I made it 16 miles today....

I know thats not that far (like some of you....) but for a newby of about 6-7 weeks it is a LONG way...LOL

I found a nice place to ride.... its 3.17 mile loop and only open to roller blades and bikes. There is one REALLY HARD hill ... its almost straight up but at least its not a super long hill.

The first two times around I was a little scared to even try it and walked up most of it. The last three times I took my feet out of the clips because I am just way to new at it to feel comfortable about bailing out on a hill. As it turns out I had to stand up and lean hard over the handlebars but I MADE it!

I knew something was not quite right because I was getting so worked out.... one the last round by a guy who had LOOPED me a couple of times at least.... he said.. . if you would raise your seat up a bit you would do much better...... I appriciate the advise....but why on the LAST loop!!!!LOL

tina

PS a friend of mine introduced me to a blind friend of hers who is an avid rider. He actually lives within walking distance of my work. We are going to go out sometime this week. He would go out daily if he had a driver...LOL

He is also going to look at my bike and help me get it adjusted right.

Well, congrats on the big ride. I'm also glad you are adjusting your seat better. That will be so much easier on your knees!

and your blind friend is going to look at your bike??? :confused:

keep riding; you're doing better than me for solo rides. it's hard for me to put in more than 10 miles or so unless i have a specific destination (besides home!)
m

Yay Tx!!! :D 16miles is a wonderful accomplishment. Don't be surprised if your bum hurts a bit tomorrow.

My first ride over 10miles was in my second triathlon last year so you aren't alone in getting adjusted to longer distances. Keep up the good work!

w00t - great ride!

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Originally Posted by Biciclista

Well, congrats on the big ride. I'm also glad you are adjusting your seat better. That will be so much easier on your knees!

and your blind friend is going to look at your bike??? :confused:

keep riding; you're doing better than me for solo rides. it's hard for me to put in more than 10 miles or so unless i have a specific destination (besides home!)
m

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My "blind" friend is not totally blind.....lol He just cannot see good enough to ride on the road alone. He can see up close.

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Originally Posted by Biciclista

and your blind friend is going to look at your bike??? :confused:

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Maybe he's this guy? :p ;) :)

http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6...8325-1,00.html

Keep riding. With a friend who rides maybe a tandem is next. He can be your stoker, let him get out and ride more often :D

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Originally Posted by Trek420

Maybe he's this guy? :p ;) :)

http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6...8325-1,00.html

Keep riding. With a friend who rides maybe a tandem is next. He can be your stoker, let him get out and ride more often :D

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Great article.

Ron is the friend. He and I are going to go out and try tandem on Thursday......

I will report how it is!!!

Tina

Please do! What a wonderful thing to share with your friend. I've wanted to volunteer for BORP but have just been so busy. Also probably even a blind cyclist would not want me as captain :rolleyes:

Everyone who has ever ridden a century had to do their first 16 mile ride first. It sounds to me like you're doing great.

Way to go!!! Celebrate every milestone!

Way to go!!! When I got my new bike in 20yrs my first ride was a 16er too.

My boys go ride Walnut Creek all the time, maybe when I get cleared to ride again, we can ride.

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Originally Posted by Badgirl

Way to go!!! When I got my new bike in 20yrs my first ride was a 16er too.

My boys go ride Walnut Creek all the time, maybe when I get cleared to ride again, we can ride.

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Sounds good to me.

Tina

Good for you! We all started somewhere. Congrats!

What a great accomplishment, especially with the hill you described.

Before you know it, you'll be peddling up that hill just like any other part of your ride!

Re: your seat, do you think maybe you had it adjusted properly at the beginning of your ride and perhaps it dropped during the ride? I've had that happen to me when my quick-release wasn't tight enough.

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Originally Posted by jocelynlf

What a great accomplishment, especially with the hill you described.

Before you know it, you'll be peddling up that hill just like any other part of your ride!

Re: your seat, do you think maybe you had it adjusted properly at the beginning of your ride and perhaps it dropped during the ride? I've had that happen to me when my quick-release wasn't tight enough.

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No it was adjusted when they put the bike into the holder to put the new tires on it.

It is now adjusted correctly and I will try it out on Friday. Tomorrow is swimming.... and thursday is riding tandem for the first time with my blind friend ron....

Tina

OUtstanding! My first Big Ride was 9 miles and I thought Silver was trying to collect the life insurance by pushing me!

Remember, it's in the wheels and the gears...you're just the spark!:D

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Originally Posted by Mr. Silver

OUtstanding! My first Big Ride was 9 miles and I thought Silver was trying to collect the life insurance by pushing me!

Remember, it's in the wheels and the gears..."you're just the spark!"

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I love it! I went to spin class last night and I am not sure if it was class....as it was brutal or the bike wreck sunday but I am sore today.....LOL

Oh well.... off to do a tandem ride tomorrow!

Tina