OK Now I am cooler!

[Bklynmom]

Just got new pedals, new seat (oops - saddle) and funky helmet. My bike guy even made me change the tape on my handle bars to black, from white with grime.

Part of this bike thing is doing everything by the book, intervals, training program Century Rides etc. Many days I am proud just to survive what I have bitten off.

But there is part of me that wants just once to be the coolest, fastest one in the Park, even at the age of 48!

Anyone else?

[rij73]

Ha! Yes, I know what you mean... I went for a whole new bike recently! I also went all out with the pedals and accessories. And I'm STILL slow... I bet you pass me in the park all the time. Look for me and wave next time! I'll be riding a bike that says BLUE on it, and I'll be wearing a blue top. Oh, and my helmet is partially blue. Hmmmm.... maybe I should try a complementary color? Will that make me faster?

I really need to get on board with doing things "by the book" as you say. I'm not improving as quickly as I'd like to, though I am improving...

[li10up]

Just got new pedals, new seat (oops - saddle) and funky helmet. My bike guy even made me change the tape on my handle bars to black, from white with grime.

I like the "white with grime" look...proves I'm actually riding my bike. I really do need to try to clean my bar tape........

[VeloVT]

I like the "white with grime" look...proves I'm actually riding my bike. I really do need to try to clean my bar tape........

I'm recently in love with Finish Line's Super Bike Wash (the bubblegum pink stuff). Mostly I use it on the frame, but it also does a good job cleaning the celeste bar tape on my Axis.

I am giving some very nervous thoughts to trying some low-key CX races this season (there's a local trail center that hosts weekly training CX races in the fall, I'm sure it's not sanctioned or anything but it would be a non-intimidating way to try before going to a real race and making a fool of myself ). And I've been thinking, if I do, I might have to put on black bar tape because I just can't imagine that it would be possible to keep celeste tape even remotely clean while racing in the dirt .

[mimitabby]

I used some clean green stuff on my yellow handlebars and they cleaned up nicely.

[ChickWithBrains]

Sounds great! Feeling that you *look* like a bad@$$ certainly helps you ride like one!

...but you're gonna have me to contend with for fastest chickie in the park honors!

[rij73]

Chick, are you a Prospect Park rider as well? Funny that you used the word "chickie" cause that's what DH and I call the fast roadie women in the park. It's usually, "This chickie passed me like I was standing still! Arghhhhh!"

ETA: Wait! You're the doctor that was run over by the idiot going the wrong way, yes? I always remember that story when I see someone going the wrong way.

All 3 of us should ride a couple laps together sometime!

[teigyr]

What is the riding season in NY? And where is this park in relation to other places? Only asking because we'll be there in November and maybe bike rental is in our future

My bike is way too cool for me. It's kind of embarrassing because people tend to think I'm a better rider than what I am. I feel sorry for it most of the time.

[ChickWithBrains]

Riding season is whenever it isn't blizzarding or raining buckets! (I rode on New Year's Day this year -- it was 70 degrees!)

Seriously, we could ride comfortably late March-early April and will ride likely into November since DH and I have pretty comfy cold weather cycling gear. The aforementioned Park is Prospect Park in Brooklyn NY and beats Central Park hands down!!!

Yep, I'm the squashed doc and I still bug the police dudes who are being paid to do nothing to instead get paid to stop wrong way cyclists and do our community some benefit. (I think, sadly, that I'm wasting my breath.)

Let's put together a weekend ride, Team Estrogen Brooklyn Friends!!!