You guys made me feel brave....

So took the big jump this weekend. Hubby suggested we go test some bikes, and who was I to argue? Ended up bringing home a Dolce Compact sport (54cm). Did swap out the tires but not that much bigger - replaced with Armadillos 25cc. Also swapped out the pedals from the toe clip ones to Shimano PD-424 which work as a platform w/ tennies and with a cleat. By the time they did all the swapping out, fitting me, re-fitting me, riding their trainer, being measured and re-measured, it was too late to really ride on Saturday.

But did get to take her out this morning. Rode nearly 27miles. What a dream. Seat is a bit thinner than I was used to, but felt fine. Did have some soreness in wrists will have to work on wrist position. What was most surprising of all was how great my back felt after. The last couple of longer rides on the old bike left my lower bike a bit sore. LBS had suggested that the more upright position may have been making my spine take more jolts. WHatever, it was fine today.

And here I was all worried about being hunched over on the road bike. Not the case, feels quite comfortable. No doubt the women's frame was the way to go.

Then today after the ride went back to the shop to learn how to do the cleats with the clipless. No real problems in the trainer. Came home, circled the driveway and fell right over. OUCH, my driveway hurts. My first skinned up knee in good knows how long. But picked myself up dusted off and rode around the neighborhood w/ my son. Kept taking left foot in and out, stopping, putting down that foot. So, how long until it is second nature?