Today's the Big Day!!

[cusepack]

Well, today I'm being fitted for my new Trek 2100. After we recovered from Hurricane Katrina, and mind you, I say "recovered" lightly as it was nothing compared to NO, Miss, Ala., but once power was restored my LBS was able to start getting caught up with assembling bikes. So . . . inasmuch as I'm excited, I'm also nervous - I signed on to read the threads and I'm hit with "crashing posts". Oh, my heart goes out to the girls and I wish them a speedy recovery. I know it's inevitable that I'll take a few spills, but I guess now that it's D-Day, I'm sweating a bit!!

K

[Nanci]

Cool! Are you taking her out for a ride when you get her home?

I'm getting a late start today- I was the second leg of a group of twelve people who are ferrying a dog up to Cambridge, MA. His family evacuated from NO to Tampa, but are stuck at an in-law's who won't allow them to keep their dog. There's a family in Cambridge who is going to foster him until his real family is back on their feet in their own place again.

Only two weeks till I take Lava (bike) to see some real mountains in GA at the Six Gap Century- glad she has a triple chain ring!

Nanci

[cusepack]

It's been quite the day . . . went to the bike shop and spent over two hours there, between being fitted, putting on the computer, tape, cages . . . boy, and do I need some time getting use to the new seat!!! The bike is absolutely beautiful - actually much better looking when I knew she was finally mine!! I did pretty good with the clips - I have a tendency of walking with a bit of a "duck foot" stance, so when mounting my bike and placing my feet on the clips, I'm inclined to turn my feet out a bit, so I have to remember to point them straight - I told the fella, "I'm actually very coordinated, but today, I look clueless". It took some practice, but I think I'm going to be okay. And clipping out is much easier than clipping in. He suggested that when I first start riding to clip in with one foot, take some strokes, then clip in my other foot - works for me, so for now, that's what I'm going to stick with. He also traded out the stock seat and gave me a Bontrager WSD seat with a bit more cushioning. It wasn't my tush that was hurting, rather the more sensitive area - and oh, how embarassing explaining that one to him!! He was quite kind and I have to say, really catered to everything I was saying, and explained the do's and don'ts for me. Oh, and he took the stem off and turned it upside down, bringing my bars up just a tad. He said that this will help me adjust to the new position, and as I become more comfortable, he'll turn it right side up again - I'd never heard of this but he explained Bontrager makes them this way so the rider will get a better fit, and, it's simple to do, which makes his life much easier!!!

Let's see . . .oh yes, I got a helmet - he gave me a great deal on a Trek helmet - he only had the Giro Atmos, and I really didn't want to spend that much, and I actually like the fit of the Trek - room for my ponytail which was very important to me (besides protecting my brain, of course!!).

I took her out for a small ride trying to keep myself safe from all moving vehicles!!! It's smooth like butter, truly. I don't know how else to describe it. I'm absolutely thrilled with it and look forward to a longer ride tomorrow. I keep going back to my office (where I keep her) and just stand there, look and think to myself "I can't believe I finally got it."

Geez, I've written a book . . . sorry about that

Kathryn

P.S. Nanci - nice to hear about the foster family for the dog. I have a hard time keeping the news on when I see all the animals that were left behind, tied to trees . . . my heart mourns the loss of the people as well as the animals. How's everything going with your new bike? Still enjoying it?

[Jo-n-NY]

congtats kathryn on your new bike. posts like your bring back the excitement in me when receiving my new bike in dec.

excuse the typing as i am one if recent crash victims. it is my first injury in many years of cycling and i will toss it to learning experience. you will be just fine.

i am also glad to hear you are well after katrina.

wishing you many happy rides with your new bike

joann

[cusepack]

Thanks Joann for the well wishes. I plan on taking my bike out today - hopefully get in a longer ride - I think with each ride I'll become more comfortable. It's quite a change from my 7 speed crusier - certainly doesn't take as much power and the positioning, well, that's another adjustment as well. All in due time, right

I'm wishing you a speedy recovery - keep yourself in the cycling loop by reading all the wonderful posts here and perhaps reading some mags and books - I've recently read Lance's War, which was very good, and am now reading 23 days in July. I love all that behind the scenes stuff!!

Take care.

Kathryn

[mom2twins]

Kathryn Congratulations on your new bike! it's always so exciting when you bring a new one home. It also sounds like your bike shop is awesome. I hope you had a nice ride today

[AKRoadie]

Congrats on the new bike! I got my 2100 in May- just love it! I made a few tweaks to it - I agree with the most comfortable ride possible! This forum is a wealth of information and i read and re-read all the advice and product reviews. I put some chromoly Speedplay Zero pedals on my bike - love the double-sides and the float option, a Terry Butterfly seat (the cut-out is ab/fab) and like you, my thumb pads were aching and I put on some Fizik (spelling?) gel bar wrap and that has really helped (in conjunction with good gloves). I agree with the feeling you described - I too feel so free and empowered out there, just riding and loving life. Enjoy your bike!