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Not quite a riding success, but I found our Ordnance Survey Explorer map and have identified several bridleways and byways within easy reach. I found one today and went part way along on foot as I had my toddler walking, but I can't wait to try it on my bike! There is so much more off-road/quiet riding around here than I imagined.
As I'm still scared to get out on the roads near the house, so I ventured out on my small road right here by the house without going out on the main road.
I badly wanted to ride and it was getting too dark by the time I got home from work. I practiced hill climbing on my small (but steep) hill and at the end of the road is a small convenience store with a parking lot that I used to turn around. Problem is there is a speed bump entering the parking lot. For what ever reason I was scared to go over it, thinking that hitting it would just bounce me right the way sideways and down goes Frazier... down goes Frazier.
Then I just DID it and hopped right over that bump and said.. wow.. weeeeeee.. that was FUN.
Shannon
Good job! I can understand being wary of roads you will get there. Its a good thing you aren't letting that stop you.:)
:D Brilliant!Quote:
Originally Posted by Roadtrip
Speed-bumps were my nemesis too, there is one that goes almost all the way across the road just outside my house. I knew I was improving when I could set off and ride between the kerb and the edge of the bump (a gap of a couple of feet) rather than wobbling straight over the bump.
I've got some big plans for this weekend... I'm doing my first trail ride, leaving my practice parking lot for the first time... going really early so I can (hopefully) be out with a few people as possible. I'm scared, but looking forward to it, I'll report back on how the ride goes.
Good luck! I'm sure you'll have a blast :D
My cycling instructor has broken her hand, so no lesson next week. If the weather is ok I'm going to have a go at the trail I found instead, can't waste two hours of nursery time!
Roadtrip - Way to go!Quote:
Originally Posted by Roadtrip
You go woman! I remember doing this the very first time and while it is a little scary, you will find that our imagination really tends to make things harder than they are. Keep us posted, and have fun!Quote:
Originally Posted by Roadtrip
So today was my off Friday and the weather was absolutely gorgeous today. Took the bike out to go for a ride, and was feeling pretty confident and great: traffic, red lights, stopping w/ one foot clipped in no longer freaking me out so much and I can really enjoy the ride. Then out of the blue a rodie flies by me on her bike and says hi and is off like lightening. Man was she fast... Must have been going 18 mph. Compared to my 12.8 mph. So, I guess I still have a long way to go :). Really need to work on the speed, but loving every minute of my slow rides. :). I was not jealous, but inspired.
6.5 Miles in a little more then 60 minutes (with a stop, see details below), top speed 17.5 mph on the straight flat part.. weeeeeeeeeeeee.
WHOOOO HOOOO.. I even passed other cyclists (OK it was two ladies with a kid), dog walkers, joggers, and a roller blader.
I only had one "moment" and it wasn't really even my fault... Two ladies were walking four dogs and had the BOTH lanes blocked. I called out on the left as I approached and they tried to get the dogs over into the right lane, but I had to slow down and ended up running off into the tall grass to the left and stop, but didn't put the bike down.
Before we got going again DH mentioned he needed to tighten his handlebars. I asked did he need to go back to the car where the tools were, he said it would be OK for now, so we set off again. About a half mile down the trail I hear a wicked commotion behind me and knew DH had gone down and started breaking so I could turn around when I heard him call out... Hold Up... I turned around to see him on the ground. I finally got back to him and his bars were totally WACKED and the seat was twisted sideways and I asked if he was OK. Yea.. I'm OK he snorts.
We walk the bikes back to the car and get the tools and tighten everything down and I ask if he wants to continue and he says yes, so we go on.
It felt REALLY great. I mean really, really great. DH has a badly skinned up knee that I helped clean up and bandage.. I've only teased a "few" times that he crashed and I didn't :D
Shannon
Woo hoo! Go RoadTrip :cool: :D
I bet you're so proud, and rightly so! I hope your dh is ok after his tumble, he must have been working really hard to catch you up! Well done on managing your 'moment' too! I think you might be nearly done with that parking lot now. I'm so pleased for you.
I'm really hoping for a dry morning tomorrow, as opposed to the forecast rain, as dh will be baking with my girl so I'll be able to get out on my bike. It's been too long.
That's brilliant Roadtrip. You should be really proud :D
Bravo! Bravo!Quote:
Originally Posted by Roadtrip
The excitement in your voice comes through your post, what a magnificent feeling being out "on the path", freedom, exhiliration, daring, confidence - all powerfully charged emotions that lead us back and back again to our bikes.:D
Hebe, tell us about your ride if the weather is permitting today. Goregous here and ready to roll as soon as I get changed.
I didn't ride yesterday, the weather was right on the edge and I didn't want to try an unfamiliar path in the rain :o I did walk it however, and have learned that there is about 100yds of unmade farm road then a steep but short tarmaced lane (that services the allotments) after what I'd already found. So there's a tiny bit of traffic, but the lane is single car width with passing spaces so it's slow traffic. I'm booking dd into creche tomorrow and will be cycling SOMEWHERE darnit, whatever the weather.