Really proud of myself! (Add yours!)

[Kris]

I just finished changing my inner tube all by myself! I knew I could do it because I took a class on bicycle maintenance at the community college, but I had never actually done it. It took a while, because I had to read the directions again, and again, but it's done, and done right!

[Owlie]

The day I manage to change the tubes by myself, I will be overjoyed. Or will have replaced my tires. (The tires, even without much air in them, take a bit of cajoling and forcing to get them through the brakes. Hence it requires two people--one to hold the wheel and the other to hold the bike.)

I got out both days this weekend! 3 miles yesterday, 5.5 today. I'm still not feeling 100% in regard to putting a whole lot of physical effort into things, since I had the flu a week or so ago. The muscles are pleasantly stretched. Maybe next week I'll increase my distance (and get up a bit earlier). I also finally figured out how to shift correctly. I don't love the shifting on this bike, but I think we've reached an understanding.

[Kris]

Owlie, do you release the brakes first?

[Owlie]

Owlie, do you release the brakes first?

Yes. That's the odd part. Even released, there's almost no clearance between the brake pads and the tires.

[246marathon]

Wow, Ladies! You are so inspiring! I haven't been on line in awhile - started a preschool in September with 71 students and right now we are very busy! However, I am still able to fit in some riding and running, hoping to do a duathlon late next spring or early summer. I have to say that I recently bought a Kurt Kinetic trainer (which I absolutely LOVE) so that I can ride at the end of the day or early in the morning indoors since it gets dark so early here. But on Sunday it was 70 degrees and I sent out in shorts and short sleeve shirt and road a 22 mile hilly ride a mile an hour faster than ever and kept the cadence at 90 or higher the whole way! I whole heartedly believe in the indoor trainer (and coach Troy!) for increasing my cadence and strength.

I LOVE the feeling of going out and riding farther than ever and exploring new parts of the country that I haven't seen. It is hard to compare that feeling to anything else - except to maybe add a 6 mile run to the end of the bike ride!!! Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the great work. You ladies Rock!!!

[rubywagon]

While on a ride this evening, I went past a roadside sign that says how fast you are going and I got up to 27 mph. A new personal best!

[Atlas]

I just had to post how proud I am of myself for doing the dreaded hills on the way home from running errands. There are some pretty decent hills where I live (Iowa isn't as flat as you think) and there is one I avoid all the time and I did it today and didn't die. If anything I want to go ride more instead of writing journal reviews for class.