The dark side

[Melalvai]

I am a die hard commuter and I have never ridden anything remotely resembling a race. I've hardly done any supported rides (only 2) and fewer organized rides (only 1).

I've been riding with a woman from work, and she has talked me into doing a team triathlon. She'll run, I'll bike, my daughter will swim. I don't have a racing type bike, just my sturdy, heavy commuter with a gigantic basket. She wants me to ride her bike for the triathlon.

Next thing you know I'll have bought my own race bike, I'll have clipless pedals & the shoes, I'll wear bike shorts & jersey all the time, and I'll eat gels and weird things!

Just kidding. I'm looking forward to trying something new, and seeing how fast I am on a bike built for speed, after years on a plow horse.

[OakLeaf]

Yeah, you're just kidding NOW. The first hit's always free.

Have fun! And let us know what kind of race bike you buy, and what kind of gels sit best on your stomach!

[JennK13]

Ahhhh......you can taste it, cant you......
But seriously, if you're more comfortable on your commuter,ride it. If she's talking you (a beginning "racer") into a tri that allows relays, my guess is that this isnt a hardcore race. You wil see all kinds of bikes there from mountain bikes to roadies, commuters and hybrids.
And keep the basket! Last year I did my first supported ride on my heavy Trek Navigator complete with basket on the front! Later that summer, I rode my commuter (sans panniers) with my basket on the rack. This second ride drew many stares and comments as most people were on road bikes - "i cant believe you're riding this with flat pedals!' And "nice basket!" I know they were all jealous of my basket and wished they had one...

[uforgot]

When is the triathlon? Is it over? Race Report? Good luck if it isn't. Hey, are you in Kirksville now?

[Melalvai]

When is the triathlon? Is it over? Race Report? Good luck if it isn't. Hey, are you in Kirksville now?

Next weekend. I'd like to have another go on her bike once more before the race. I really liked her bike, I felt so fast! But the shifters will take a little practice.

Yup, we moved to Kirksville May 28. Can you make it to BikeMO? I plan to go, it's in Holts Summit (near Jeff City) so that shouldn't be too far for you, right?

[Melalvai]

We did it! Race report in the Triathlon subforum: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...053#post534053

[uforgot]

Hey, I just saw this thread again. Congrats! I'm heading over to read the triathlon forum now.

I can't make the ride. I actually helped with it a couple of years ago and had a great time. I have agreed to run detention three Saturdays in a row in Oct. I'd rather be riding. Pyannyplayer always rides in it. She is from Rolla.

Well, I'm off to the tri forum.

[out_spokin']

Awesome race report...LOL on the daughter yelling for you to go when you wanted to hug her. You've touched the dark side for sure!

If it makes you feel any better...I've dug out the savings bonds and batch of stuff I've been meaning to sell on Craigslist, all in the name of "I think I might 'need' a new bike soon!" Though the commuter truly needs more of my attention. Overhaul before winter for sure...sheesh bikes are great!!