My First Bike Ride

I did it! My first Bike Ride! 

It has probably been over 10 years since I rode a bike. And even then, it was a mile to and from school. I have been afraid of getting a road bike for a long time... the tires are skinny, the idea of riding on the road with cars scared me, and that most of the time as a jogger, bicyclist are generally the most inconsiderate people on the road. However, I have been longing to do a Tri since I did my first marathon a few years ago. The biking part always got in the way. I decided it was time to face my fear and give it a try. 

I bought the bike last weekend at Mike's Bikes, in Palo Alto.  GREAT experience.  Got to take it on a test run.  The bike was expensive, so I am not hurrying out there to buy all the accessories yet.  I did buy some shorts, a helmet, and a tool kit to fix the bike.  

Steve today was helpful.  He showed me how to change the gears and when to change them.  I am not sure I get it yet, but I hope it will make sense to me soon.  He even let me borrow a biking jersey and jacket.  I have to say... biking clothes are not flattering... at all.  The shorts are uncomfortable, the shirt felt tight, I think runners outfits are way better.

So... how was the riding experience?  We did a bike trail along the bay front (Foster City/San Mateo Area).  Boy...  my tooshie hurts bad!  OUCH!  How to people bike for hours and hours.  We rode for about an hour and everything down there hurts.  Next, I was trying to be respectful to runners, and let them know I was riding on their left... but it turns out, some runners are just bad runners.  A few zigged zagged in front, and I was worried I was going to hit them.  Overall, I have to say, it wasn't a bad experience.  We did 14 miles.  The Tri race in August is 13 miles... so I am ahead of the game.  But, I am slow, and not good at shifting, and turns are a bit rough.  I will need practice.  I also think I will need actual biking shoes.  My running shoes felt a bit big on there.

I am really proud of myself for doing this.  I am looking forward to many many bike rides with Steve and friends!