Thursday, March 06, 2008

We're gonna need a bottle of peroxide, some gauze, and a lot of duct tape.


Last year, I gots me a bike.

A fancy, dancy bike.

With bullhorns and bar-ends and a cut out...OH MY!

Not only is she FREAKING GORGEOUS, she's wonderful to sit on, shift on, and stand next to.

And she and I have already spent over 700 miles together, me in her somewhat uncomfortable seat (I didn't want to mess up the fit I got by messing around with putting my Terry saddle on...so I've learned to just deal) and her propped up on the trainer.

Yes. You read that right.

I have a new bike that I've logged 700+ miles on...in my basement.

What does that get me? Season 1 and 2 of Rescue Me and the knowledge that interval training and reading subtitles do not play well together.

What does it NOT get me?

Um...yeah, BIKE HANDLING SKILLS.

So, there you have it. I'm not sure I can ride my bike. With all the ass kicking my coach has been handing me in the name of "you're the one who signed up for an early season half, remember?" I know that I'll be stronger going up all those hills out there.

If I don't fall off on my way to them, that is.

BUT.

Here's the good news.

This week it broke 50 degrees. It felt like bathing suit weather. Bad news was it did this lovely feat while I was at work and recovering from a throat infection. (Yucky. I know. It's over now...let's not discuss it.)

But hand-to-God, the first time it breaks 50 and I'm not at the office, I'm dropping everything and heading out on the road.

You know...to see if I know how to work my breaks. And turn corners.

Watch out, world. Get the peroxide ready.

[Update: You know what? I lied. It's more like 550 miles. Not so good with math here. But that's still a LOT to do without touching asphalt.]

23 comments:

Alili said...

omg, me too. I am freaking out about spring time...so much so that the anxiety will set in quickly if I don't think about something else. At least you've actually really ridden outside...my 150miles last summer on a hybrid don't really count for much! lol

Wes said...

She's gonna look purty on the road too :-)

Stef0115 said...

Woo Hoo! Won't be long now and you will be out there! What is a terry saddle and is it more comfortable that a regular saddle?

Robyn said...

I don't know you at all, but am with you in spirit! I also got a brand new ride and JUST took her out for the first off-trainer expedition this past weekend. Hooray!!! Stay safe out there!

Stef0115 said...

Thank you! :-)

MinkeSwim said...

what's her name? she's so gorgeous she deserves a name...
I'm sure you'll do great when you can get out on the roads! Stay safe.

Smithposts... said...

Looks like a fine bike for road miles. Take care on the roads and enjoy!

Kim said...

im laughing nervously bc i feel the same way!! i bought black beauty tri-bike back in october and she still has NOT been out on the road. i am PETRIFIED that i dont have the trusty dropdown handlebars. please tell me it went well.

triguyjt said...

tip for you.

when you are out on the bike....you turn those handlebars left or right dependening on which direction you wanna go....

got it???

hope so...
have fun out there on your hot bike

Tea said...

LOL! I finally got out this weekend. (btw- 50 degrees is damn cold on a bike on a windy day).

You will definitely be stronger this year! Logging all those miles in your basement....heck that's mental toughness!

Calyx Meredith said...

Confession? It was 65 here and I rode on the trainer right in front of the open door. Ridiculous I know - but not only was the car traffic beastly out but I just moved to this area. I have no known routes and didn't quite realize it until it was time to head out to bike. I wasn't even sure if I could find my way out and home again. I'm like the queen of baby steps.

Best of luck when you get out there! Bet it'll be way better than the basement and I certainly hope the peroxide goes un-needed.

LBTEPA said...

Sorry mate but that post made me laugh :) Soon you will be out there revelling in the joy of the open air! Have fun!

MtngirlinCali said...

Hey, let's think positively here....you cannot possibly do worse than me in the bike handling department. :) She's definitely a sexy beast, though. You'll turn heads out there when you release her to the public!!

M said...

All three seasons of Rescue Me (with subtitles) while on my trainer in my tiny studio apartment is how I have spent the last 4 1/2 months of my life.

I.Feel.Your.Pain.

My bike has actually seen the road ONCE. Last year. 20 bucks says I fall off the first time it hits the streets.

kerri said...

Face the fear. It's a wonderful riding world out there. Take her out there...she's dying for it. And I betcha you both will be addicted.

Leah said...

I would sooner ride in 20 degree weather than on the trainer. But I just got my first tri-specific bike and, um, yeah, it's different. I'm sure I'll acquire some road rash as I break it in... Best of luck!

Andrea said...

It was 74 and sunny in KC on Sunday and I did my workout on the trainer in the basement. Although the temps were awesome - the wind was everyone's enemy that day.

Gusts of 30 mph and a new carbon bike that has not even paid for yet are not a good mix.

ShirleyPerly said...

Well, even though I ride mostly on roads year-around, I've found the need gauze, etc. You WILL fall, my husband told me, it's not a matter of if but when. He's right ... but don't let it stop you. Just take it a little easier the first few rides until you get back that road feel. That's what I'm doing now.

Spokane Al said...

I am glad to hear I have company for all those winter hours spent on the trainer. We are going to be mean when we finally do get to ride on actual roads.

Jeff said...

Rescue me is the best series e.v.e.r.!
So true to reality? Somewhat.
I haven't been out on my bike yet either...I don't even have a trainer :(

If it makes you feel better we just got alot more snow today...I don't think I'll be seeing the road until May the way it is going.

Come on 50's!

Enjoy the ride!

Kate said...

Hey rock on! That is the bike I got last year. I am in love with her! I however have not logged nearly the miles that you have and I better get started because it will be a rude awakening. I can't wait for a nice day. I am seriously craving the sun and wind (and did I mention the SUN?).

Trevor Oseen said...

Wow, nice ride. Now I have to convince Susan that I need a new one.

GP said...

That's HUGE mileage. I admire your progress and I'm green with envy. About the bike and the mileage. I'm still riding a hybrid!

Be careful on hitting the asphalt. You'll be great, but just take it easy at first.

Is that a photo of your bike? That's a gorgeous color.