So does anyone else personify their bikes. I've thought of this one as a her, since I first saw her. So funny. Feel like I need to name her, she just hasn't told me what that is yet.

Yesterday I was able to take an earlier train home from work then I expected. As I drove home, I realized I'd have a good 30 minutes of daylight. Was throwing off work clothes, kicking off shoes as I walked in the door, eager to get on bike clothes and shoes and out the door.

Did a quick 30 minute ride, several stop signs, streets to cross, stayed upright, got foot out in time just fine. Still have to think about it really hard, but not as scared.

Anyway, here's the pics. As I mentioned earlier in the thread, A Specialized Dolce Sport compact, 54cm, 700X25cc armadillo tires, shimano pd-424 pedals (swapped those two things out at shop before I took her home). They didn't have to do a lot of switching stuff around to fit her to me. Seat up, back a bit, handlebar angle changed. Was off & on a trainer (on video) getting measured and re-measured as they tinkered around for quite a bit on Saturday. But no need to switch the stem around or anything like that.

Hubby insisted on kitting her out with emergency tool kit, tire levers, spare tube, pump etc. Only weak link in that theory is me....I currently have no clue in tire changing or emergency bike repair. Currently looking for a clinic. LBS says they do them over the winter.






Noticed today that my glutes, hamstrings seem a bit sore - hadn't felt that on the old bike in awhile (and was usually more sore in quads/adductors if I did get DOMS - delayed onset muscle soreness). Unsure if it was the slightly faster pace on Sunday's ride, the slightly different body position on this bike, the switch to clipless pedals - or probably all of the above.

And thanks for the weight loss kudos. Been well worth all the changes over the last year. Began this to keep up with my son (had him when I was nearly 40), but now this is about me. At 49 there is no doubt I am the fittest I have been in my adult life. Eat healthier, more in tune with my body. My fitness log on another forum is titled "Fit and Fabulous by Fifty", getting there, getting there!