Newbie weekly achievement thread

[murielalex]

Just did my longest ride ever, 50.3 miles (yes, I circled around my block once to get it past 50). I'm tired. Felt good the whole way, minus the fact that I was really tired of the wind that kicked up the whole 25-mile return trip. I was supposed to be keeping my heart rate between 125 and 135, which was easy at a 15-16 mph going down to Ft. Lauderdale. My heart rate was between 145-165 the whole way back and I was going at most at about 12-13 mph. The ride took me 3 hours 44 minutes, and I stopped once to get some more water (two bottles were not enough in the heat and sun). I took three of these along with me for snacks, and liked them, but dropped one before I could get it in my mouth.




Very tasty and easy to eat (I cut the tops off before I left home and had them in one of my pockets). My legs were tired at the end, but I never felt like I lost energy, though I was really ready to get off the bike when I got home.

I also took a couple of these (read about them here so thanks!) and put it in the water I got on my way back:



Tasted just like not-sweet Gatorade, which I liked.

The best part of the ride was when I saw a woman from my 6AM interval cycling class at whiz by me in one town. I caught up to her at a light, and she was nice enough to ride with me for about six miles, which slowed us both down, but we had a nice gab.

I do have a question for you experts: I have been told to not hose down my bike, but I was spending 20 minutes trying to get the sand out of everything, and was getting nowhere. I finally took out the hose, and within seconds, it was clean. I did dry it off really well, lube everything, and then polish the frame. Is this really a no-no?

Oh....my biggest lesson learned today was just because you put on sunscreen when you leave the house, it does not mean you won't get fried. I look pink and silly. I will remember to bring some with me next time.

[goldfinch]

Congratulations on the big ride, Murialalex. I didn't even know that you were not supposed to hose down your bike. I use a hose when I clean my bikes. I do make sure everything is dry before I lube anything.

[Jaynee Beyond]

Hello Goldfinch,

I am thankful for your comments on the 7.4FX. It gives me more to think over. Thank you also for your thoughtful comment about my health, I appreciate that very much.

Has anyone else had experience on the 7.4 FX, or know about it to share your thoughts. I can not buy another bike again, it has to be perfect but not be too expensive. I appreciate your help on this or with recommending another bike. Many thanks.

[goldfinch]

Hello Goldfinch,

I am thankful for your comments on the 7.4FX. It gives me more to think over. Thank you also for your thoughtful comment about my health, I appreciate that very much.

Has anyone else had experience on the 7.4 FX, or know about it to share your thoughts. I can not buy another bike again, it has to be perfect but not be too expensive. I appreciate your help on this or with recommending another bike. Many thanks.

Jaynee, if you don't get any more comments you might start a separate thread.

[murielalex]

Jaynee, I don't know if this is helpful, but I had a Trek FX 7.5 for a couple months. It was light, handled well, and the only reason I no longer have it is that when I bought it, I liked riding around so much, I knew I wanted to cycle more, and wanted to a road bike with drop bars. I sold it to a co-worker, who happily rides it every day. I can only think that you need to try one out to see if you like it, and if it works for you.

I also send you good thoughts for your health!

[lovelygamer]

That stinger snack looked so good- I adore honey.

Congrats on all the accomplishments!

[Jaynee Beyond]

Murielalex, thank you for your reply. I wonder why did you pick the 7.5 fx instead of the 7.4 fx? Thank you for your well wishes. I have a Madone but find it too hard to use it now, need more of an upright bike for awhile. Thanks for sharing.

Goldfinch, thank you also, I should start a new stream. Good idea. I am new on this site, so I may sort that out. Many thanks.