3 milestones today!

[Brandi]

First, went commando and it worked. wore my best shorts and there was not a problem at all.
secound- tried Gu for the first time. Liked it helped a lot in the energy dept. I got out just before lunch, couldn't eat, felt a little lacking energy wise gulped a Gu seemed to help!
third- now don't laugh (not that I think anyone would on this site) But I have been riding my bike with regular shoes for two years. Didn't want to admit to that. I was worried I would hurt myself. Well I have had a great pair of shoes just begging to be worn so I finally had my husband change out my peddles and guess what? I am a natural. Didn't have any problems adjusting. And I do not toot my own horn at all but I am proud of myself.Except for the fact that it took me two years to do it and all along I would have been fine. What a dork I am! I only almost fell once and that was cause it is so fricken windy here today!

[tprevost]

Great job Brandi! It sounds like you are rockin' and rollin'! Supposedly, everyone falls at least 3 times when the get clipless pedals... which means I'm due for one more!!

Glad to hear you are finding ways to ride more comfortably!!

Tracy

[Brandi]

any suggestions on how to fall properly?

[Aint Doody]

Only 3?! I've fallen 4--that I can think of.

[Brandi]

Did you hurt yourself? I hate falling! I broke my wrist and my arm (compound fracture,very painful) when I was growing up so I am a bit paranoid of breaking someting

[Running Mommy]

As a congrats gift there is a saddle in the mail to you..
I sent it priority mail today so you should have it Sat or monday at the latest.
Hope it works for you, if not just keep passing it along.
I was the same as you w/ pedals. I think I listened to too many people about how hard it was going to be . I was petrified but as it turned out I was fine?! Go figure!
Good job!!

[Brandi]

Oh thank youuuuuuuuu! You are wonderful I bow down and kiss the ground you walk on!! Did I tell you you rock! My butt thanks you!

[Aint Doody]

Nah--just my pride! Just had a few bruises and felt pretty dumb.

[Grog]

any suggestions on how to fall properly?

Just avoid sticking out your hands and/or knees, and always, always, tuck your chin on your torso when falling (no matter what/how/where the fall occurs).

I fell off my bike riding in a parking lot about two weeks ago, trying to make 8 figures in a single parking space (bike skills training), riding at about 2 km/hour. I fell, for the third time, hard enough on my left knee to remove a layer of skin (leg warmers are intact though). Again, the bruise is right in front of my knee. If I would have tucked my knee to the inside, I would have a bad bruise on my tight, but probably no hole. Our "falling" instructor (I did have a course in learning-to-fall... that was cool) said to us that we want to maximize body surface when we fall. Hence a whole tight is better than just a knee. Side of the arm is better than palm of hand. You get the idea. Obviously, I don't get it, I need to practice falling more.

And congrats! on your milestones!!

[fixedgeargirl]

So cool you're trying new things and they're working for you! You go, girl!

Just avoid sticking out your hands and/or knees, and always, always, tuck your chin on your torso when falling (no matter what/how/where the fall occurs).

Tuck & roll ! This was ingrained in me growing up alpine skiing. It's when you stick your hands out to break your fall that you wind up with a broken wrist or arm, or a shoulder injury. But there are those times I and friends of mine have had mtb'ing when you have to catch yourself with your hands to avoid striking your face on a rock. I'm always amazed in those instances how time seems to slow down and I am able to consciously sort through my options in a split second !

You aced the clipless thing right away ! How cool is that?! A word of caution though, make sure you try them off-road to ensure the tension isn't so loose you'll bounce out of them on rough terrain.

Congratulations again and Rubber Side Down !

[doc]

Go Brandi!
I fell the required 3 times my first day with clipless. Don't worry about serious injury because you only fall when at a complete stop. So it's way more embarassing than anything else. I've only fallen once since. I still have the scars from that first day 18 months ago though...

[Brandi]

thanks for all the advise. Now I am going to wrap myself in pillows and go for a ride