Bike fixed super fast...

So, yeah, the bike was only messed up for a matter of hours after my klutzy fall.  It was bugging the hell out of me, so I brought it over to the shop later in the day.  The derailleur was bent into the wheel spokes.  That's bad.  Quick fix and all is well again.  Now I'm heading out for an easy spin since my legs are a bit sore from yesterday's ride.  ;-D

First club ride...

Let's start with an observation!  I have noticed that when I ride by myself, it's all good.  And when I ride at an event or club/group ride, I find myself fluctuating between being exhilarated and being mortified.  I definitely feel safer with other riders, but at the same time my learning curve is out there for all to see.  And now, on that note...


Did my first club ride with BRBC this morning.  I rode with the C group (16-18 mph), which may not have been the best idea since I'm on a relatively new bike with really new clipless pedals.  The clipless system is awesome and a way more efficient way to pedal and ride.  However, I can also feel pretty much every muscle in my legs being utilized and that's a whole new feeling.  By being connected to the pedals, I'm both pushing down and then pulling up.  My legs are strong from all my previous riding.  But, I definitely need to build up some of the muscles that were just "along for the ride" before and are being challenged now.


I stayed toward the back of the pack to get a feel for how it goes.  I got dropped shortly before the halfway point around 13 miles, but I could still see the group ahead of me and followed them to the rest stop.  Honestly, I was shocked.  It's so rare that exhaustion kicks in enough to make me question continuing on, but my legs were really hurting.  Again, I attribute it to the new pedals.  I told them if I fell behind that I'm fine making it back to the cars at the starting point, no problem.  Everybody was really nice.  We took off again and I stayed in the middle of the pack and was really proud of myself.  I was having a blast and loving it.  And then, it happened again.  My legs were throbbing and I just couldn't keep the pace.  It was so frustrating watching the pack pull away from me.  I mean, I rode a metric century two months ago, for crying out loud.  What the hell is my problem?!!  A man lingered and I prayed for the best, but feared the worst.  When I came up next to him I said, I really hope you are not waiting for me because that would be way too embarrassing.  He smiled and said it's a no-drop policy and it was no problem.  I protested, but he insisted.  He was a super nice guy and even though he didn't seem to care, I felt really bad holding him up.  We rode the last 4 or 5 miles together (new computer is next on my list, so I don't know for sure.)  He turned off at his neighborhood and I continued down the street back to the starting point, finishing off the nearly 27 mile route in about 2 hours.


It was a bit embarrassing pulling up while everyone from my group was putting their bikes on their racks or in their SUV's.  But again, everyone was nice, someone said "good job", and a few other people stopped me to chat.  That's when I made the mistake.  I was clipped in on one side and slowly pedaled over to my car.  I awkwardly tried to get the other foot unclipped, but it didn't work.  I don't know if it was because my legs were sore or because I was trying to unclip the foot that I usually already have unclipped to stop.  All I know is, it was bad.  I went down, of course, with the bike mangled between my legs.  So bad.  I was okay.  I immediately noticed a very small cut on my shin, my right palm hurt where I landed, and I was already sure some black and blues would start appearing shortly.  Everyone was nice enough not to make a big deal.  Just one man asked if I was okay.  I was still on the ground probably because I was so surprised.  So I said, yes I'm okay and please don't look at me.  We both laughed.  I pulled my right foot toward me and looked at the cleat on the bottom of the shoe.  So stupid.  Yeah, like that's what caused me to fall instead of simple user error.  Ha ha!  After I got up, another man started talking to me and gave me some friendly tips for working the clips.  I totally appreciated that everyone was low key, nice, and helpful.


I came home and got back on the bike to make sure it was okay because I was pretty sure it wasn't.  Sure enough, the chain/gearing is slipping all over the place.  I'll have to take it into the shop when I go to make the next layaway payment on the hubby's bike this week.


When I got home, I looked at the My Tracks program I had going on the cellphone.  I ran it just to get an idea of what went on since I don't have the computer yet.  And I found something really interesting.  It said my max speed  was 22.96 mph.  What, really?!!  I've never done that before unless I'm going down the back side of the overpass by the Turnpike.  It will be really cool to get that computer on the bike and have that information while I'm riding.


So, to summarize... it was good, bad, and ugly.  I will do it again next Saturday.  But, I think I might ride with the D group while I build up my legs, confidence, and experience.  


;-D

Going clipless & never going back...

Big trip to my fave LBS today.  Went clipless with Look Keo pedals and Specialized Ember shoes.  And I'm NEVER going back!  Went for a ride when we got home and I love, love, love the feel of being connected to the bike!  It's so smooth, so efficient, so perfect.  So, okay, I did slip a bit the first time I tried to stop and put my foot down.  Lesson learned.  Besides that, I think I took to it pretty quick.  I came home and the hubby asked how it went.  I just couldn't stop smiling.  ;-D
 

Rollin', rollin', rollin'...

Having a GREAT time on my new ride!  I'm really looking forward to going clipless ASAP!  


I'm also hoping to do my first group ride with the BRBC this Saturday.  Forecast says rain, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  ;-D

Cycling Savvy - WPB...

Yes!!!  Cycling Savvy is getting going in the West Palm Beach area!  I can't wait to learn more and take some classes!

http://cyclingsavvy.org/category/southeast-region/west-palm/

Cycling Savvy is a traffic cycling program from the Florida Bicycle Association (FBA).  It was created by two LCI's (League Cycling Instructors).

2011 Bicycle Friendly States rankings...

The League of American Bicyclists has released its 2011 Bicycle Friendly States list.  


Washington state topped the list.  
West Virginia ranked dead last.  
You can check out all the states in-between here:


http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/bicyclefriendlystate/pdfs/2011_rankings_and_grades.pdf


I was surprised to see Florida ranked 7th overall.  I really can't explain it.  However, the grades for different categories do reveal more information.  Check this out...


Cumulative:  C
Legislative:  B
Policies & Programs:  C
Infrastructure:  C
Education & Encouragement:  B
Evaluation & Planning:  B
Enforcement:  F


Maybe some of these grades appear a bit high to me because I live in a part of the state that's overpopulated and overdeveloped, not to mention overly aggressive when it comes to drivers and their cars.  But, here are two observations:


   I think it sucks that with a "C" grade overall we are ranked so high on the list.  Really?!!  A totally average grade of "C" gets you #7 in the nation?!!  That's pretty pathetic.  It just goes to show how much work still needs to be done to really make this country bicycle friendly like other places.


   And as for Enforcement getting an "F".  Yep, that one sounds about right from what I've seen.  Really long way to go on this issue.  Enough said.

Guts & glory in NYC...

Just got back from New York City.  I grew up north in Poughkeepsie, so I'm not a city girl.  But, I must say that as an adult (and possibly post-9/11), I definitely see the city in a whole new way.  Call it a new appreciation and respect, without the fears of the city I had years ago as a kid from the 'burbs.  Either way, we had a wonderful time.  


And I'll say this:  you have to have guts in NYC.  I mean, the drivers have guts... the pedestrians have guts... and oh yes, the cyclists definitely have guts.  


You see it all there, crappy bikes and bikes to drool over.  Commuters on what may be their only form of transportation with wheels.  Tourists cruise by on rented bikes.  Take out delivery guys ride bikes with big baskets to carry food orders.  There are also pedicabs, bikes that pull small wagons behind them that seat a few people squished together.  And of course, there are the bike messengers.  


People there bike for fitness, work, necessity, and yeah, probably some for the hell of it because it's wild to ride there.  I watched these people in awe, no matter what brand or model of bike they were on, no matter what their purpose for riding appeared to be.  They zig-zag along with erratically moving cars that tend to speed way too fast and then suddenly stop bumper to bumper with horns blaring.  Few people wear cycling gear and even fewer wear helmets.  NYC appears to be a bizarre mix... a bike friendly town where it's still very dangerous to ride.  It looks both scary and exhilarating.  And I have to say, I like it.           

Next event: Registered...

The hubby and I are now registered for the Boca Raton Bicycle Club's annual Frank Stark Celebration Ride metric century!  ;-D

Proper bike fit - from Bicycling.com...

Great info on proper fit with nice tidbits especially for women, courtesy of Bicycling.com...


http://www.bicycling.com/maintenance/bike-fit/just-right?cm_mmc=BicyclingNL-_-05192011-_-blog-_-maintenance-_-just_right

Next event: less than 8 weeks away...

Just realized... yesterday was 8 weeks to go until next event, The Frank Stark Celebration Ride!  

Waiting for registration to open up!

Yay!

Bizarre dream = clipless pedal fears...

I had this bizarre dream last night.  I was in a race.  It was on this weird thin railroad track thingee.  I had on special shoes that were kind of hooked into the rails and I was sort of running/sliding along.  It was really hard to maneuver the turns in the track.  I was frustrated and felt like I didn't know what I was doing.

Geez... is that a thinly veiled metaphor for pre-clipless pedal purchase anxiety or what?!!  LOL!

Trying out "My Tracks" app on phone...

Since I haven't bought my new Cateye yet, I'm currently trying out the My Tracks app on my HTC Evo.  First two times out, it has worked well.  No problems with the GPS tracking.  It gives me the pretty map of where I've been, plus the max speed, average speed, ride time, etc.  So far, I like it.  

The beginning of a beautiful new relationship...

As I've said, this is the beginning of a beautiful new relationship.  Me and my new ride.  We went out both yesterday and today, just for short "getting to know ya" trips.  Yesterday, 6.2 and today 5.5 miles.  Just quickies mileage-wise, but I was getting the feel of the ride:  experimenting with the gears, handling and stopping, body positioning, basically... everything!  It's a much different ride than my hybrid was, so I feel like I'm in a bit of an adjustment period.  But, I already like what I feel over the past two days.  Can't wait to get the clipless pedals on there, I can already tell that's going to be awesome!
    

New ride: 2010 Specialized Allez...

New ride! Still need to save up for a few more accessories like clipless pedals/cleats & I want to upgrade my computer (giving old one to the hubby... he doesn't know the difference!) Hopefully bike will be fully decked out before my next event in July! Yeah, baby! 

2010 Specialized Allez

Bringing new baby home...

I got my bike! I got my bike! Now picture me screeching that like a child because I am hysterically happy and goofy in love. Yes, I have fallen for this marvelous creation, it doesn't matter that it's aluminum with a set of wheels. My lust has turned to a sweet love for my new ride. I wonder if anyone besides my hubby watched me at the shop as I ran my hand all over it... looking, learning, loving it.

Yep, that's where I am at. It's the start of a brand new, beautiful relationship. And my world is back in balance.

About to go looney - pick up scheduled...

Picking up my new ride tomorrow and it's just in the nick of time. I'm about to go looney, batty, and off the deep end. I am in a painful withdrawal since I haven't ridden in (gasp!) three weeks! Holy crap, it feels like forever, not just three weeks! Arrgghhhh! As I keep telling my hubby, "I'm a sad, sad little girl without my bike." I have been alternating between pouting and twitching and I honestly can't take it anymore. Picking up my new road bike tomorrow and I may just ride it until I fall off from exhaustion!
Yeah! ;-D

Saddle height - From Bicycling.com...

Tips to get the right saddle height, courtesy of Bicycling.com...

http://www.bicycling.com/maintenance/bike-fit/finding-right-height?cm_mmc=BicyclingNL-_-05102011-_-maintenance-_-finding_the_right_height

Proven Ways to Ride Faster - From Bicycling.com...

Great variety of training, tips and tricks to help you ride faster, 

courtesy of Bicycling.com...

http://www2.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/training-fitness/15-proven-ways-get-faster

Lost a few recent posts due to Blogger problems...

Trying to repost them from their copyrights...  :-(

USAC Officials' DVD's...

Started watching the DVD's that USA Cycling sent me for the Official's class C license.  Very interesting!  Hoping to finish watching them this week and then see what the next step is!  

Fave LBS class...

My favorite LBS is having a cool class later this week for fixing flats and minor emergency repairs.  I REALLY want (and need!) to go, but I don't have a babysitter for munchkin.  They say they'll probably have more classes in the future.  Thank goodness.  I could probably figure out how to fix a flat, but it would suck trying to do it for real for the first time.  I'd rather have some practice in advance!  LOL!  Will watch for more classes in the future!
  

500 hits!

This blog just got its 500th hit!

Wow!  

Thanks!

;-D

Withdrawal and wiggin' out...

I am in withdrawal and wiggin' out!  Definitely twitching!  I am so close to paying off my new bike and I can't wait to ride again!  The latest issue of "Bicycling" mag came in the mail, and I gotta tell ya, it didn't help reading it over the past few days.  It practically pushed me over the edge!  I started looking for stuff to hock to pay the bike off!  LMAO!  (Deep breath!)  Soon... very soon... 

This sign would look great alongside any roadway...

Courtesy:  South Florida Bike Coalition - Facebook post




Ha ha!  Love it!

Happy National Bike Month!

Computer had a temporary nervous breakdown so I wasn't able to post this on May 1st, however...


Happy National Bike Month!