The derailleurs needed a slight adjusting anyway. I was really looking forward to being able to ride in the big chainring without it sounding like I was dragging my metal cup along a jail cell door.
Now, to backtrack a bit, I received a comment on my blog yesterday from a guy named Frank. It turns out this particular Frank was The Frank that won the Orbea that Elden of Fat Cyclist gave away. Long story short, where does he live? About 2 miles from me. I have an actual cycling celebrity in my town! Holy Shimano! He was kind enough to tell me to give him a shout if I ever wanted to go on a ride. I told him if he ever wanted to go SLOOOOOOOOOOOOW, sure.
It turns out that he was also planning on being at the bike shop this morning for a group ride. Our emails crossed each other so he was unaware that I was at the shop at the same time but when I got there, there were quite a few people outside waiting for the ride to start. I asked an older gentleman if he knew who Frank was but he did not. I then thought I recognized Frank but if it was him, he was deep in conversation with 2 other guys so I didn't want to interrupt him. I'm sure we'll run into each other again in the near future anyway.
I brought the bike into the shop and told them I needed shoes and pedals. I got the pedals but they didn't have the shoes I wanted in my size. They're on order and I'll have them later this week. I did buy and take home the pedals (and a pair of socks) because I at least wanted to drool over the new pedals until I was able to put them on the bike. I was a tad disappointed but it's no biggie really; it's not like I can't ride the bike and golly gee whiz, now I'll have to go back to the bike shop again! What a non-bummer!
I got home much earlier than I expected and was able to get a nice 10 miler in. I haven't been able to ride much more than 2 days this past week so I wanted to really take full advantage of a sunny, cool Saturday where the shore traffic wouldn't be an issue. I took my time and on the way home, because I could now use the big ring without frightening small children and dogs, I was rolling along at about a 14 mph clip on the flats, which is really good for me. It seems it takes me about 5 miles to warm up to the point where I can start pushing it a bit and feel good. I am told the new shoes and pedals will make a big difference too so I have that to look forward to.
So I didn't get my shoes, and I didn't get to meet Frank, but I had an awesome ride so what more could I ask for?
5 comments:
... you ever use clipless before? If not, try them out while riding on grass first, clip in and out until you think you have it.
They will help a ton with your riding and make you a little faster.
Just take your time and go at your own speed.
I bet you're excited to get your shoes and have your bike all set up. I hope we have a nice, long fall to ride in before winter sets in.
I missed you and so glad to see you again! I agree.. The pedals are hard at first but so nice. Be sure to let us know when you join the "I fell off my bike at a standstill" club. You'll be in good company;)
I got to the bike shop just before we started the ride so you might have mistaken me with somebody else.
Anyways, I'll second Jenny-Jennys comment about the club. It happened to me after the first clipless ride when I pulled into the driveway. I'm sure my funny acrobatics while falling onto the yard were quite entertaining to the neighbors :)
I'm sure you are going to love the new shoes and pedals. Don't worry about the falling part. Just think of it as a great new blog post. Glad to see you post again.
Post a Comment