Hi all,
As I said in the title I'm very frustrated. I love riding my bike. Period. I love it. And I am extremely excited about doing the Lifecycle Ride in 2010. But quite frankly...I'm lost. I do not understand one word in 5 that is said here regarding most things. I don't really have the money to spend on apparel and accessories (I still don't have bike shorts or jerseys or anything except and helmet and gloves). I feel like such a hick. In warm weather, I rode in cargo shorts and sweat wicking t-shirts. when it started to get colder I rode in sweat pants and long sleeved Cuddle duds. The cleats I have are broken and won't fit into my pedals anymore and I don't even know where to begin picking a new pair. I want to get into mountain biking this spring and summer but finding people to go with who can teach me has proven futile. I am just going to go out and do it myself and hope that I don't get hurt too badly.
All of the advice on here that I have gotten has been invaluable to me (once I figure out what ya'll are telling me) and the support has been great. I just feel frustrated because I just ride. I know that technically it is crazy that I was riding 30 to 40 miles a day in sweat pants or cargo shorts with no chamois or anything but it worked. I know that this is just my insecurity talking. You all have been wonderful.
I'm sorry that I'm whining. And I know that eventually this will all click into place. I was telling my mom about some of my frustrations and she reminded me of when I first learned to ride a bike. She said that I got so frustrated that I threw the bike down in the middle of the street and cried because I just "couldn't do it". Then 15 minutes later she looked out the window and there I was riding that bike like I'd been doing it for years. I know I'll start to understand more and that eventually I'll pick up necessities along the way. I just don't want to look stupid or something like that when I show up in CA next summer. I know that's a really superficial worry, because that ride will be more about my ability than anything else.
I'm sorry for babbling on about this. I just want you all to know that I appreciate all your help and I'm trying. I just want to say that out loud (or in this case in a post) because I feel that you all understand.
Have a great day every one,
Gray