My first long ride...and one problem
So, I rode 25 miles yesterday! I never thought I could do anything remotely like that. It was also my first time on the loaner bike. I was really nervous, and my, well, BF, teased me about how I was acting like I was going on a huge adventure (which for me, I was). I was worried about shifting gears, and about getting my feet in and out of the pedals at streetlights. He was an excellent teacher, though, and kept telling me to get my butt out of the saddle at each light so I could start up again correctly. I had a couple of wobbly starts, but no major problems. I even got pretty good at getting my feet into the little straps quickly. The amazing thing is, I felt fine for almost the whole ride. There are no huge hills in Central Park, but there is a long, low one. You guys were right -- after having to do hills on a one-speed, it just felt moderately challenging, since I had the option of shifting gears now. I used the same techniques I used on the old bike...breathing and relaxing while I do the hill, and it wasn't ever really bad. Luckily it was overcast during most of the ride. I did wear out a lot faster once the sun came out (which I expected). I don't think I was any more tired than he was at the end, and I'm not sore at all today (he says I'll be cursing him tomorrow, though). I'm so excited!
My only problem is with the handlebars. I'm pretty petite (5') and have small hands. I have a really hard time reaching the brakes from the lower/racing position. I can only reach them by the tips of my fingers. I'm fine with that, because I don't really need to be that hard-core, lower position at this point. I just hold on and brake from the higher place. But even there, it still was causing a lot of pain in my lower thumb joint, because of how much I have to stretch my hand out. We lifted the bars up a little, and that helped a little bit, but I don't think we should really make the much higher. My hand doesn't hurt too much today, but I don't want to cause permanent strain. My mother has arthritis in those joints, and I don't want to ask for trouble. I'm going to take the bike to my bike shop and see what the guy there says. Has anyone on here had problems with that? Is it something that you just need to get used to?
Also, there was one really great hill with curves, and I just can't quite get up the nerve to go down it without breaking once. I can't get over the feeling that when I'm tilted so much to the side when turning, the bike will just slip out from underneath me.
Now, my BF is tantalizing me with images of biking through the poppy fields of Provence. I have to admit, I'm excited by the possibility of having other adventures.
I hope I can keep it up. It has been amazing having all your support. Thanks again.
