First ride ALL BY MYSELF!!!

[Fredwina]

hey, 11.7 isn't bad. Unless you stayed on Base Line or another east-west street , you're going to encounter some climbing out there (for those not in Socal, there is an 1000 ft gain from the south end of town to the north, about 6 miles).
Fredwina and her large luggage

[rij73]

I'm really proud of you!
Isn't this all just so fun?

[Jiffer]

Thanks, everyone. I'm so happy to report that my average pace was NOT 11.7, it was 13.2! I was looking at my final mile average, which was cruising around my neighborhood to get that 20th mile in, not my over all average. That makes me feel even way better about my ride.

And, hey, Fredwina! I did go east and west on Banyan and Lemon, but had to GET to Banyan first by way of Etiwanda. I live at Baseline and Etiwanda. On the way back, I accidentally did an extra unhappy climb when I turned onto Hellman instead of Hermosa, which ultimately took me right back down to Lemon.

Anyways, I pretty much plan to do routes I'm used to doing with hubs, away from the major streets. He hasn't been able to show me how to fix a flat yet, but I have my cell phone and can call hubs for a rescue or a cycling friend of ours who works in the area. I still need to learn how to fix a flat, though.

Sorry to say that since I wasn't used to carrying a cell phone in my jersey, I washed my new Blackberry in the washing machine yesterday. I've washed my Blistex and tissues that I always carry and finally got into the habit of emptying those after each ride, but I never had to carry a phone before. DH does.

But 13.2 average! Yay for me!

[rij73]

Yay indeed!!!
I hit 20 miles for the first time by myself today too!

[Tri Girl]

Yay rij73!!! Congrats to you, too!

[Jiffer]

Totally awesome rij70! Don't you feel so empowered?! I know I do. It's been great doing even longer rides on the tandem, but doing this all on my own is a whole different sort of satisfaction. I'm so inspired to keep getting out there and going faster and farther! Woo hoo for us!

[rij73]

I know! It feels awesome. I can't quite put my finger on why, but yeeha! I've never been athletic in my whole life, but cycling is like a drug for me. The more I do it, the more I want to do it!