Just got my first pair of rollers! (long)
I finally purchased my first set of roller and they were delivered today! I was eagerly awaiting my delivery for three whole days! I couldn't figure out why they couldn't arive now, since I ordered them online! But, alas, here they are!
I ran down to the apartment complex management office to pick up the long awaited package. Even though the managers were no where to be found, the packages were still outside of the locked office door. I checked the lable and retrieved the box with my name on it.
I brought it back to my apartment and shooed the dog away from MY new present. "No Timber, there isn't any dog treats in the box!" I popped the three industrial sized staples and cut the thick box tape, narrowly avoiding my prying fingers. I pulled out the alloy rollers with great anticipation!
I unfolded the shiny rollers out and attempted to unfold them. They fought back and I realized two undercover zip-ties were preventing my advancement. I quickly cut through the zip-ties, again, trying to avoid lopping off a cherished finger. With the two ties removed, the rollers unfolded easily.
I looked at the beautiful training tool that was going to make my winters here in Wisconsin better...I hope. Quickly, I moved them next to the dining room where I could use the kitchen counter for balance. This also allowed me to watch the Tour on television for the third time today. I ran to my cycling bag and pulled out my shoes, socks, and shorts and stripped down to nearly nothing, much to the chagrine of my dog. After four years, you would think he would be used to it...but that is another story.
I slipped on my second favorite shorts and put my socks and shoes on. I then feverently dug through the bag for my gloves, which had seemed to have grown legs. At last, I found everything I needed.
I grabbed my steed and placed it on the rollers. I looked and pondered for a moment because I wasn't sure where my front tire should be in relation to the center of the roller. I leaned my bike against the wall and searched for directions for the rollers. Unfortunately, the box had no directions in them, and I was convinced it was created and packaged by a man...(sorry, no offense really!)
I went back on the bike and straddled the cross bar. I am kind of tall, 5'11" to be exact, and with the bike on the rollers, the cross bar was coming dangerously close to a place that we all know is a little sensative to bumps and bruses. I took a deep breath and told myself it was close, but I would be fine!
I went to clip in my left foot and I couldn't clip in. I was getting frustrated because it isn't like I just started using these clips. I tried again before realizing I had the rubber protective covers on. Ooops, minor oversight. I pulled off the rbber shoes and hear the distinctive click of my Look pedals. I placed my hand on the counter and carefully clipped in my right foot. I slowly began to pedal and found it really hard. I looked down and realized I was on my biggest ring. Hmmm, how was I going to fix this? You would think this was an easy fix because, duh, all I needed to do was click my lever. But, the counter I was using for balance was on the left side too. So, I added input to the pedals and pondered the situation.
I decided to feel what the rollers were like before I tried any adjustment. It was kind of a cool rush pedalling, but not going anywhere. I tried to look forward as so many people told me to do so as not to fall off of the side of the rollers. I shimmered back and forth on the rollers and this was an annerving feeling I needed to get used to. I then decided I would quickly hit my lever so I could drop a chain ring.
Well, I quickly lost my balance, and before I could unclip, I found myself slowly tipping to the right. Danger, danger, danger! Boom, there I went. Didn't hurt too much and I was laughing because of my foolish mistake and overconfidence in myself!
So, I moved to a hallway with a safety net on both side of me! I got back on it and held onto the wall for about three minutes befor trying to pull my left hand off of the wall for short, and I mean short, periods of time. After about five minutes of that, I got tired and got off. I discovered a small bruise developing on the inside of my right knee. :) Won't be the last one.
Well, after a small break and a start of dinner, I put in Train and started again. After a minute into the song, I got it! I was able to balance on my own. I got used to wobbling back and forth and decided to relax my upper body. And that worked! I was cruising along for the whole rest of the first song.
I had to stop to lower the heat on my potatoes and then hopped back on. That seems like the most difficult part; starting and stopping. Only one other time I lost my balance and I was able to rescue myself on the wall.
On the second song, I started changing gears and by the end of the second song, I was able to move from the hoods to the top of the bars! Yea, I am so excited! They are a lot of fun, and I can't wait to move out of the hallway and into the living room so I can watch television!
So, it can be done. Don't give up!
Thank you for listening! I hope all are having a good day!
