wheel on

[ctseawa]

I got my repaired bike back last night. The lady at the store commented on how heavy it is (well, it is 24 years old. Composite bikes just weren't an option for me in 1984). I picked up a new helmet (something about a 24 year old helmet doesn't give me much confidence), new saddle bags (waterproof!) and a new lock. Total was somewhere around $450. Ouch. It's going to take some serious riding to pay for that.

Since I haven't ridden since March, 1993 I figured I'd better practice off the road for a bit before heading out. I rode around the parking lot - about 8 laps up and down a fairly gentle slope - then took off for the bus stop at Campus Parkway. I almost made it but the hill on Brooklyn and 40th defeated me.

I got the bike on the bus and got to my stop then started riding home on it. I made the ride all the way home but I was dead. My legs hurt for a while and the shakes eventually ended.

This morning I decided to try for the donut shop a few stops down from my usual stop. The downhill part was easy but the uphill defeated me again. I really earned this apple fritter from Top Pot, I tell you. My goal is to bike home from my usual stop tonight and see how long it takes me to walk again.

The saddle isn't very comfortable. I think I'll need to replace it. I also need to get a different head light. The one I bought a while ago doesn't fit on my handlebars - they're too large for the clamp.

My big fear? Forgetting I had a bike on the bus rack.

Comments

[d33ann.livejournal.com]

Don't get sucked into the "your bike is so heavy" racket. I got lectured on this from a bike freak I know, he told me ignore it, I'm not about to go buy some fancy composite lightweight frame just for riding around town.

I don;t do any major biking, I just use it if I'm going to walk more than 4 blocks. I was bemoaning my bike being out of commission for repair, and the bike repair person said, "yah, only suckers walk." Yah! Right on!

Before you invest in a new seat, wait to see if your butt gets used to the seat you have, cause it probably will. When I got my new (another hand me down) bike, I was like "ouch ouch" then after a few days, no problem.

I'm glad to hear about you biking! Everyone should bike, it's so fun!

My big fear: the bike rack on the bus. I still don't know how to use it!

Forget?

[wyntersea.livejournal.com]

Won't the bike shorts and helmet remind you that you have something on the bus rack?:-}

[beckyb.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you got to ride around Seattle a bit! It's one of my favorite things in the world.

[scourgeotheseas.livejournal.com]

Congrats!