Worse Day of the Year Ride

[luv'nAustin]

You two look great and I love your bikes! Glad you had a good time.

[suzieqtwa]

I have never been so scared as I was today at the 18 mile ride. There were about 1,500 riders ,and we were in the city with tons of stops. My shoulders hurt so bad from being so scared. Yesterday I was having a great 28 mile ride ,and I got into a left turning lane on a hill thinking I could make the green light....well it turned red ,and I had to stop quick ,or get hit by a car ,of course I tipped over. Today I fell once on the road ,but I'm kinda getting used to the humiliation. No harm done ,and I didn't hit my head. I just feel beat up. I don't think Ill do another charity ride in the city. Darcy seemed to do Ok................I thought for sure she would fall ,because she rides only on country roads ,and at the State park. Someday Ill get this figured out. My problem seems to be when I'm on a hill. I cant un clip early because I cant pedal without getting clipped back in.

[Blueberry]

Someday Ill get this figured out. My problem seems to be when I'm on a hill. I cant un clip early because I cant pedal without getting clipped back in.

I've been known to just go up the hill not clipped in. I ride SPD's with Sidi mountain shoes. I know where the cleat is, so I know where I can ride without engaging (back of shoe, either side of the cleat, just behind the cleat). I've also got mine set pretty loose. I think it really is a matter of comfort and having pedals that are easy for *you* to get out of (I like SPD's - did not like Looks - haven't tried speedplays or crank bros - too many bikes to upgrade to change now)

Good luck and congrats again on the ride!!

[SouthernBelle]

When I need to pedal unclipped, I usually use the arch of my foot.

Glad ya'll had fun.

HTH,

[cosc]

Suzie and Denise, congrats, on finishing the front of the pack. Thanks for sharing your pics with us. I have trouble with slipping feet on my spd's when I'm not clipped in. I need to practice because sometimes you don't have time to clip in, or for a quick dismount up a hill. The trainer would be a good place to learn unclipped pedaling.

[mimitabby]

Suzie
I am breathlessly watching your progress with clipless. I do not have as many falls in me as you have in you (translation; if i fall too many more times, I'm just going to bag it)
How come you can't pedal without getting re-clipped in?
my husband bought some of those pedals that have clips on one side and are normal on the other. He doesn't like them though, because the clips weren't as good.

Your ride looks fun but i really understand the stress of being fearful (not to mention all the times you've fallen, maybe stuff hurts because of that too?)

I haven't gone back out and ridden since my short clipless excursion in the school yard because i have been sick. I'll keep you posted.

[suzieqtwa]

Mimi,
Believe me ,all this falling has taken its tole on me. I cant explain the sick feeling I get when I know its about to happen. I just feel helpless. I know I'm going to fall ,but I cant get do anything about it. I haven't cried yet ,but I feel like it, just looking at my bruised knees ,and elbows,and hands I know I took on a lot too fast ,and actually Saturday I was having a great time ,and felt super comfortable,the gears are coming naturally ,but then the hill ,and quick stop. It took all the fun out of that ride real quick. I don't have a trainer ,but I'm going to practice peddling un clipped. I think I have SPDs ,and Mtb bike shoes. The pedals are on both sides. I can get un clipped for a normal stop ...its just any slight hill . The feeling of just laying in the road with your bike on top of you on a road is sooooooo embarrassing.
Yesterday ,riding slow with all those bikers around me was awful I didn't have too much fun. I think I would have done better if I choose the 45 of hills,and less stops. Well next week Ill be in Santa Fe ,so I have to take a week off from the bike...give my poor body time to heal. Oh, I also slide when trying to pedal un clipped. If I can get that down I should be OK.