Monday, December 7, 2009

Cycling with RBR

Check it out! We actually did it. Stacey (Run Bitch Run) and I went on a bike ride. I had a meeting at work Sunday morning until 10:30 a.m. so Stacey drove up and met me at the store. We were THIS close to canceling again. It was very tempting, considering it was 45 degrees.


From the parking lot, we went up Auto Mall to Mission Boulevard and north on Mission to Mowry. I took her on a little tour of Fremont, pointing out (non)interesting places along the way. We rode by my daughter's house and then I took her to my house so she could meet my husband and see Boomer again.

We hopped onto Paseo Padre from Mowry and headed south. This was my first "real" ride with my new clip in pedals and shoes. I was feeling very comfortable clipping in and out on the ride. I think having toe clips (baskets) for the last few months helped because at least I was used to having to "get out" of something every time I stopped and "getting back in" when I started up again.

We got to the top of Paseo Padre, in the Mission area and Stacey wants to stop so she can take a picture of the view. By the way, where the hell IS that picture? Hmmmm.

Anyway. I unclip my right foot, no problem, and we stop. Uh oh. Suddenly I realize I'm kind of leaning to the left. Before I know it, I'm crashing quickly toward the pavement and I can't get my left foot out of the clip. Crap! Down I go. As Judi says, "I did a tip over!"

Do you think I could get a hand back up? Please? Nope. Stacey needs to take out her camera first and snap a picture. Of course! I certainly should not have expected anything else. She said she heard and saw the whole thing. I landed right on my hand but nothing serious. At least I have one fall out of the way. She says it takes three falls to be a "real cyclist." I dried my tears (not really) and we took another picture before heading down the big hill and back to the store. We were able to complete an 18 mile loop and we didn't freeze to death.

We chatted for a few more minutes in the parking lot before parting ways. I haven't committed to anything yet BUT I will say she has got me thinking of doing something next spring that will require me getting MUCH more comfortable with open water. We'll see where this goes. ;)
Sunday night we went to City Beach for REI's Christmas party. Tons of games to play, lots of food to eat and plenty of holiday cheer being spread.

We were able to get our tree today. Three cheers for us!! We have it up with the lights and topper on. We can't decorate it until tomorrow night when Sara is available to help. She insists it is tradition that she is here every year to hang ornaments with me. I will wait for that. Not a problem.


Other than that, nothing else is crossed off the list. Baby steps, right? Baby steps!
Until later.............




14 comments:

RunningLaur said...

Your fallen picture is really good! Glad you got out to
ride!

Lily on the Road said...

My Iron friend Anne did exactly that when we were out and she was on her brand new Cervelo. The fall tore the side of the saddle and dislodged the chain, so you got off pretty lucky (Crocodile tears and all)!

Looney said...

Falling while stuck to your pedal is one of those things that just has to be done! It was in 1974 when that happened to me. That was when we actually did have real leather straps to hold shoes on. I road for an hour and forgot that I was strapped in, went up to a red light and ...

Glenn Jones said...

Man - I have trouble not falling and I don't have foot clips....

Thank you for your words yesterday. I had not really thought about PTSD type symptoms. It totally makes sense. Your suggestion also points out that I should watch my wife. I don't think she has landed yet.....

Aron said...

YAY looks like you guys had fun! Love that you are still smiling huge even though you tipped hehe.

Judi said...

hilarious!! it's FUNNY when it happens. you have to laugh, it's ok. just get back on the bike and keep riding. no biggie.

Unknown said...

sounds like you had fun. despite the oopsie. :-)

RBR said...

Hey gorgeous! Thank you again! It was a great ride and I had a blast. Good for you getting the tree, Still very Scrooge-like in the RBR household.

Mel-2nd Chances said...

done the tip over too, but i don't think i looked quite as happy doing it :) glad you had a good ride though and got the tree up! It's feeling more like Christmas here, but only cuz we got snow overnight :/

Teamarcia said...

I just found your blog! If it makes you feel any better, you are not alone in your "tip over":0

PunkRockRunner said...

You finally got Stacey out on her bike again - YEAH!!! I've been harassing her for weeks about running and biking.

Sounds like a fun day.

All the best,

Ron

trailturtle said...

Hi Jo Lynn,
Glad you and RBR got out for a ride. Wish I had my bike to ride with you...but, then again, I was still recovering from Woodside!
I was a pioneer of sorts---got my first set of clipless pedals way back in 1989 for a bike tour my husband & I did that summer...what a blessing for my wide feet! Of course, I never saw any other touring cyclists with them that year! BUT I DID DO A COUPLE OF TIP OVERS :).
I just noticed that you are signed up for Rodeo next weekend. Hope your knee does well enough this week for you to feel comfortable going--would love to meet up with you. Glad it wasn't today with all of the rain/mud! And hope the weather gets better so I can do some trails before then, too! Stay well, Ann

Stuart said...

As you can see lots of people including myself have done the ohshittip-over, it's all part of it; and you came back smiling!

Like you never would!

Shawn said...

wow! I envey you guys and your bike ride. I haven't been out since... well since my duathlon in Kight's Ferry! gah!

As for the tipping thing. I can think of three MAJOR falls I took learning how to deal with my cleats. I haven't fallen since March, but I still get nervous everytime I have to slow down or stop!