first "real" road ride

[bounceswoosh]

Shimano SPD-SL ?

Sorry -- I should have been more specific.

My several-year-old mountain bike pedals are the SPD-style M647. The ones on my road bike are also SPD-style, the A520, which is one-sided.

I would never use a camelbak, and I never drink ice cold water. My belly would cramp up so bad. If I have to because I stopped at a store and have nothing else to drink, I swish it around in my mouth first to warm it up before it hits the stomach. Anyway, for comfort, I'd rather stick an extra bottle in a jersey pocket than wear a camelbak.

Amen. I do the mouth-swishing thing too, although not if I can help it =) I have also overcome my embarrassment and have learned to ask the friendly waiter bringing the table glasses full of ice water to please bring me water without ice instead.

In a pinch, I would rather drink hot water than cold.