Breaking Free!

This Sunday I am going to be brave and hit a back country road! It is time to break out of my park "nursery" and take Stella (my Trek) out in the country to see how the real road feels :D

I AM a little nervous at the thought of being out in traffic that isn't creeping along slower than I am - but there is only one way to handle that, and that is to do it. This stretch of road has been recommended as having very little traffic. I have a 15 mile route sketched out, it is a big loop that will bring me back to my car. I have ridden up to 13 miles in the past, and there is a place where I can take a break if I need one.

I am really looking forward to this - since I will be alone there will be someone who knows my basic route and will send people looking for me if they don't hear from me by a certain time. All I have to do is to have fun and avoid being run over ;)

I'm sure you won't have any trouble, and you might just find it to be the most pleasant ride you've had! The first time breaking free is a BIG step! :)
Be sure to post and tell us all about it!!!

Yay! Can't wait for the ride report. Bring eats and drinks.

When I first started I took lots of breaks. Stop whenever you need to, even if just for a minute. I bet you're going to have a great time. :)

One thing I like to do is post a copy of my route on our refrigerator. I have printed maps of a variety of route lengths from my rural driveway. I put the one I am doing on the top of the stack and tell my boys I'm going out.

My Blackburn Fleas also make me feel more secure on the road. I have the head and tail lights and I put them both in the flicker mode.

I am still a long way off from having a hydration and nutrition routine. I haven't had any major issues yet but summer is approaching fast.

Something that my husband continues to remind me to do is make eye contact with drivers at intersections and at driveways. Never assume they have seen you until you get the nod or wave.

I have enjoyed my graduation to the real roads. Sometimes my husband tries to get me back to my practice park just for a loop and I won't do it. It is too claustrophobic after the wide open roads.

I am sure you will quickly take to the open road as well.

Have a wonderful time :) Remember to "think car" - you're not a pedestrian squeezing along the side, you're a "car" in traffic, just a slow one. Your priority is to be visible and moving in a straight line on the right-hand side of the road, then traffic will have no trouble just passing you when it's clear. Your speed makes no difference, cars move much faster then you anyway. If you feel that looking behind you makes you wobble or weave, don't do it, or stop to do so.

You are gonna have a blast. Just wear something visible and stay hydrated. Keep a cell phone with you. Do you have a road ID? A great investment.

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Originally Posted by kermit

You are gonna have a blast. Just wear something visible and stay hydrated. Keep a cell phone with you. Do you have a road ID? A great investment.

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Yes, I have a bright purple Road ID for my wrist :) My Trek only has room for one water cage though... That should be ok, I don't think 15 miles requires a Camelbak (though I do have one). Part of my loop takes me through a small town and should I need something by then I am sure there is someplace I can stop. Of course I could put another bottle in my back jersey pocket...hmmmm

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Originally Posted by Catrin

Yes, I have a bright purple Road ID for my wrist :) My Trek only has room for one water cage though... That should be ok, I don't think 15 miles requires a Camelbak (though I do have one). Part of my loop takes me through a small town and should I need something by then I am sure there is someplace I can stop. Of course I could put another bottle in my back jersey pocket...hmmmm

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I think one bottle--especially if it's 20 ounces--will be plenty. Bring a few dollars with you if you really think you might run low on anything. You'll do just fine.

Where's your route taking you?

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Originally Posted by indysteel

I think one bottle--especially if it's 20 ounces--will be plenty. Bring a few dollars with you if you really think you might run low on anything. You'll do just fine.

Where's your route taking you?

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Thanks for the vote of confidence :)

I will start on Kissel Rd in Boone county, go north to E 550 S and go west, then make my way to Main Street though the heart of the metropolis of Whitestown, then up to 200 and go east, south on 900E, west on 300S, then south on 800 East until I get back to my car in a church parking lot on Kissel. Right about 15 miles in total - I've been told about the route from the person who suggested it, but I may drive it right before riding it.

That's a fine route. Before moving to Franklin, I used to ride to Whitestown all the way.
There's little traffic.

Resist the urge to drive it. Repeat after me: you can do this. I understand your anxiety, really I do, but it's REALLY much easier than you're building it up to be. Trust me on this and have some confidence!!! ;)

Good luck, Catrin. You will have so much fun.

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Originally Posted by indysteel

That's a fine route. Before moving to Franklin, I used to ride to Whitestown all the way.
There's little traffic.

Resist the urge to drive it. Repeat after me: you can do this. I understand your anxiety, really I do, but it's REALLY much easier than you're building it up to be. Trust me on this and have some confidence!!! ;)

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Ok, I will trust you on this :p I also really trust my personal trainer who rides this loop as part of a much longer ride 3-4 days a week - and he says this is the perfect route for me. So I will trust both of you - and I am REALLY looking forward to this! I will NOT over-think this! That is the great thing about riding, you really can't over-think things - just get out there and ride!

Tomorrow my LHT is to come home, at least it is supposed to. I am torn over which bike to ride tomorrow, but it is supposed to be beautiful tomorrow and I WANT to hit the road. So Boone County tomorrow, and the Surly goes to the park on Sunday. I have to learn to take my hands off the bars to shift :rolleyes:

Good luck and have fun! Can't wait for the report.

Getting ready to head out and a half/hour or so, waiting for the warmest part of the day. It is kind of windy this afternoon, 15-17 mph winds and I keep telling myself that isn't so bad and the wind will keep me from over-heating :)

I AM wondering if I should wear my smartwool long sleeved base layer beneath my sleeveless jersey - I certainly don't need a jacket. I don't want to overheat, but with temps in the high 60's and only reaching 70, am wondering if the wind might be a little chilly.