Cycling - the beginning

Two months ago I entered into a bike store with the idea of purchasing a bike to help with my foot recovery and to get back into shape. Nine weeks prior to the bike purchase I had major foot surgery, and although my foot healed nicely I was unable to run or walk very far. I did not want to take time out to go to the gym with the nice weather, so I decide buying a bike would give me something to do outside that would not aggrevate my foot. Going to the closest bike store I made my first bike purchase--a mountain bike made specifically for women. What a great bike. It is perfects for the beginner and perfect for my needs. I did not want to buy something too expensive, and I wanted a bike I could ride around town and ride on the trails in the mountains around me. Before I bought the bike I had the opportunity to test it out in the parking lot. I am sure the salesman thought there was no way I would ride much. I had a difficult time balancing and riding--lets just say I was very wobbily on the bike. I was lucky I was able to stay on the bike (I think the last time I was on a bike was when I was in middle school) Because of my lack of ability I am sure this is why I only purchased the very basics--a helmet, glasses, and water bottle holder. With that I hopped on my new bike and rode it 4 miles to home. That ride was scarey for me. I rode very slow, worried I would fall off or get hit by a car, because of my inability to ride well, but I made it home in one piece.

The next day I took my bike out with my 8 year old and we went for a 2 hour bike ride, and the love for the bike began. I began to go out riding a couple of times a week, wishing I could do more, but having to wait due to softball season and playing 5 hours a week. Every time I could find the opportunity I would take a moment to hop on my bike. The more I rode the more I realized I needed more so I could ride in comfort. I found a great bike store, with female cyclists, and began to get outfitted correctly. My husband also caught the fever and our family has begun to go on rides in the mountains and around town. We bought a bike rack for the car so we would not be limited to only the trails close by. Now not only me, but my family has started to become bike enthusits. Last week my 8 year old and I rode on the 10 mile Breast Cancer Awareness Ride. She had so much fun she was wishing I would have let her do the 20 mile ride.

I don't know how to explain the love for the bike other than there is nothing else like it. Each time I ride I come home feeling uplifted and can't wait to get back out. I love the freedom of being outside, riding on the trails, or on the road and feeling the rush of the wind go by. I love getting better and better and learning how to ride my bike better. I laugh as I am learning to clip and unclip into the peddles and of course hope that there will not be any major falls due to the lack of coordination of trying to get my foot out of the peddles. When I get home my senses are heightened and I wish I could bike just a little bit longer. I watch the weather to determine if there is going to be a rain storm or not. No rain storm means we are out biking. Surprisingly the cold weather has not deterred me. I am not a lover of the cold, but when dressed properly it does not feel so cold on the bike. Of course it is still early in the cold season, so this sentiment may change. I am constantly looking for new places to ride and reading on how to become a better rider.

The other day I got the courage up to ask about the gear shifter on the left hand and what they were for--yes now I know it is the derailluer. When I bought the bike unfortunately this was not something the salesman thought I needed to know. My new friends at the new bike store explained the ins and outs and now I am loving playing with shifting and learning how to maximize the use of my bike. It is still a bit confusing to me, but as I climb hills and go down I am learning how each gear works and what works best for me--this is sooo cool.

Last week I upgraded and bought a road bike! Wow, what a difference versus the mountain bike. I can't believe how fast I can go on the road and how much easier it is to travel longer distances. Of course I am still in the wobbily stage, but hopefully I will get my balance soon, like I did with my mountain bike, and will be able to learn to ride much better. I love biking and now I can experience both mountain and road the best possible way.