Newbie question... unclipping, stopping, horses

[Bluetree]

By the way, how cool that you have a friend who's a cycling coach.

Yeah, he's a great guy. He's given me a foundation plan this year so I can work on serious training for a triathlon next year, everything from easing into brick training and proper diet. He's very patient, although I know a lot of my questions are very remedial to him (he's an Ironman competitor and ultramarathoner in his spare time).

He's given me a lot of good advice about the bike. When I told him I exceeded 30mph last week, he admonished me for it. He said my speed "should not overtake my bike handling skills". Now I'm back on the easy roads, working on gearing, cadence and getting the necessary TITS (Time In The Saddle.) Hmm... learning about gravel, potholes and wet spots is not as much fun as it sounds.

I know a lot of cyclists, but it's one thing to be able to ride a bike well... it's quite another to be able to educate, explain things properly, diagnose problems and give the right level of encouragement. Even if it involves some good-natured teasing.

Every couple of days I get an e-mail... "Have you been keeping the rubber side down?" Very funny.