Bumps and bruises
It looks like we're off and rolling on this blogging and triathlon experience. And I'm also off and rolling. After years of locomotion purely on my two feet, I now am peddling madly my sporty red Trek bicycle.
I've always said that red makes cars go faster, and I am about to believe the same about bikes. First, let me admit I'm no stranger to two wheels. I ride a motorcycle. It's not red, but it goes fast. Still, this has proved no preparation for the nimble and fast bicycle you see pictured on this page. I'm still getting the hang of it, but I must say this bicycle is the fastest human powered machine I have ever ridden.
My two coaches, Shelly and Zetta, can surely tell you more about biking than I will ever be able to relate, but I can give a few observations which might help those of you who have never ridden a bicycle intended for speed. First, the cleated shoes which lock to the pedals take some getting used to. Most of you, more coordinated than I, will perhaps master the art of unlocking at least one foot from the pedal before braking to a halt. I'm getting better at it, but my irregular learning curve has made me thankful for riding with a helmet and gloves. Of course, you all are riding with helmets, aren't you?
Today's riding surprises were twofold. I am getting better at unlocking the cleats from the pedal and making more or less safe stops (I don't claim any gracefulness just yet). But today I was working myself up a steep hill and had to stop just short of the top. How to keep the bike moving forward as I wrestle one foot free of the pedal is a mystery to me. Down I went, looking somewhat like a Monty Python caricature falling off one's bike. I tackled that same hill several times, but with an alternate tack which avoided the tricky dismount. I'll go at it again soon.
As they say about being thrown from a horse: get right back up in the saddle. So far, I have been able to remount. However, at a moderate rate of speed I hit a drainage grate in the road. This caused what was practically an end over end crash which left me licking some superficial but nevertheless impressive looking abrasions. I expect I'll have a few bruises glowing by tomorrow. But again, I got back on the horse that threw me, like the good cowboys at last month's rodeo. Who says it's not tough to ride a bike?
What are your experiences at riding or being thrown from a speeding bicycle? Post a comment and let's talk about it.
2 comments:
James is on the right track! First of all he does have a hot red CLEAN bike that Matt at Bicycle Heaven revamped for him. As Matt once told me..." a clean bike is a happy bike and a happy bike is a fast bike"! A happy rider is also someone who has been fit correctly. Janelle took care of that in a matter of no time. I loved watching James' face as she took all the measurments and angles to get him comfy. There sometimes is so much to learn and know it can be overwhelming. That is why you surround yourself with those who have done it before. We all love to share and give our two cents. Practicing getting in and out of your pedals ALOT is a must before really getting out there on a big ride. We all fall down and still do. I will not post a photo of my bike for that same reason... it looks like a war wagon. Yes, I still fall even now, only less frequently and much harder! Sadly many can attest to my crashes besides me. I am looking forward to riding with James soon if he will have me. Any other takers? Come on and join us.!
James, you are right on track with your learning curve!
Falling doesn't sound like fun and honestly it is not. This is a good time to point out that there are generally two kinds of people that ride a bike, those that have taken a fall and those that are going to take a fall! The great news is that nearly 100% of the people live to tell of the experience (as you have done) with little to no serious physical harm. It is great that you can add humor to your experience. As Zetta said, Even the most seasoned rider still falls from time to time.
This dicussion brought me to the thought of helmets and the importance of having one that is properly fitted. Since I am very new to "blogging" I am not sure how to post pictures so I will simply guide you to a web page.
At http://www.helmets.org/ideal.htm there is a lot great information about chosing, fitting and securing a helmet. Any retail bike shop will have knowledgable staff to answer additional questions just don't be afraid to ask!
I will leave you with one thought... I recently read that 3 out of 4 bike accidents involve an injury to the head/helmet. That is scary when you think about it! Please, please wear a helmet AND Replace your helmet if you have been in a crash that caused a significant blow to the head. It could literally save your life.
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