile. If I'd raced against other newbies and done the 10 mile I know I would have placed a lot better. Sigh, maybe I'll do better next time.

[rubysoho]

I think it is great that you are out there doing it! I haven't had the confidence to enter anything yet.

[itsalldownhill]

hansbrea, you DID it...that's what matters! 12.6 mph over 16 miles isn't embarrassing - it's a good newbie pace. Now you have a benchmark for your next races :) I haven't raced yet because we're concentrating on distance first...but next year I probably will!

You did a great job! Go you!!!

[hebe]

well done for entering the race and congratulations on finishing it, hansbrea! I don't think you have anything to be embarassed about.

[jelee1311]

Hansbrea kudos to you for doing a race!I hope you had some fun.

[PrncssButtercup]

So my accomplishment this week is a 7-mile ride. I finally found a properly fitting saddle (that only took 3 months and 4 saddles). I fell off the kitchen counter onto my tailbone about 2 weeks after starting to bike again, just bruised, so I knew it would take a little while. I didn't walk at all, even on the dumb hill right after a stop sign. I know it's not much, but yay anyway!:D

[Velocivixen]

I ordered and installed this Velo-Orange chainring guard. It fit and looks great. So that's my newby achievement. http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/vo-alloy-polished-chainring-guard.html

[KatzPajamas]

THEY'RE HEEEERREEEEEE!!!! I got home from cub scout day camp today and notice a package stuffed in my mail box. I was like a kid at Christmas ripping open the package to try on the shirts. I've decided it's a good thing I got larges and realizing I probably should have gotten x-larges. :mad: I REALLY need to lose weight! I've put on 15 pounds since February and am having trouble losing it. :eek: Weight loss is one of my motivating factors for riding. So, hopefully the shirts will fit soon.

The two I got for $9.99 look great, the $14.99 is okay but really makes me look fat. It is more comfortable, though, so I am okay with that since looking skinny right now is a hopeless cause anyway. I'M SO EXCITED AND WANT TO GO BIKE RIDING TONIGHT. :cool: Too bad DH's jersey is on back order but dad's came so I am happier about that. It is going to be his Christmas present. If we never get DH's and I get a refund, I am perfectly fine with that since it was an impulse buy for someone who never rides a bike.

The order came with a catalog so of course I had to look at all of it, right? The stuff I ordered is for "sale" for at least twice as much as I paid for it in the catalog but there are still lots of other good deals. Right now I am good, though, the short are tempting.
Would you care to share where it is that you are getting these wonderful bargains? :cool:

[KatzPajamas]

Biking since May 10th! Yesterday I did a 25 mile ride with avg speed of 15! The ride included several steep hills and I went right up them in my granny gear! Going down was even better, topping out @ 26.1mph~got a little scared so braked some :) We've had temps in 100's with humdity to match, so haven't been out much. Still have logged 400 miles total since May! Also joined Weight Watchers in early June and have lost 10lbs (had to buy new Louis Garneau shorts yesterday in smaller size) I'm sooooo happy! :cool:

[Velocivixen]

@Katz, I joined Weight Watchers in August, 2008 weighing 238.6 ( had lost 10 lbs. On my own prior), and I lost 106 pounds on WW! It changed my life! I now maintain around 137 lbs. And I've been on Maintenance for 19 months! You can do it!

[KatzPajamas]

@Katz, I joined Weight Watchers in August, 2008 weighing 238.6 ( had lost 10 lbs. On my own prior), and I lost 106 pounds on WW! It changed my life! I now maintain around 137 lbs. And I've been on Maintenance for 19 months! You can do it!

Vixen,
Thanks for sharing that you joined WW. How long did it take to lose the 106?
My 25 year old daughter joined with me and we like the program, but it is slow going...even tho we know that is the best way.
I gained 50 pounds in the last 3 years after my place of employment closed. I absolutely loved my job, and now I work in a place that is the total opposite type of place to work. Biking this last few months has been the outlet that I so desperately needed. It is such freedom and rewarding!
Katz :cool:

[Velocivixen]

Hi Katz. It took 15.5 months to lose 100 lbs. The subsequent few pounds were unintentional. Maintenance is hard though. Hanford in there. It's really about making a lifestyle change.

[elbowglitter]

I successfully installed my Garmin speed/cadence sensor on my bike!

[AZchick]

I've been thinking of getting one e-glitter... which one did you get??

[AZchick]

I bought my road bike 6 months ago.
Went clipless 2 months ago and fell first time out.
Spent two months 'recovering and hesitating'.
Last Saturday I did a 20 mile group ride in town with many stops and not one spill!

[GingerbreadGirl]

Went on my second ever ride on a road bike today.

I started biking 3 weeks ago and I'm just so out of shape and overweight. The first time out, 2 miles was tough. Did 7 today and the heat was killing me. I really want to hit 10 so badly but I'm struggling along...

[AZchick]

Went on my second ever ride on a road bike today.

I started biking 3 weeks ago and I'm just so out of shape and overweight. The first time out, 2 miles was tough. Did 7 today and the heat was killing me. I really want to hit 10 so badly but I'm struggling along...


You're doing great!! It gets easier... little by little!

[Bike Writer]

@Katz, I joined Weight Watchers in August, 2008 weighing 238.6 ( had lost 10 lbs. On my own prior), and I lost 106 pounds on WW! It changed my life! I now maintain around 137 lbs. And I've been on Maintenance for 19 months! You can do it!

Wow! Good going!

[Bike Writer]

Went on my second ever ride on a road bike today.

I started biking 3 weeks ago and I'm just so out of shape and overweight. The first time out, 2 miles was tough. Did 7 today and the heat was killing me. I really want to hit 10 so badly but I'm struggling along...


Good job! Just keep riding steadily, the miles will come before you know it. One day you'll look back and chuckle to yourself remembering how you struggled with 2 miles.

[Mako]

Went on my second ever ride on a road bike today.

I started biking 3 weeks ago and I'm just so out of shape and overweight. The first time out, 2 miles was tough. Did 7 today and the heat was killing me. I really want to hit 10 so badly but I'm struggling along...

Hi,

I started out just like you a year ago. If you persevere and just keep riding you'll be amazed at how quickly you'll be able to hit your mileage targets!

Soon you'll be whipping through 10 miles without even thinking about it :)

Keep up the good work!

[AnnB]

GingerbreadGirl, keep up the good work, 7 miles is great! I was biking regularly (almost daily) for a month before I felt good enough to do the 10 & 12 miles without being totally exhausted.

Now the weather just needs to cooperate, we're getting jungle weather here. Hot & humid or Raining.

[goldfinch]

Saturday, even though I am struggling with a shoulder and neck problem, I managed to ride 18 miles and felt really good. Then it rained for two days. Today I get back on my bike, thinking that I will do 20-25 miles. I gave up at 8.5. It is hot. It is humid. It is hilly. I just felt old and fat and weak and like me and my bike were having an argument.

Ah well. Maybe I'll go for a walk this evening when it cools down.

[GingerbreadGirl]

Thanks for the encouragement.

I went out in the roads today, which is new to me. It was scary but fun. I think I'm kinda getting addicted to this...

Goldfinch, I totally know how the heat can get you. That was my problem yesterday. I really suffered, and today I purposely took it easy and practiced skills and handling instead of endurance or speed. Tomorrow I plan a longer ride.

[hebe]

Well done and good luck to everyone struggling in the heat. It does gradually get easier, and where it doesn't get easier at least it gets quicker. Cycling has completely spoiled me, I feel quite resentful now when I have to walk someplace that I could go to on the bike. Walking just feels so slow and clunky now.

I'm frustrated with not riding at the moment. Mr hebe is in the States this week, and he was away for a week three weeks ago too. Nursery is on holiday for the summer so childcare has been cut right back - small girl does something 4 mornings a week, but a couple of those sessions are really short so I'm struggling to get the right combination of childcare and weather to get out. I'm hoping for a Friday or Sunday morning tht is neither too wet nor too hot.

[GingerbreadGirl]

Lol at walking being slow and clunky.

Well I've been a post ***** in this thread lately but oh my gosh, guess what?
I did 10 miles today :) I'm totally exhausted but very pleased with myself. I have to work late the next two days so I'm going to rest and then I can get out again this weekend.

Yay me.

[goldfinch]

I am pleased with myself too. :) It was much, much cooler this morning, down in the 60s. I rode 25 miles. My longest ride ever.

[GingerbreadGirl]

Way to go, isn't it funny how much of a difference you can have from day to day?!

[Bethany1]

Seems silly, but I jumped off my son's homemade ramp this evening with my 29er. I've never jumped off a ramp before so I was a little nervous. It wasn't that high, just a little over the curb, but I hit full speed and and went over. I thought I was going to bounce over the handlebars when the front tire hit the pavement but I did just fine.

The second time I went faster, went up the ramp and lifted the bike like my son and his friend said to do. The seat nailed me right in the crotch mid air and again when I landed on the ground much harder. I went completely numb for about 15 minutes.

Is there a way to safely land w/o your seat hitting your crotch this hard? And is it possible to land the wrong way and end up over the handlebars?

I had a great time but am leary of going over stuff if/when I do a real mountain bike trail now.

LOL. Now I know why DH bought a dual suspension MTB. I want a dual suspension 29er which runs at least 3000 so it won't happen anytime soon. LOL.

I am proud that I went off the ramp twice though.

[Tiffany_S]

Seems silly, but I jumped off my son's homemade ramp this evening with my 29er. I've never jumped off a ramp before so I was a little nervous. It wasn't that high, just a little over the curb, but I hit full speed and and went over. I thought I was going to bounce over the handlebars when the front tire hit the pavement but I did just fine.

The second time I went faster, went up the ramp and lifted the bike like my son and his friend said to do. The seat nailed me right in the crotch mid air and again when I landed on the ground much harder. I went completely numb for about 15 minutes.

Is there a way to safely land w/o your seat hitting your crotch this hard? And is it possible to land the wrong way and end up over the handlebars?

I had a great time but am leary of going over stuff if/when I do a real mountain bike trail now.

LOL. Now I know why DH bought a dual suspension MTB. I want a dual suspension 29er which runs at least 3000 so it won't happen anytime soon. LOL.

I am proud that I went off the ramp twice though.

From the sounds of it your timing was off when you pulled up on the front of the bike. It is also possible to land wrong and end up over the handle bars, especially when you jump higher because you land harder!

[Velocivixen]

My achievement this week is that I rode my new Surly Cross Check (compact double) from home to the Oregon Zoo on Tuesday. It was in the 80's and I hadn't eaten enough, so I stopped & had a Gu, then once I got there I had my snacks. I have done that ride on my Trek, which has a triple chain ring and plenty of low gears. One fear when I bought the CC is that I wouldn't have low enough gears to do this ride. Well, I made it! Whoohoo. It was a 20 mile ride all together with about 6 miles of hills on the way there.

[Nick]

I was terrified of using the Candy 3 clipless pedals after being banged up by the bike last weekend. But, I decided to give them another whirl.

My heart was pounding and I was dreading it, but I got on the bike, got moving, clipped in and kept going. My goals for the ride were simple: stay upright, keep moving, and unclip without falling. Success! I did a simple set of loops on the park paths for about 8 miles, followed by a brisk 2 mile walk.

Getting back on those pedals was my biggest achievement of the season so far…

[Velocivixen]

@Nick (applaud) good job. Your confidence will only build from here. KEep practicing.

[Nick]

@Velocivixen -- thanks so much! Looking forward to the day when I'll be able to say that my achievements include 20+ mile rides and 6 miles of hills :).

[hebe]

I took the old pump and bracket off my Marin and fitted new bracket, pump and bottle cage. Yippee! No more waterbottles leaking through the basket onto the bike frame and no more wondering why on earth I had a red pump and purple panniers on the same bike :)

[Roadtrip]

Hummm.. I haven't posted here in awhile as I haven't done much riding as of late. Work has kept me crazy busy and we had a record tying 17 straight days with temps over 90 degrees with oppressive humidity. The city had smog warnings during that whole stretch.

During the Tour de France I stopped into the LBS to pick up some goodies DH had ordered and they were having a huge sale. I spied a 2010 older stock hybrid bike in my size (one "trim" level up from my current steed) and $150 off sticker price. I talked to the manager who knows us-- we've bought four bikes from this shop-- and asked if that price was the bottom line. He did some pondering and knocked off another $100 off the price saying in another few weeks the 2012 bikes will be out. I say to myself-- do I NEED the grocery getter "upgrade" and HOW much could I get out of my bike???

I went on vacation and when I got back the bike was still there-- so I went ahead and did it. I then posted my bike for sale-- to which I have a strong buyer lined up and were meeting in the morning for her to ride and test out the bike.

Ok. So far no real achievement here, but I had a slew of stuff on my old bike that I didn't want to sell with it. Ergo grips, fenders, saddle, tires, and recently upgraded brakes that are better then the stock ones I would rather keep.

I didn't want to pay the shop to move all of these parts to the new bike. I was confidant I could do most of it myself.. Except the brakes. The derailures and the brakes have been my nemesis. I took the brakes off one bike and used DH's bike as an example of how things were supposed to look if I got stumped.

Tires-- check x4
Grips-- check x4
Saddle-- check x2
Fenders-- nearly: hardware malfunction with the carbon fiber fork.. Original wouldn't work on front fender now
Brakes-- check x4!!! I finally got the brake calipers removed and adjusted and have working brakes-- wooooo hoooooo

Finding the right adjustments was frustrating, but once I stopped being afraid that I would 'brake' something, I realize I could do it :)

Shannon

[Velocivixen]

Road trip, so what kind of bike is it? I don't know what your current steed had been. I am totally impressed that you did that stuff to your bike. Good for you. Doesn't it feel great to accomplish something like that?

My, in comparison, small success was removing the front wheel off my new bike to clean the rims and to check the brake pads. I had to deflate the tire to get it out. Mentioned it to DH and he showed me how to release the brakes. Oh. Who knew?

[Roadtrip]

Road trip, so what kind of bike is it? I don't know what your current steed had been.

Trek FX 7.3, 2008... Trek FX 7.5, 2010

Also have the road bike, a 2009 Specialized Ruby, which I adore ;)


I am totally impressed that you did that stuff to your bike. Good for you. Doesn't it feel great to accomplish something like that?

Thanks, it sure does!

[MVines]

Hi Ladies,

Well I am new to the forum, as well as getting back into biking. Excellent thread!

My weekly, actually today, achievement I bought a new bike, a Trek Madone 3.1 WSD. I just could not resist, it just fit me sooooo well. Got home and went for my first ride in 13 years, went for 4.5 miles and got off a bit shaky.

Love the bike, loved the ride, it felt great to get on the road again! Now I am gonna do it all again tomorrow!

~~ Roll On ~~

Melissa

[Bethany1]

Something really simple, but needed to be done was clean/lube the chain and wash my bikes. I'd never done it before, but the LBS gave me a lesson and sold me some stuff to do it.

4 hours later, I have several clean bikes. Yes. I am that slow and my bikes were far dirtier than I ever thought, especially my MTB.

It's amazing that the time spent cleaning and polishing bonds you closer to your bike. I won't be so nervous to do this now.

[MojoGrrl]

Completed my first century ride today - which is quite an accomplishment for me since I have only been riding for 5 months. It was actually 106 miles, with a lot of climbing - lots of small hills and a few really big ones, including Marshall Wall http://www.adventurecorps.com/when/cheeseloop.html, and I kept going the whole time - no stops on the hills, even powered up some of them past other riders, and kept my cool on descents that made me want to crap myself. It was AWESOME.

[Velocivixen]

@roadtrip, so did she buy your bike? I have a 2011 Trek 7.3 FX that I am thinking of selling, so you've inspired me.

[Catrin]

Completed my first century ride today - which is quite an accomplishment for me since I have only been riding for 5 months. It was actually 106 miles, with a lot of climbing - lots of small hills and a few really big ones, including Marshall Wall http://www.adventurecorps.com/when/cheeseloop.html, and I kept going the whole time - no stops on the hills, even powered up some of them past other riders, and kept my cool on descents that made me want to crap myself. It was AWESOME.

Congratulations! I don't think you are a newbie any longer :D :cool:

[roo4]

MVines: We are bike sisters! I love my Madone 3.1! So smooth. Bike on, woman.

[MojoGrrl]

Congratulations! I don't think you are a newbie any longer :D :cool:

I guess not :)

Oh MAN am I paying for it today though...:) I've never been sore in some of those muscles before...didn't know I HAD some of them...and I am still ravenously hungry!

[Nick]

I had my longest, farthest, fastest bike ride yet. Clipped in. No falls, and lots of fun. I had a blast! The Juliana and I are getting to know each other better, and I'm starting to figure out how to position myself properly on the new saddle and bars...

[molliewog]

I'm also new here, and have enjoyed lurking :)

I started cycling again a few months ago. I've been able to get out once or twice a week. I bought a Giant TCR Composite (now pimped in pink) a couple weeks ago to replace an old Cannondale. I took it out yesterday for my third ride on it and managed to do 20 miles at an average 20 mph! We have a great paved flat bike path that allows you to focus on riding, not cars. I was so excited! It was such a great feeling, which only makes me want to ride more. I'm starting to feel comfortable enough on the road and in my pedals that I may look for some group rides to join.

Here's hoping for a 40 mile ride Saturday. Love, love, love the new bike!

[sunsfan]

This week I...
- rode 15 miles which is my longest ride so far
- learned how to use my cleats with my clipless pedals
- learned to ride with one hand to signal with the other

baby steps :) :) :)

[Nick]

This week I...
- rode 15 miles which is my longest ride so far
- learned how to use my cleats with my clipless pedals
- learned to ride with one hand to signal with the other

baby steps :) :) :)

That's a lot of progress in one week! Congrats :)

[sunsfan]

That's a lot of progress in one week! Congrats :)

Thanks, Nick!
I'm hoping in the next week or two I can also say that I can keep a straight line while looking over my shoulder. It's difficult for me right now.

[KatzPajamas]

This week I...
- rode 15 miles which is my longest ride so far
- learned how to use my cleats with my clipless pedals
- learned to ride with one hand to signal with the other

baby steps :) :) :)

This is awesome. I have been riding since May and can do about 27 for longest ride. Tried the clipless thing on my first week and wiped out too many times. Now use regular old pedals and have no desire to try clipless again. I still have trouble taking one hand off the handlebars. So you are way ahead of me in a very short time! Rock~n~Roll!:cool:

[Fontinalis]

I have gone with clipless pedals and cleats yesterday!!!!
Rode about 8 km in town (lots of stops, red lights, and a couple of minor hills). And today did my usual early morning 14km loop, also in town, but with no traffic in the streets. I absolutely LOVE it.
It is a very different way to pedal. And muscles who apparently had not been working for three years (this is my third season bicycling after 30 years off the bike) were a little sore last night, and again today. But no falls and really no fears I must say. I do have a new mantra (as I approach a stop/red light/or anticipating a situation calling for a stop) : unclip! unclip! unclip! LOL
I feel good about this. Just like when you get to hang with the older kids in that other schoolyard. ;-)
I have decided to go with clipless pedals as I am going for a cyclotouring trip in a month, and figure that it might do a difference then. I thought that a month would give me a good idea if I want to do my trip clipless or not. So far, I'm liking this. If the sore muscles are less and less sore as days go by, as I do my various commutes this week and the next weeks, then, it's a go!

I have no preconceived ideas about this. There isn't, in my mind, a better way to ride per se. It is each person's doing their thing, and what is good and best for each person. But I feel good having tackled something new about bicycling, and I am curious of what it will bring on. I'm not into speed, performance, etc. But I would love to gain stamina. So anything that may help me improve my pedaling, in longer rides, is welcome.

[Nick]

I have gone with clipless pedals and cleats yesterday!!!!

Congrats on that! Glad to hear you are having a good experience. I recently switched to clipless. They have definitely changed the "feel" of my ride.

[MVines]

Hi All - Have had my bike for a week now and just completed my first 10 mile ride. Rode it in 46 minutes, including 3 short breaks. Got a new saddle yesterday and it has made a world of difference. Bontrager Affinity 1 WSD = BAD, Specialized Lithia = Much Better :)

[Velocivixen]

I purchased and installed a Velo-Orange polished aluminum chain ring guard on my new bike. Well, the front derailleur (which is the harder of the two derailleurs to adjust) was very slightly rubbing on the new chain ring guard. I watched some online videos about front derailleur adjustments and so I moved my front derailleur slightly higher so it wouldn't rub. I must have also inadvertantly rotated the derailleur cage, so then I had to adjust that as well as the limit screws. That, in turn, slightly affected the cogs in the back and shifting so I had to adjust that. All in all things shift well and work, but things seem just a tad more noisy than when compared to before I made these adjustments. I have my one month free tune up on my bike this week and I will definitely tell them what I did and have them "fine tune" my work. ;) So that's my achievement.

[roo4]

Well, poo! I signed up for an organized ride and opted for the $20 long sleeve T-shirt. As near as I can tell, the ride is composed of three loops, kinda shaped like Mickey Mouse. The loops are 50, 25, and 25 miles, and riders can do any combination. The (minor, I know) problem is that I am planning to ride 50, maybe 75 miles and the shirt proudly proclaims that it is a century ride.

I don't like wearing the shirt under false pretenses. Yes, I realize that only about 3 people will ever notice this and comment. Yes, I realize that I am married to one of them. Yes, I understand that this is trivial compared to pretty much everything else in the world.

Signed,

Century Ride Poser

[Velocivixen]

Hey roo4, good job for riding any of them! You do know, don't you, that you wear the shirt After the ride (not before or during)?

[MojoGrrl]

65 miles today, pretty much climbing the whole damn time....and my "bad" knee did not hurt AT ALL. Not even a moment of fatigue or discomfort. This is a FIRST!!

[sunsfan]

65 miles today, pretty much climbing the whole damn time....and my "bad" knee did not hurt AT ALL. Not even a moment of fatigue or discomfort. This is a FIRST!!

Impressive. And hurray for no pain!

[MojoGrrl]

I purchased and installed a Velo-Orange polished aluminum chain ring guard on my new bike. Well, the front derailleur (which is the harder of the two derailleurs to adjust) was very slightly rubbing on the new chain ring guard. I watched some online videos about front derailleur adjustments and so I moved my front derailleur slightly higher so it wouldn't rub. I must have also inadvertantly rotated the derailleur cage, so then I had to adjust that as well as the limit screws. That, in turn, slightly affected the cogs in the back and shifting so I had to adjust that. All in all things shift well and work, but things seem just a tad more noisy than when compared to before I made these adjustments. I have my one month free tune up on my bike this week and I will definitely tell them what I did and have them "fine tune" my work. ;) So that's my achievement.

That's great! I am still too afraid to do any real "mechanical work" on my bike, but it's an invaluable skill to have.

[roo4]

Hey roo4, good job for riding any of them! You do know, don't you, that you wear the shirt After the ride (not before or during)?

:D Yeah, I know. I've done many running races and triathlons in the past. At this point I don't get too snooty about it though, half the time the race shirts aren't something I want to wear anyway.

[Zippinalong]

Did 29 miles this past Sunday. The longest I've ever ridden!

[Oregongirl]

Hi Ladies....
I just started riding this last spring, and can't get enough! The last few weekends my guy and I rode 60 miles, loved it! We are training for a century this fall. Every place we go, we usually take our bikes too! Don't ya love bike racks! LOL!

[Roadtrip]

Well I survived my first crash today... Update in a little while... Just got back and need to shower and assess full damage.

Shannon

Update: Did a 14 mile trail ride with a friend... He's much more advanced at cycling then myself or DH. DH goats him into taking off his shoe while riding and putting it back on, which his he is able to do and rides no hands for a half mile... You get he idea.

He's riding along and chatting, I hear some banter between him and DH, so slow down to find out what's up, he says DH is freaking out because I did this... At which point he actually reaches over and grabs my bars and is screwing around with me. I feel my weight shift and I'm too close to him, only inches away, so steer away, he attempts to "keep" me upright making things worse. We both go down. I landed just to the side of the pavement in the "grass" which was really gravel incased in a little dirt and grass. I hit the deck with my right leg and shoulder, feeling the gravel as I tuck my shoulder in to protect my head, then hear the gravel as my head hits the ground. I'm stopped. Quick assessment. Nothing broken. Bike, check.. Look in one piece. Only a little scratches and dirt on the bar ends (thank god I wasn't riding my Ruby) but all else inplace and acounted for. So I turn to see if my friend is ok and give him what for. He says I over-reacted. I said no you were screwing around. His front brake is fully engaged and no right. We look at adjusting, but them but we realize his wheel is WAY out of true, like a taco. It's unridable. I do a quick safety check on my bike and ride on the five miles back to the car and he walks up to the trailhead were I tell him I'll meet him with the car. I get to the car and turn back to collet him, but on the way to the LBS to get his bike checked he says hes sorry and shoudnt have done what he did.

I have road rash on my leg and elbow with some bruising already.. Bike look to come away unscaved.. His front wheel was trashed and he had to replace.

[Crankin]

He sounds like a moron.

[KatzPajamas]

He sounds like a moron.

DITTO! Take all the chances ya want to -all by yourself...not at another's expense.

[pll]

Wow! How unnecessarily dangerous. At least (small consolation) he fessed up to the mistake. I hope you are not too stiff tomorrow. The one time I crashed, my neck was really stiff afterwards. Two 30 min massages helped!

[redrhodie]

Unanimous, he's a moron.

[Owlie]

Yeah, what they said. Idiot. At least he recognized that that was incredibly stupid.
Ouch. Get thee a new helmet just to be safe, and hopefully you aren't too stiff and sore tomorrow.

[Zippinalong]

Sounds like you need a different riding buddy. Joking around on bikes is not a joke and can really be serious. Glad it wasn't worse!

[Owlie]

A few things:

I mostly ride on flat trails. I checked out a new one today. This one has hills. :eek: One of these is really steep, then there's a less-steep section until you get to the top. I managed to get two-thirds of the way up the steep section before I had to get off. I turned back at that point. I didn't want to have to be picked up when I only had a vague idea of where I was. (My mom also has no sense of direction.) Guess I need more hill practice!

Related to my turning-around, I managed to descend this particular hill with only minimal freaking out and didn't wipe out on the corners!

I also discovered that I can now ride hands free for about two seconds, and can grab my water bottle and even drink from it. I can't, however, put it back! This discovery resulted in another one--what that plastic loop is for. Clearly, it's for holding your water bottle between your teeth so you have your hands free to brake, allowing you to stop and put the bottle back in the cage. :D

[Roadtrip]

Woo hooooo... Well for most of the H2o intake process. :)

What trail where you at btw? Curious minds wanna know!

Shannon

[Owlie]

Woo hooooo... Well for most of the H2o intake process. :)

What trail where you at btw? Curious minds wanna know!

Shannon

Lebanon Countryside.

[sunsfan]

This week's high:
I bought and installed a computer!!! :) It's a Cateye Strada Double Wireless. I was so excited when I got it that I almost doubled my usual distance the next day. I wrote down my numbers from this 1st trip: 27.4 mi, avg 15.1 mph, max 29.0 mph, and I tried hard to keep my cadence within 85-95 rpm like a good girl. Hahaha!!! These numbers may be pathetic but I'm just so thrilled to have the tiny computer onboard, its numbers flashing, keeping me entertained.

This week's low:
This morning I crashed and skinned my knee. I was going downhill. When I shifted up, I heard my chain make an unusual dragging noise. I looked down, and in that moment of inattention my front wheel fell into that depression at the edge of the road. I lost control and scraped my knee, palms, and a bit of my shoulder. Bike seems ok, though the front wheel is flat :( I'll fix it tomorrow when my palms hurt less.

[Velocivixen]

@sunsfan, sorry about your fall and I hope you heal quickly. I'm curious as to what the dragging noise from your chain was? Did you drop the chain? The only reason I wear gloves when I ride is in the event I fall I will have protection on my hands. Sorry to hear you're scraped up.
Nice job on your computer. I have the Strada wireless and I am always checking my numbers when I get back from a ride.

[Owlie]

I managed to grab the package from my pockets, consume food, and then put the package back. while riding. And I didn't crash. (Yes, I consider this an accomplishment.) I also managed to do 26 miles today. Not hard for me normally, but I'm still feeling the after-effects of that hill yesterday. I will sleep well tonight, if the sore muscles don't decide to keep me awake...

Sunsfan, I hope you heal quickly!

[Bethany1]

I'm so sorry about your crash. I hope you get better soon.


I finally got brave enough to descend the gravel road behind my house today. It's a half mile uphill to get there and I'm not sure how steep it is down. I'd have to use the app on my phone to check that the next time I try it. My son said he hit 35 on his bike despite the large gravel. Now that I have my full suspension Y-11 I knew I could do it w/o sliding off into the ditch.

I haven't put a computer on my Y-11 but I know I hit some high speeds as I pretty much coasted 3/4 of a mile until I hit the small hill slowing my decsent. If I wasn't such a wimp, I know I could have gone faster. Wow.

I don't know if I could do it with my 29er as the sliding and bumping are more obvious since it doesn't have the rear suspension. I slide down the hill doing 30ish in my car.

For my DH who is new to riding, he hit 30mph going down another hill for the first time. He about had a heart attack when I told him. He's doing so much better as a beginner than I have. He doesn't fall off his bike..LOL.

[tytbody]

Hi Mike and welcome:)

[Boox2]

Hi, I'm a total newbie too!! Was riding my really old mountain bike on roads for June & half of July, then decided to get a proper road bike. Have had it for a little over a month and have been lurking on this site for about a month too :). This week I managed to install a new seat, pedals and shoes/cleats. Was so excited that it all worked out and felt pretty good. Got it all for a good price too so I was excited as I had been riding on SPD mtn bike pedals & really old mtn bike shoes (that were too small) .

Went on a ride today and had to stop to make a few adjustments to all the new gear but all in all it went great! Even finally broke my barrier and pulled out an average of 16.0 mph on a 40 mile ride... this was 1 mph better than 3 weeks ago so even though not considered 'fast', i was psyched!

I've been enjoying this forum, really inspirational & have learned a lot so far... thanks!

[Velocivixen]

Today while riding on the flats in a bike lane with a strong headwind, and out of desperation, I began coasting and gently reached down to my water bottle on the down tube, pulled it out of it's cage, used my teeth to pull the spout open and drank! The best part was that I didn't crash! I gently put it back into the cage. I did it by feel and kept my eyes on the road. Whoohoo, I'm making progress. I really didn't even practice I just did it.

[radacrider]

Today while riding on the flats in a bike lane with a strong headwind, and out of desperation, I began coasting and gently reached down to my water bottle on the down tube, pulled it out of it's cage, used my teeth to pull the spout open and drank! The best part was that I didn't crash! I gently put it back into the cage. I did it by feel and kept my eyes on the road. Whoohoo, I'm making progress. I really didn't even practice I just did it.

Awesome!:) Way to go.

[Catrin]

For the very first time I managed to pedal 22mph last night :) I was on my way home from my favorite park, and instead of taking the bike path down 56th I decided to play in traffic. I just put it in the big chain, shifted up and pedaled for all I was worth - talk about a sprint! There is a LOT of fast traffic on that street, and it is a narrow 2 lanes.

I have the most un-areo riding position possible, so am quite pleased with my .5 mile 22mph "sprint" Fine way to finish off a short, hot, and windy ride! We won't discuss how much the wind might have helped me reach that speed - but there had to be at least some tail-wind for part of that.

[radacrider]

For the very first time I managed to pedal 22mph last night :) I was on my way home from my favorite park, and instead of taking the bike path down 56th I decided to play in traffic. I just put it in the big chain, shifted up and pedaled for all I was worth - talk about a sprint! There is a LOT of fast traffic on that street, and it is a narrow 2 lanes.

I have the most un-areo riding position possible, so am quite pleased with my .5 mile 22mph "sprint" Fine way to finish off a short, hot, and windy ride! We won't discuss how much the wind might have helped me reach that speed - but there had to be at least some tail-wind for part of that.

Very cool, nice job!:)

[Roadtrip]

For the very first time I managed to pedal 22mph last night :)

Whooooo hoo. That's great. I can manage 20-22mph on my roadie for sprints, but getting my hybrid (un-aero) bike that fast requires REAL effort. I've only managed 18-20mph (no wind, head or tail) and my legs were jelly. Strange I can ride at high tempo and stamp out 16mph for miles on the flats, but kicking it up for short/intensive effort and I'm cooked.

Nice when you can challange yourself like that. Way to go :)

[Catrin]

I suspect there was a bit of a tailwind, but I've had other recent evidence that I am getting stronger than I realized and have been sandbagging a bit ;) It was good to see that last night, and quite a surprise.

Of course there was the incentive to get to the entrance to my apartment complex as quickly as possible so I wouldn't get ran over or knocked into the ditch...there is a REASON why I normally take the bike/ped trail.

[RubyTuesday]

So I have been at this road biking thing now for about six weeks. I started off pretty slow, but have gained distance and speed each week.

Yesterday was my longest ride yet. I did 33 miles with a very steep mile long hill. I came home tired, a bit sore and happy. Today my body feels good and I could actually ride, but I am giving my muscles a day rest.

Hills are a struggle for me. My normal riding speed yesterday was from 13 to 16mph. The hill dropped me down to 6.8-7mph. Will it ever get easier?

[hebe]

So sorry to read about your bump, Shannon. What a dreadful way for him to behave, I am glad that your injuries weren't worse and hopefully he has learned a lesson.

In awe of all the achievements here. We have had a truly miserable August weather-wise so I've just done a bit of tweaking on the bikes (added a water-cage and new pump to my errand bike, and also swapped the saddle back onto the suspension post after riding it over a path that I'd normally take my mountain bike over :o I've done a couple of nursery rides with the trailer, and a very surreal trailer ride to the local petrol station. Small Girl was taking forever and several tantrums to get out of the house, it turned out she wanted to ride in the trailer rather than walking the fraction of a mile. So I ended up on my mountain bike in a short skirt and vest top ( there was no saddle on my errand bike at the time). Lots of fun, though I'd definitely go for more modest underwear next time.

[MojoGrrl]

Total mileage this week was 190, with 140 of that being commuting - 30 miles each way on Weds, and 84 miles today with 3600 feet of climbing on the ride today. Yes, that was a commute. For real. :)

[Velocivixen]

I checked my tire pressure prior to a ride yesterday and the tip of my Presta valve broke off. Long story short is that the air came out of my tire. Now I have all the supplies and know, in theory, how to replace a tube, however I have never had a flat before. So, I layer out everything, got my reading glasses on so I could see the details of what I was doing. There were a few surprises. It didn't occur to me to use the floor pump (duh) to put a little air into the new tube so it would more easily go into the tire, so I used a CO2 canister. I did not know that when the CO2 is expelled it sends out this white powdery stuff and it is very cold! No big deal, just didn't know it would happen. So then when I put the partially inflated tube into the tire the tube was waaaay too big! How could that be?! So I tried letting a little air out & guess what? It fit!! I put the tire & new tube easily onto the wheel, inflated, and reinstalled the wheel (front) onto my bike. Then I was worried that somehow it wasn't right. I went around the tire/new tube with my hands on both sides to ensure the bead of the tire was seated, on the inflated tire the small circumferential line ran parallel to the rim and the tube didn't bulge out, so everything should be good. Then I worried that somehow my wheel wasn't on fully, despite the fact that the brakes were equidistance from the rim with no rubbing, etc.
After everything was done I couldn't unscrew the lid to the CO2 device and had my neighbor unscrew it for me! I could have had it cross threaded but I don't think so.
NOTE: after initially cursing that my tubes were cheap pieces of cr*p as evidenced by the valve tips breaking off, I came to the realization that the tips (now noticed on the back also) were getting bent because of my pump hose "dismount" technique. I stopped by my LBS to buy new CO2 cartridge, tube, and have them eyeball my work and confirm that it was alright. I also got some tips regarding how to dismount the pump mount from your stem without bending the stem!

[redrhodie]

Velocivixen, I just wanted to let you know that the CO2 will leak out rather quickly, and that's normal. I usually let it all out and pump before the next ride. Also, when I'm using CO2, I usually blow into the new tube to add a little air.

[Titania]

Had a really good ride last night. I rode 8.5 miles in 40 minutes. Average speed was 10.4 mph and max was 22 mph, including 266 feet of climb. I've never ridden that far that fast, on hills, even!

I'm very new to hills, and I really concentrated this time at maintaining good form, keeping my hands, arms, shoulders loose and spinning up the hill. I worked on keeping my core firm and breathing deeply at the same time (which takes practice!!!) and made it up the big hill with a minimum of fuss. I wasn't fast, but I made it without feeling like I was going to die at the top. That's a big accomplishment for me. DH even commented that I'm getting much faster than I used to be. Yay!

[goldfinch]

Had a really good ride last night. I rode 8.5 miles in 40 minutes. Average speed was 10.4 mph and max was 22 mph, including 266 feet of climb. I've never ridden that far that fast, on hills, even!

I'm very new to hills, and I really concentrated this time at maintaining good form, keeping my hands, arms, shoulders loose and spinning up the hill. I worked on keeping my core firm and breathing deeply at the same time (which takes practice!!!) and made it up the big hill with a minimum of fuss. I wasn't fast, but I made it without feeling like I was going to die at the top. That's a big accomplishment for me. DH even commented that I'm getting much faster than I used to be. Yay!


Congratulations on the great ride! I love hearing about people's milestones.

[Velocivixen]

@Titania, very nice accomplishment. 8.5 miles in 40 minutes is a good time, and it seems like you made short order of that hill. Great job.

[Velocivixen]

@redrhodie, I just think I figured out what you meant. When you said the CO2 would "leak out rather quickly" I wasn't sure what you meant. I waited 2 days after I changed the tube to ride again and I noticed that my front tire only had maybe 60 psi in it (dropped 30 psi from 2 days prior) and that my back tire only was down maybe 2-4 psi in the same time period. NOW I finally understand what you meant! I wonder why that is???

[redrhodie]

@redrhodie, I just think I figured out what you meant. When you said the CO2 would "leak out rather quickly" I wasn't sure what you meant. I waited 2 days after I changed the tube to ride again and I noticed that my front tire only had maybe 60 psi in it (dropped 30 psi from 2 days prior) and that my back tire only was down maybe 2-4 psi in the same time period. NOW I finally understand what you meant! I wonder why that is???

I should probably leave this for one of our scientists, but I'm going to take a guess...size or shape of the CO2 molecule makes it slip through the tube wall faster than O2.

[Velocivixen]

Here's a link with the solution. Sounds like you are on the right track:

http://www.planobicycle.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1061

[Antaresia]

So, I just moved and I'm still in the process of getting rid of stuff. I picked out a sweater that I knew I could no longer zip up (it's too small), just to put it on and decide if it was worth keeping around.

...


.......


I can totally zip it up now, all the way and it isn't even tight.

[tytbody]

Clapping Hands. Awesome news .. Thanks for sharing. http://www.websmileys.com/sm/happy/1074.gif

[hebe]

oh that's brilliant, well done!

I rode a bit more of the busy road into town yesterday - the council has put a new crossing on it, which means that a nasty turn across traffic has pretty much been eliminated as long as I don't mind hopping off the bike and pressing a button. In the end I hopped off the bike a few yards early, as the bike lane was obstructed by a road works van immediately before the crossing.

[tytbody]

Saidieme.. I think you're in this thread... if not, hi to all. I had a great day today. today was the day I got my new Bike and it's sharp. Better then what the pictures make it out to be. My husband said I did well in picking it out.

We went to the Canal on the Cape and road for about an hour. It was pretty windy and that was not enjoyable but the ride back was great. It's hard pushing against wind.

The purpose out today was to get used to the gears, shifting, get a feel for it again. I was fitted excellently with my Bike shop owner. She went over shifting, getting on, getting off, when to see if I will need a seat adjustment. They even installed my cateye . I don't know how to read it yet, but I will check into it more when it's important. I guess I think we rode about 3 miles. I got off twice. Once I walked it and then to rest my ishium. Hands and shoulders are all good.

I'm taking an epsom salt bath, just incase those parts what to try to cry to me tomorrow.

I do love it. I do hate that I'm out of shape.

[sadieme]

WOOHOO! That sounds great tytbody! Got all your ducks in a row... and everything is working well! I'm so impressed that you can get a new bike and have everything fall together right!

Being out of shape isnt fun.... but you, (and me) are changing that, and thats a good thing!

Congratulations on your new purchase and doing it right the first time! :)

Pictures please?!?

[goldfinch]

Saidieme.. I think you're in this thread... if not, hi to all. I had a great day today. today was the day I got my new Bike and it's sharp. Better then what the pictures make it out to be. My husband said I did well in picking it out.

We went to the Canal on the Cape and road for about an hour. It was pretty windy and that was not enjoyable but the ride back was great. It's hard pushing against wind.

The purpose out today was to get used to the gears, shifting, get a feel for it again. I was fitted excellently with my Bike shop owner. She went over shifting, getting on, getting off, when to see if I will need a seat adjustment. They even installed my cateye . I don't know how to read it yet, but I will check into it more when it's important. I guess I think we rode about 3 miles. I got off twice. Once I walked it and then to rest my ishium. Hands and shoulders are all good.

I'm taking an epsom salt bath, just incase those parts what to try to cry to me tomorrow.

I do love it. I do hate that I'm out of shape.

I remember my first rides--painful yet wonderful at the same time. May the wind be at your back next time!

[Titania]

Saidieme.. I think you're in this thread... if not, hi to all. I had a great day today. today was the day I got my new Bike and it's sharp. Better then what the pictures make it out to be. My husband said I did well in picking it out.

We went to the Canal on the Cape and road for about an hour. It was pretty windy and that was not enjoyable but the ride back was great. It's hard pushing against wind.

The purpose out today was to get used to the gears, shifting, get a feel for it again. I was fitted excellently with my Bike shop owner. She went over shifting, getting on, getting off, when to see if I will need a seat adjustment. They even installed my cateye . I don't know how to read it yet, but I will check into it more when it's important. I guess I think we rode about 3 miles. I got off twice. Once I walked it and then to rest my ishium. Hands and shoulders are all good.

I'm taking an epsom salt bath, just incase those parts what to try to cry to me tomorrow.

I do love it. I do hate that I'm out of shape.

Yay! Sounds like a good first ride on a new bike! Would you mind sharing where you purchased your new bike? I'm looking at getting a road bike, and all of the LBS seem, except for Harris, to have pretty mixed reviews.

DH and I are planning on doing some riding on the cape in October. Haven't ridden any of the paths there before, so it should be interesting...and likely cold. :p

[Titania]

Had another really great ride today and tackled my own personal great white whale.

There's a really steep hill fairly near my house that I tried to ride up a few years ago. I made it only a small part of the way up before having an exercise-induced asthma attack. It was the first time I'd ridden with DH...I was mortified by the whole thing.

Today, many pounds lighter and in much better shape, I decided to try the hill again. I fully expected to have to walk part of it, but I did good. I got to the top without even beging in my absolute lowest granny gear. I had to let out a little whoop when I made it. That hill has been so HUGE in my head for the longest time...now it's DONE! And, having done it once, I can easily do it many more times. It was a pretty big moment for me.

[tytbody]

Yay! Sounds like a good first ride on a new bike! Would you mind sharing where you purchased your new bike? I'm looking at getting a road bike, and all of the LBS seem, except for Harris, to have pretty mixed reviews.

DH and I are planning on doing some riding on the cape in October. Haven't ridden any of the paths there before, so it should be interesting...and likely cold. :p

You should come down. I'm sure they would make it worth your while. I recommend Cycle Lodge. (http://www.cyclelodge.com/)
Excellent shop. My husband was impressed with the service. Both husband and wife very knowledgeable of bikes. Fit, gave me first hand instruction. She said, I want to make sure Cheryl knows how to work the gears before leaving. I tell you, don't go to REI or any other chain. They got it or if not, they will get it.

My bike does not have that tube in the middle because it's a step through. it's so close to my body that I can't fit if they put a bottl on that shaft. I had to have them take it off. Now She, the owner could step through. I said, this baby got more back then you sista.

[tytbody]

Had another really great ride today and tackled my own personal great white whale.

There's a really steep hill fairly near my house that I tried to ride up a few years ago. I made it only a small part of the way up before having an exercise-induced asthma attack. It was the first time I'd ridden with DH...I was mortified by the whole thing.

Today, many pounds lighter and in much better shape, I decided to try the hill again. I fully expected to have to walk part of it, but I did good. I got to the top without even beging in my absolute lowest granny gear. I had to let out a little whoop when I made it. That hill has been so HUGE in my head for the longest time...now it's DONE! And, having done it once, I can easily do it many more times. It was a pretty big moment for me.

You know, that sounds great. I can't wait to achieve my first hill. That is so great. I would give you a hug if I could cause that's really good. !@!!!!!!!

[StPeteNewbie]

I am just getting used to the new bike and back into biking (I havent biked in 25 years) and went out for a spin today. Had some headwind, crosswind and rain. (beginning to feel like a "real" biker) The goal was to finish the last part of the bike path and I just had to touch the sign to "make it official" and I went down. I had one foot free but I forgot about the other foot still being attached to the petal. Im fine and actually I am glad that it happened. Now I know that I can survive: I only spilled a little blood and the bike is ok. Now its time for the next adventure...:)

[tytbody]

For me, I guess being this is my second ride, I did 10.24 miles. I don't now if the cadence thing is the single digets, (I have to read the instructions) but I seem to have kept it around 7. it would go 5,6,7 8. I noticed the numbers on that ting as high as 18. That was going down hill so I know it has something to do with pedaling or wheel rotation.

[sadieme]

I guess my 'newbie accomplishment* is getting hubby to go for a short ride with me today. He borrowed a bike from a friend. It was an antique, single speed bike. We rode a bit over 4 miles total before he was worn out! We traded bikes for the last mile so he could see that it doesnt have to be that hard! Not sure if he will be willing to do it again, but I tried to get him out there with me! :)

[tytbody]

you neve know. He may try your's out again and say, I think I'll get one. I saw my neighbor, out today on HER new bike. So it can be contagious. She has not ridden in a while same as me but she looked good. I was on my way out so we didn't chat much. I said, anytime, just ring my door bell or text me. I had my little girl in the car with me so we are always ready. (the little girl is my bike) I've not named her yet.

[maggieriley]

Hi all - I'm a new member and a new rider - started this summer (July 2011). I am amazed at how rapidly improvement happens in biking - it is what has gotten me to love it again! I see all kinds of signs of progress, every time I ride - from feeling better, not being as sore, making it farther up hills without needing to stop, not needing to stop as often, riding farther, feeling more confident... not moaning and groaning as much - haha.

My biggest achievements happened while riding with a women's group on weekly rides - the first time I doubled my longest distance ride up to that point, went over bigger hills, and felt pretty good afterwards. But I was afraid to ride over cattle guards...

The next time I went out with them, I braved the cattle guards!! I was so proud! And I rode 20 miles! The next time I rode 25! And my butt and legs didn't hurt as much, either :) The next time I rode 30 miles and made it to the top of a summit - I was so out of breath I thought I would collapse and my heart was going to burst out of my chest like in Aliens - haha - but I made it! The next time, I made it, AND had enough energy and breath to yell "WHOOO!" at the top and even talk! And my next ride? FORTY EIGHT MILES!! I rode with my husband in the High Sierra Fall Century (short course) and made it to Wildrose Summit!! WHOOO!!! That was last weekend!

I would never have done it without the encouragement and support and cheering on of the folks in that group, and my husband.

Now I want to get a road bike, and I want to ride my bike more and more, and next year I will ride the full century!! This is something I could never have imagined even wanting to do, let alone actually doing it.

Biking rules!!!! :D

[maggieriley]

Had another really great ride today and tackled my own personal great white whale.

There's a really steep hill fairly near my house that I tried to ride up a few years ago. I made it only a small part of the way up before having an exercise-induced asthma attack. It was the first time I'd ridden with DH...I was mortified by the whole thing.

Today, many pounds lighter and in much better shape, I decided to try the hill again. I fully expected to have to walk part of it, but I did good. I got to the top without even beging in my absolute lowest granny gear. I had to let out a little whoop when I made it. That hill has been so HUGE in my head for the longest time...now it's DONE! And, having done it once, I can easily do it many more times. It was a pretty big moment for me.
That is so great!!! The first hill I did that with is near our house - I remember it seemed really hard the first time I did it, and I was so out of breath, but now it is no big deal - I LOVE that. And I love no longer being afraid of hills!! Conquering those goals feels so amazing - I've never been athletic, but I'm starting to feel like biking is changing that - hooray!!

[hebe]

Welcome Maggie and StPetenewbie!

I love reading all the successes here.

[maggieriley]

I am just getting used to the new bike and back into biking (I havent biked in 25 years) and went out for a spin today. Had some headwind, crosswind and rain. (beginning to feel like a "real" biker) The goal was to finish the last part of the bike path and I just had to touch the sign to "make it official" and I went down. I had one foot free but I forgot about the other foot still being attached to the petal. Im fine and actually I am glad that it happened. Now I know that I can survive: I only spilled a little blood and the bike is ok. Now its time for the next adventure...:)
Oh dear - falling is one milestone I haven't crossed yet! I'm afraid of it, of course... I am worried about getting toe clips/clipless pedals - though I know it would improve my riding efficiency... I'm still riding my mountain bike with handlebar extender and gel seat and no clips of any kind on the pedals - I sit upright... and the bike doesn't even fit me well - it's too small for me. But I haven't fallen yet! haha. I think it would be good to get it over with, so I could be like you and know I'll survive... but I hope it doesn't happen when I'm riding down a steep hill at full speed!!!

[Velocivixen]

I've just read the last several posts and there have been some inspirational happenings. So, let's see. I think my new achievements involve gaining confidence in traffic. I am more brave "taking the lane" when appropriate. Won't go into all the specifics, but I try mostly to ride on either low volume streets or streets with dedicated bike lanes. The other day, for example, there was a city truck in the bike lane and part of one of the car lanes repairing a street light. There were flaggers there holding "slow" signs. I saw that there was a car about half a block behind me, so I signaled that I would be moving left into the car lane, I confidently took the lane, and once I passed the truck, I signaled that I was returning to the right lane (bike lane had ended by then). Anyway, all went well and I wasn't too nervous. I have a rear view mirror on my helmet that helps. There are other times when bike lanes end and I am suddenly sharing a lane with a car. I stay to the right, but never put myself so close to parked cars that I could be "doored", which could be very dangerous.
Alright ladies, keep up what you're doing. Keep sharing and encouraging.

[maggieriley]

Traffic scares me! I have no desire to ride in traffic, but getting good at it would certainly help. Fortunately, I live in an area without a lot of traffic... but we do have a highway running through town that I try to avoid. Anyway, good for you!! A rear-view mirror seems like an awfully good idea - I need to get one - for riding along our rural country roads and forgetting about cars, until one whizzes by and startles me.

I did use the left turn lane on our highway coming home the other night, but the light didn't change for me!! I think it's got one of those things that cars trigger... at least there wasn't much traffic and when the light turned green, I just ran the red arrow since no one was coming (after it had already gone a cycle without changing). I guess I'll become a temporary pedestrian in the future at that intersection - ha.

Good luck with the traffic - you are brave!!!

[jelee1311]

Welcome Maggie and St pete,I'm so glad someone gave this thread a bump its good to read all the new achievements. Maggie sometimes I have to hit the cross walk because my bike is too light plus the more you ride in traffic the better you will get. Nothing much new to report here I'm off the bike due to an injury and now swimming lots. Hopefully back on again before all the nice weather goes

[Daydrummer]

this past sunday I got on my bike for the first time since my motorcycle wreck. 7 years away from bicycle, 3 years away from my motorcycle wreck, which I still have problems with today.

it was only 5 blocks, but it felt like an eternity to me. I don't think I have been ever that panic stricken in my life that yet so happy I finally managed to get back on a bike. this bicycle is my therapy.

[tytbody]

That is BIG news. Great to hear it. it does take time to get in the saddle again from any accident. Mine was a car accident and I didn't want to drive or be taken any where in a car. Big high five to your acchievements.

[KatzPajamas]

this past sunday i got on my bike for the first time since my motorcycle wreck. 7 years away from bicycle, 3 years away from my motorcycle wreck, which i still have problems with today.

It was only 5 blocks, but it felt like an eternity to me. I don't think i have been ever that panic stricken in my life that yet so happy i finally managed to get back on a bike. This bicycle is my therapy.


awesome!

[Velocivixen]

This isn't so much of an "achievement", but getting into a habit. You know how it's said that most Americans drive a car for trips less than 5 miles from home? Or is it 2 miles? Anyway, I had a doctor's appt. to meet my new MD and had to be there at 9:00 a.m. I knew how to get there by bike but I used google maps to see what alternate ways I could take and I did go a different way than I initially would have. Got there in plenty of time and all went well. I didn't really have an excuse. When I made the appt. I specifically asked if the clinic had bicycle parking and it did. I rode 10.6 miles there and back. So...instead of using the fact that I was going to an unfamiliar place as a reason not to ride my bike I just did it and I was awake, alert and cheerful when I arrived.

@jelee, I hope you get better soon. Are you going to Oregon Manifest?

[hebe]

this past sunday I got on my bike for the first time since my motorcycle wreck. 7 years away from bicycle, 3 years away from my motorcycle wreck, which I still have problems with today.

it was only 5 blocks, but it felt like an eternity to me. I don't think I have been ever that panic stricken in my life that yet so happy I finally managed to get back on a bike. this bicycle is my therapy.


That's brilliant, well done! What are you planning for your next ride?

Well done velocivixen too. I do a lot more errand biking than I ever imagined possible, it really does make a difference to fitness and finances. I have a "scenic route" into town that drops me right by my doctor's surgery.

[Titania]

this past sunday I got on my bike for the first time since my motorcycle wreck. 7 years away from bicycle, 3 years away from my motorcycle wreck, which I still have problems with today.

it was only 5 blocks, but it felt like an eternity to me. I don't think I have been ever that panic stricken in my life that yet so happy I finally managed to get back on a bike. this bicycle is my therapy.

AWESOME!!!! Good on you for getting back on the bike!!!!

I got hit on my bike when I was a kid, so I know that fear. The fear gets better with practice, but you do have to beware the times when it pops up unexpectedly. Just gotta remember to chill out, breathe and relax! You can do it!

[Titania]

I did 15 miles on the road on Saturday...the most I've ever ridden on the road before. Traffic was a bit hairy a couple of times, but it was OK. I really tried to remind myself to be predictable...sometimes hard when the road surfaces are crap. I took the lane when I needed to change lanes. It was a really, really good ride.

[maggieriley]

Thank you for being here and posting your stories. I haven't ridden since the half century on Labor Day weekend that was the pinnacle of my biking experience... my butt was too sore at first, but it's just that "habit" thing - I'm motivated after reading all the wins, large and small, you've posted.

Getting back on after an accident would be HUGE - congratulations for that. And just changing your habits, not using convenient excuses - that is stupidly hard to do when it seems so simple. So I'd call that an achievement as well. Overcoming fears, bad habits, or pushing yourself farther - all awesome. Now to get off the computer, off my butt, and get OUT there!!

Thanks!! :)

[Daydrummer]

Since ya'll asked, my goal is to be able to participate in the Trek Women's Breast Cancer Awareness Ride on the 8th. Just 10 miles, but its important to me for very personal reasons. I'm still panicking, but slowly getting better. My sternum is still bent from my motorcycle injury 3 years ago, so I'm hesitant in everything. But I want to do this, I need to prove to myself I'm stronger than a wreck.

[hebe]

Since ya'll asked, my goal is to be able to participate in the Trek Women's Breast Cancer Awareness Ride on the 8th. Just 10 miles, but its important to me for very personal reasons. I'm still panicking, but slowly getting better. My sternum is still bent from my motorcycle injury 3 years ago, so I'm hesitant in everything. But I want to do this, I need to prove to myself I'm stronger than a wreck.

Good luck Daydrummer. I think you are most definitely stronger than a wreck.

I did a few bits of grocery shopping on the bike this morning. I know it's not a big deal, but I get such a kick out of being able to shop, get fit, and drive less all at the same time. There is a new bike/pedestrian crossing planned for an unpleasant junction which will riding rather than driving still more attractive.

[MojoGrrl]

Climbed Wild Horse Valley Road - the second hardest climb in Napa county - today! I have been working my way up to the top over the past couple weeks and finally made it today, all the way, with only a couple of stops to catch my breath and get a drink. Strava classifies it as a Cat 2 and it's a 9+% grade...and brutal, with lots of switchbacks which are slightly annoying going up but terrifying going down because it's a one-lane road with almost no visibility and cars suddenly coming up around the corner. I did it on my less-favorite bike (the heavier, slower Specialized Dolce Sport) too!

I hated climbing but since I'm getting better at it, I don't hate it so much, I guess. Boyfriend and I have been commuting to work on the 50-lb tandem, 30 miles each way over a mountain (about 1700 feet of climbing) and a couple of weeks ago we did the MS Waves to Wine (also on the tandem). We did the full course - 104 miles on day 1, 72 on day 2, LOTS of climbing - and we kicked @ss on the second day, finishing in 5 and a half hours (with about 45 minutes of rest stops). I have gotten into amazing shape and I guess I'm not exactly a newbie anymore :)

[ShubieGA]

Way to go MojoGrrl! I guess the answer to hills is practice! You are giving me inspiration!

First longish ride for yesterday after cracking my ribs 6 weeks ago - 20 miles, with some walking up hills involved. It was also my 2nd time in traffic (since some eye stuff over the last few years). I wasn't afraid this time. Yay! So glad I was able to ride in the Tour de Pink, but I need to get after the inclines...it was sad! But I know I can improve. Keep on peddling!

[MojoGrrl]

For those of you who do a lot of riding around town - I find that a pretty notable accomplishment! I do most of my riding out on country roads where traffic can get kind of scary because they're going fast, but I HATE riding in the city - city traffic and pedestrians make me very nervous. They're unpredictable but at the same time, predictably stupid and unsafe.

[Bike Writer]

More of an annual achievement than a weekly achievement but today I crossed over 1,000 miles for this outdoor bike riding season! Many riders here are able to triple and quadruple that figure easily. For just over 27 weeks in this season from April to October it's a biggie for me.

Tomorrow I do my second ever chairty ride in the Tour de Livingston. Excited for it!

I don't ride far and I don't ride fast but I do ride often. :D

[jelee1311]

Good for you Bike Writer! Have a fun ride

[hebe]

Good for you Bike Writer! Have a fun ride

+1! Congratulations, Bike Writer!