Yesterday, day 2, I decided to venture through the neighborhood and into surrounding ones. It's weird how you pick up on little things when you're on a bike and the little highs that you can get from them. Like I learned that it's a really cool feeling when you get clocked on a radar detector when you're on a bike. I've also learned that texas heat sucks to ride a bike in. I go through so much water and have had to come home or to my car several times to fill up my bottle and then continue on.
Today right before I went for a ride, I watched Mulan with my sister. Then on the bike all I could think about was the song "we are men...... dark side of the moon.." but none of the other lyrics would come to mind. So I decided, that I should listen to a song I know before biking, so I can sing along with it instead of "la la lalaaaaaa...".
I also went to a maintenance class up at Performance Bikes tonight. I learned things like how to change my tire, chain, take my brake pads and wheels off, etc. It feels good to know how to get myself out of most every situation that I could wind up in.
I also learned how nice people can be when they seem someone in distress. During my second ride of the day, I ran out of water 3 miles away from my house and way down hill. I knew there was no way I could make it home without more water, so I asked some guys playing basketball in their driveway- and sure enough they filled up my bottle for me!! It was so refreshing that I ended up staying out an extra 10 miles.
So all in all, my bike odometer has officially reached 30 miles today. I hope to nearly double that by the weekend.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
redirected passions
I originally created this blog last year when I went with a team from my school to the middle east. I needed a way to connect with my family and friends and let them know I was alive, without having to send out mass emails or update my facebook page. But as time went on during the trip, and internet seemed to be a rare commodity, I settled for waiting until I returned to tell them all about my time in the ME. Eventhough I absolutely loved my team, our country, the people, and everything else about the trip- I've decided to shift the focus of this blog from what happened there, to what is happening here. So from now on, I will use this as a place to write about where I rode during the day and whatever else is going through my head.
So here it goes: DAY 1: arbor hills nature preserve
After spending all day at the bike shop yesterday getting the final tweaks and kinks worked out on my bike, I was finally able to take my Fuji newest 3.0 out for a spin today. The temperature was only supposed to be 89 degrees, so against warnings from friends and fellow nature preservians, I decided to go all out and spend some time at the park. Although I have a new bike, clipless pedals, shoes and an outfit to go with it, I was completely emberassed when I couldn't figure out how to clip into my pedals. I had just learned how to use them yesterday at the bike shop, but that was on a stationary bike and no one ever said what to do to keep your balance. So there I am. Clinging to the side of my car and praying that I can just get the right angle and clip my pedals in. After 10 agonizing minutes later, I finally clipped in and away I went.
At first I was freaked out. There were several people out walking or running, and lots of cars to avoid on the way to the trail- but I made it. I went around the paved trail once and took a water break. By the time I stopped, I realized it was well over 100 degrees, but I didn't care. I loved my bike and wanted to go for another lap. So I went around again. This time I wasn't gripping the brakes as much or slowing down as much during turns. I was free and unstoppable. Or so I thought.. After a third lap I began to feel the effects of the heat and decided it was time to call it a day.
So although I didn't quite make it 10 miles today, I rediscovered my passion for cycling and how grateful I am to finally have my own bike. I can't wait for the sun to come up tomorrow so I can try a new route and hopefully make it out before the texas heat.
So here it goes: DAY 1: arbor hills nature preserve
After spending all day at the bike shop yesterday getting the final tweaks and kinks worked out on my bike, I was finally able to take my Fuji newest 3.0 out for a spin today. The temperature was only supposed to be 89 degrees, so against warnings from friends and fellow nature preservians, I decided to go all out and spend some time at the park. Although I have a new bike, clipless pedals, shoes and an outfit to go with it, I was completely emberassed when I couldn't figure out how to clip into my pedals. I had just learned how to use them yesterday at the bike shop, but that was on a stationary bike and no one ever said what to do to keep your balance. So there I am. Clinging to the side of my car and praying that I can just get the right angle and clip my pedals in. After 10 agonizing minutes later, I finally clipped in and away I went.
At first I was freaked out. There were several people out walking or running, and lots of cars to avoid on the way to the trail- but I made it. I went around the paved trail once and took a water break. By the time I stopped, I realized it was well over 100 degrees, but I didn't care. I loved my bike and wanted to go for another lap. So I went around again. This time I wasn't gripping the brakes as much or slowing down as much during turns. I was free and unstoppable. Or so I thought.. After a third lap I began to feel the effects of the heat and decided it was time to call it a day.
So although I didn't quite make it 10 miles today, I rediscovered my passion for cycling and how grateful I am to finally have my own bike. I can't wait for the sun to come up tomorrow so I can try a new route and hopefully make it out before the texas heat.
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