Newbie weekly achievement thread

[Roadtrip]

Thanks Hebe, training is going well. Just long, long days, twelve hours of training a day which leaves little time to hit the pool or exercise facilities here at the hotel. By the time I get dinner (my waistline is not going to like these two weeks), I just want to go to bed.

I long for my bike... my dh and comfy bed.. Sacrifice for the greater good.

Lunch is almost over!! Later gals (and guys)!!

Shannon

[hebe]

How did it go, Shannon, are you back now?

We got home today from a 4 day break at a forest holiday resort just a few miles from here. We hired mountain bikes and a trailer, and I fulfilled my ambition to ride on a bike with small girl. She absolutely loved it, and had the mother of all tantrums when her trailer was found to have rainwater in the footwell this morning. I didn't find it hard at all, though to be fair I did the downhill stretch, and Mr Hebe is now talking enthusiastically about buying a trailer as it was so sturdy and easy.

I rode at least once every day gradually adjusting the saddle up as their default setting was for flat foot on the floor when seated (I guess they get a lot of people who haven't ridden in years). It was great and I can't wait to go back there with my sisters in the summer!

[Roadtrip]

I got back into town last night. Long two weeks. I did find time to ride the bike in the small exercise room at the hotel, but only a few times in the two weeks I was there, but I'm home now. So glad to be home and sleeping in my own bed again!!

We went over to the Trek dealer today and I rode the Lexa and a Madone 4.5 and have to be honest I am still a fan of the Specialized Ruby. The Ruby was much more comfortable "out of the box" and I just didn't have that weeeee feeling while riding either Trek.

The saddle on the Trek was pretty crappy compared to the Specialized and I know that's always something you can swap. The Madone is $2,000 and the Ruby is $1,800 (old stock, but not in my size, so if I had to order the 2011 I'd pay close to $600 more for same level of bike) as they downgraded some of the components on the entry level Ruby this year. It has SRAM Apex versus the Shimano 105

More research... more debate... LOL

Weather is supposed to be nice tomorrow and hoping to get out for a ride!!

Shannon

[Roadtrip]

We finally got out today as it was nearly 60 degrees and clear skies. GREAT cycling weather. Just one thing... it was blowing 20-25 MPH... which was NOT so great. We hadn't been out for awhile (much too long) and it showed. My legs were really barking at me. The good thing is I was MUCH more at ease on the trail then I was last year on this same trail.

I think I've also made a decision on the new roadie too. My local shop is transferring a Specialized Ruby in my size from another store so I can test ride it. It's a new old stock 2009 model, so it's marked down, which would save me a good deal of money. I wanted to fall in love with the Madone 4.5 I rode, but I just didn't, plus saving $500 isn't bad either!!

Shannon

[hebe]

How exciting!

Congratulations on getting out to ride too. I was re-reading a cycling roadcraft book last night and thinking how much more of it makes sense now.

[hebe]

I tried the child-seat on the bike today. Not a huge success - cycling with it was fine but stopping was not good and I dropped the bike with small girl on it Luckily just on the grass, and not far as I caught the bike and she was helmetted and well strapped in so completely unhurt, but I still feel pretty bad about it. I think I will try again - was practising with a 28lb bag of potatoes this afternoon - but I think I will get a trailer for her.

[Roadtrip]

Oh Hebe, so sorry to hear about your troubles with the child-seat and glad your little one was not hurt, but don't give up!!

Shannon