Talk me down!

[Bad JuJu]

Another idea, if you don't have a seam (or a driveway), is to mark your tire with something greasy that will show up well on pavement--a bright lipstick that you no longer use is a good choice. Then do the roll-out method as TsPoet described it (make sure you're ON your bike when you do this--that will make a difference), and just measure the distance between the two marks made by the lipstick on your tire. I measure center to center.

This method has always worked well for me. I check it against the mile markers on a local rail trail, and while it's not perfect, it's always pretty darn close--I'm talking a couple of hundredths of a mile off. I know you're getting it done at REI this time, but after this, you can easily do it yourself and save a trip to REI.

[Bad JuJu]

I also wanted to say that you shouldn't let a few tenths of mile discourage you. I know it's disheartening to find that even though you've been working so hard, all your hard work isn't adding up to what you thought it was. That sucks, no question about it.

BUT you HAVE been working hard and learning more and feeling better, right? Focus on that. Keep working on getting more comfortable on the bike, and doing your regular rides, and the miles will come.

[Lise]

Hey, Pooks, good luck with the computer. Don't take it too hard--you'll figure it out. I understand, though. I have a similar issue with my pedometer. Biking is a joy for me, but running is a chore. As a triathlete, I need to ... run at some point! When I'm sure I've run two miles and my pedometer says 1.82 miles, I get so discouraged. Sometimes I get on my bike and ride the distance because I trust my bike odometer a lot more.