another 50 mile ride :)

Kelli and I drove up to Windsor and rode with the Aidslifecycle group. Only 6 of us
showed up on this cool day. Robert, Stephen, Sarah, Kelli and Richard......We rode up Chalk Hill and along Alexander Valley up to Geyserville for lunch and further north to Asti
then back to Windsor..... it was a fast clip for me and at the end of the day I had averaged
12.4 miles an hour..... woweee, I was happy with that.

the Brooks saddle is really working out nicely for me.

Im traveling back to Oregon next Sat and will be up there for a month. I hope to
continue riding but I may be doing some spin classes if the weather is poor

Fighting the "BUG"

I've been so careful this season with my health . I stayed in Calif instead of spending the winter in Oregon and started slowly preparing for this journey. But here I lay
all snuffly and achy looking out the window knowing my pals are cycling today. Ughhh

Testing testing

I purchased a Brooks saddle, it's intimating
With it's hard leather seat but I tried it today.... It was comfortable!!
I know I have not put many miles on it, less than 20, but the ride surprised me...

Here's hoping it gives me years of
Pleasurable riding ;)

Mt.St.Helena

On our way to Calistoga

Today's ride

I pushed past an obstacle... So I rode along with riders that are stronger and go longer... Yes!!! I was able to complete 52 miles with 3300' of climbing

WOW I'm proud of myself!!

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