Introduction

[aicabsolut]

No pictures yet. And no, when I get outside, I am taking things very slowly. I'm still a novice at getting on and off the bike well with clipless pedals. Though today I finally started to relax my upper body some, got lower, and comfortable going faster and cornering (though handling downhill is still iffy).

I know my goals are VERY long term, but I've been riding horses for so long, and I had some goals for that sport that took me years and years to achieve. And I knew it would take years. So don't worry, as fun as it would be to be a superstar tomorrow, my goal for my next ride is to continue to stay upright as much as possible.

I ordered a cycleops trainer so I can push myself muscularly on that and work on my form while I continue to be more cautious outside.

I'm still working out the kinks.. trying to decide if I need a 90mm stem instead of the stock 110, maybe narrower bars... things like that.

[RoadRaven]

Welcome Aica... you certainly have loads of fitness experience behind you... and if you want to be competitive, you will be.

I started cycling 2 years ago (training to be able to complete a 10km fun ride with my sons) and downhill my top speed was about 20km per hour.

I joined the local club last April, have won the spring series in the beginner's grade. I have moved up to the next grade (clubs grades are graded on ability, not age).

I am not fast enough uphill to have competed in last weeks Club Champs Road Race, but I am competing in next Saturday's Club Champs Time Trial. Next year I am aiming to have a go at the Nationals TT, although that will probably be experience rather than a place, though I hope to be competitive in my age group in a couple of years in a TT.

I now descend at about 40-45kph, and on a straight stretch of downhill I get up to 55-65kph.

Getting speed up is about experience, time on bike and getting to know the way your bike feels under you. I still do not descend fast enough to be competitive at the level I wish to be at, but with time I am hoping my confidence will continue to grow.

Give yourself time and opportunity and it will come.

[aicabsolut]

Here's my bike. Not so great cell phone picture.. and now I'm noticing my minipump is in the way.. but you get the idea. I'm not digging the white tape, but I may wind up changing the bars anyway.

[Kedwards]

Sweet bike! Lovely horse too!

What a bummer to be dealing with all that you have going on physically, but it sounds like you have a great attitude.

[Geonz]

even via cell phone, its allure and romance come through ... sweet wheels Welcome aboard!!