First ride over 5 miles...I'm skeered!

[schnitzle]

And I lived to tell the tale! hahaha I made it about 10 miles.

It went pretty well! We rode from Matthews Beach to Blyth park near Bothell Landing. Then going back I started to feel like I just couldn't get the strength back in my legs if that makes sense? I think it was those under the intersection tunnels that really did me in going back. Going through the last one I didn't shift right and barely made it to the top of the hill on the other side. I had to take a break for a few minutes there, then when we started going again my legs were immediately burning and I felt like I couldn't coast to rest. Sooo we went a bit farther, and stopped as planned a at Tully's coffee.

That's when I called my partner (we live about 5 miles away) and asked her to come get me Going the other 6 miles back to Matthews beach just seemed impossible. Also I felt like we had been going downhill a lot going into the Lake Forest Park area, so I psyched myself out thinking that there was going to be a lot of inclines going back :P Stupid! I think that coupled with the fact that I knew I could get a ride did me in. I felt really good though and thoroughly enjoyed myself! The Burke-Gilman trail is so nice (well except for that hot flat part in Kenmore/Bothell!) and even though it was a sunny Saturday I felt like the traffic level was reasonable and I never was scared. I may have been that new cyclist that you warn other cyclists about though!! hahaha

AND I didn't fall down! That's the one thing I ask before I ride. Please don't let me fall down for some stupid reason. So far so good!

Thanks a million for all the encouragement and well wishes! You guys are the best <3 The women I rode with were also really understanding and helped me keep going. They also told me I had nothing to worry about regarding the ride back to the beach, so I'm determined to go the whole distance next time!

[zoom-zoom]

They also told me I had nothing to worry about regarding the ride back to the beach, so I'm determined to go the whole distance next time!

You'll totally get there!

[schnitzle]

I'm a new cyclist and I was like you. I found the barrier to longer rides was largely psychological, and once I passed that 'I can't do it!' phase, I felt like I could cycle forever.

How right you are!! If I had been by myself I would have tried to make it back (I could have called for a pick up anywhere) but I felt bad for the people riding with me who possibly would have had to take breaks with me. I did tell them a couple of times not to worry if I dropped back because I was just going slow and they were totally fine with it. It was just me.

[KnottedYet]

Congratulations! 10 miles is awesome!

That's TEN TIMES what you started at!

That's fabulous!

[jdubble]

way to go! that's an awesome achievement!

[Catrin]

This is fabulous! Your very first 10 miles is awesome - and I remember well what that felt like not so long ago. Next time you will be even more comfortable, you are right for doing this at the pace that feels right to you

[Trek420]

Congratulations! A PB.

[schnitzle]

Thanks again!!

It was a good learning lesson with my bike too. I found that the um...crotch pain was pretty intense. Gotta get those padded bike shorts! Also had some numb feelings in my wrists since I kept leaning on them so hard. I need to work on my core strength for sure!

I'm so glad I found this community! You all are so inspirational and supportive!!

I'll post some photos soon. I didn't get any of myself, so hopefully one of the other women will forward their photos around and I can snag some

[Melalvai]

It was a good learning lesson with my bike too. I found that the um...crotch pain was pretty intense. Gotta get those padded bike shorts! Also had some numb feelings in my wrists since I kept leaning on them so hard. I need to work on my core strength for sure!

Congrats on the ride. This sounds like a bike fit issue more than core strength, to me. Tilt the nose of your saddle down for the crotch pain. Numb wrists might be from handlebar height relative to saddle height, and/or the type of handlebar. I think there are threads discussing these, and talk to your bike shop.

[sgtiger]

Great job, Schnitzle!

[Trek420]

Numb wrists could also be tense hands. Next ride you'll be thinking "no biggie, I've done this before". See if you're more relaxed.

[Zen]

Breathe. Relax. Find a mantra.

[PamNY]

Excellent, Schnitzle. I have a hunch you will progress really fast. It takes time to sort out what to do about various discomforts. I've solved all of mine with advice given here.

[NbyNW]

Great job! Sounds like you had a lovely day!

[runningcyclist]

Hi Schnitzle. Congratulations on your first long ride. A few tweaks to the bike and it'll be 30 mile rides before you know it. Well done!