First Fall

I wish you could have seen this.. We started climbing up a portion of Chalk Hill. I shifted and my chain stuck I had enough pressure on the pedals that I was unable to unclip and over I went... Ouch I landed on my right knee and right hand. My Rt foot uncoupled but the left was still attached and the bike was on top of me.. There were 2 riders trying to unclip me. I was helpless to release on my own my foot was twisted such that I couldn't move.. They freed me up and assessed damage. My knee and hand stung and I was shaken up and at once felt a loss of confidence ....

But after a rest and an excedrin I was off. Actually I had a great ride. Felt stronger but finished 4 th from last ;)

Let the spending begin

I just had a new chain put on my trusty steed.
And I know this is the start of bike accessories
Shopping.... I learned last year the importance of good cycling shorts.
Sure there are bargains out there but you may suffer latter. I like to have 3 different styles
Of short with good chamois that are not too padded,without bumps or ridges
Or stitching that can irritate after riding for miles and days on end. And a good chamois lube. I prefer Brave Soldier but "Chamois Butter" works well.

I also found some specialized BG gloves with ulnar grooves that protect my hands from nerve
damage. I have the long finger version with a nice mesh breathable backing...

And most important is having my bike professionally fit.
Yes it cost me more money but I'm happier now because I don't hurt so much ;)

Mo' later

Next Big Ride Northern Tier w/ WomanTours Fargo,ND to Bar Harbor, Maine

I made a decision last week to invest in riding the Northern Tier this May. I need big
adventures that require a lot of energy to motivate me into keeping fit. After the Southern
Tier I got lazy and hardly rode my bike at all. It shows and now Im having to start all over.

I started riding a couple of weeks ago and I had a professional fitting so Im ready to roll.

Last entry

My cross country journey is over 2 months of rides and routine.
Often times struggling to get out of bed and now I'm free and tired.
Memories wind through my thoughts each day.I want to do other long
rides and see new places and faces.
I'm
still in Georgia with Barb and Frankie. They taken me on bike rides
and roadtrips through the countryside, I've met their family and
friends and enjoyed my stay at their B&B in Helen GA
I'll soon be on Amtrak going west stopping a few times to visit along
the way
Thanks for following me

JoAnn on a Bike

One last blog to share.

http://joannonabike.blogspot.com/

Take care Karen
707 540 1441

Girlridesagain.blogspot.com

Signs in Helen GA

The last photo was drawn by Max, it's the 14 Greek gods that he
whipped out while we enjoyed a visit at the coffee shop

Hilltop Haus

Frankie and Barbara's home and B&B.
Chattahoochee River

Lunchstop in Sautee Valley(Barbara,Leela and Frankie)

Veggie stand in Nacoochee Valley