Sunday, January 27, 2008

Day One As A Cyclist

Mind you, I haven't been on a bike since I was a kid. I didn't even test-drive this one. I told Frank, my salesman, "I am getting this. I will love it." 'Nuff said.

I went out for the first time this morning. I was not going to even attempt to leave my neighborhood. After putting on the bike shorts (which have a bit of built-in derriere in them) and then running tights on top, I affixed my Garmin to the handlebars. Well guess what! It was hard enough just to get on the thing, get going, and get my feet properly on/in the pedals. There was no fidgeting with the Garmin! The bike came with a Garmin-esque device, anyway (that tells, distance, speed, total time, time of day, etc.) That was sufficient.

It was fun! I never fell. I still have not mastered the gears, but I definitely mastered the brakes. That's enough for ride number one. I did 2.52 miles in 16:15. That's 9.3 miles per hour. I was frozen after that. The cold (40 degree) wind cut me in half. Tears streamed down my face. I hate the cold wind! Nonetheless, it was great fun!

A short while ago I went out for round two. 2.52 miles is just not enough, considering how excited I am to have DAISY (which is what I am calling her, at least for now). It was a whopping 50 degrees, so the wind wasn't nearly as bad. The tears still streamed, though. Oh well. They're just wind tears!

I look like the Michelin Man because this time I wised up and wore two coats.

That is the neatest water bottle ever! Except I have not used it mid-ride yet...

Round two amounted to 2.66 miles in 15:10. That's 10.52 miles per hour. I did the opposite direction around the neighborhood this time. It was a bit tougher, yet I did it speedier. I guess I am getting the hang of it, I guess. 5.18 miles for day one.

Chasen, whose measurements aren't drastically different from mine, took a spin once I was done.

Chasen, the engineer, was equally impressed and sore. He said it had good bearings and rode smoothly.

15 comments:

Petraruns said...

That's such a cool bike! It looks fabulous! And you're really getting the hang of it - gears will follow...

ya gotta love the padded pants as well - wait till you go for long rides, you'll really appreciate them then..

Arland said...

Hey Susan, you even look like a biker! Nice bike and nice gear. Next you will have to get some clipless pedals and shoes. Ha...those are really fun to learn. Being clipped in to the pedals is different and takes some getting used to. Remember to dress for 20 degrees cooler when you bike. You will love it in the summer when its too hot to run. Biking in 100 degree heat feels cool!

ShirleyPerly said...

I'm in agreement with Arland. You do indeed look like cyclist to me. Love that bright hi vis jacket!

With continued practice, you'll be shifting gears, drinking while riding and much more with no problems!

Dawn said...

Yay! Riding the bike sounds like so much fun!

peter said...

When I was a boy delivering papers in the morning (NY Herald Tribune) I called my bike Loki (Nordic God or antiGod, not sure, it was Marvel Comic driven). Love the personification of your bike. Go!

Anonymous said...

Hi Susan - I'm just now catching up with all my blog buds since my recent travels. Sorry to hear about your ankle, but I'm glad you are taking it so well and have decided to try cycling! I only ride every once in a while and it is always great fun! Keep up the cardio and you'll be able to jump right back into running come May 1st.

Unknown said...

Aren't you the rockstar!

Way to go... I'm so proud of you that you have taken everything in stride, err that it's cyclic... uh, yeah. You know!

I want to do the MS Ride from Knoxville to Chattanooga one year!

Chief Wahoo said...

Glad to hear your career in cycling is off to a good start!

Your positve outlook in inspiring!

Enjoy the ride!

Piercing The Veil said...

hi ... i have been running to but not that often now ... running gives me a certain kind of rush ...too bad it's just too cold now a days.

nice bike you have got

gu eve

Annette said...

Very spiffy Susan!! I love the bike and the gear. IF I ever get my bike we will have to meet at the River Trail and ride together.

Nicole said...

Oooh nice bike! Padded pants, you'll love soon enough.

CewTwo said...

It is a cool bike!

I love your attention to and diligence toward exercise.

Bikes are fun. I used mine a lot in the Summer. Molly thinks they go way too fast for her, though...

Bev said...

How's the rear feel? That is the worst trying to get back onto the bike.

Pokey said...

Just found your blog! I am loving your new bike ~ wish I was daring enough to give the bike thing a try myself! ;)

jeanne said...

you got some cool gear there! yes, clipless pedals are next on your list (although i'm waiting til the last possible minute!)

very very sweet bike. as you've discovered, it's a lot colder on the bike!

and i gotta get me those padded pants!