Learning Curve...
So I've had my bike for a week! YEAH ME!
So, I hate to admit it, that very first day, I dropped the bike! *CRIES*... we met Mac's dad at a pub in town. Before we even left the house, I knew the parking lot I'd be expected to navigate. I did NOT want to do it. In fact, I was feeling a little tired and should have just gone as a passenger... but figured I'd never get better if I didn't ride as frequently as possible. So... when it came time to leaving, I was so stressed and not really paying attention to what I was doing (I was about 3 steps ahead of myself) I dropped the bike. NOT happy!!! Mac eventually admitted he felt at fault. HE was fine with where we were at. I guess I should have just gone with my instinct and not parked with him. Oh, well... live and learn! Unfortunately, that also means my bike is scuffed (though not the blue paint- one little mark) but the brake lever is broken...
The Sunday we went out to Mac's mom's place... I was a bit nervous about the driveway, but I did pretty well. It's the hills I get nervous about... having to use the back (foot) brake in order to use the gas... a bit of co-ordination and I'm learning where everything catches...
Was nervous to drive to work- which was SUCH a shame as the weather was BEAUTIFUL! But on both Wednesday and Friday I took the bike as I had a bit more time after work. Mac met me at the shop and we took a scenic ride home. The first day (Wednesday) I almost dropped the bike again. I believe I almost made the same mistake again as I had when I dropped the bike. I managed to catch the bike, though, and I learned from the mistake. Haven't made it since!
Today we rode back to Spunky's for the tune up ($270!!! OUCH!!!) What a BEAUTIFUL ride! We bundled up, though, as it was quite windy. I was actually quite comfortable on the ride. Not too warm, but not cold. Finally got Mac to take a picture of me with the bike:
But the ride really was beautiful. We rode really well together (I felt)... we did staggered and it felt like we were riding together as opposed to another bike following behind... it was really cool! The wind was a little bothersome, but watching Mac helped me navigate the worst gusts. I was more comfortable riding on my own in the wind than as a passenger!!!
I spent a good portion of the evening looking at equipment for the bikes and found a company that does touring vacations- they provide everything but the flight to the starting point! And reasonable rate, I think! SO many of the vacations seemed VERY cool (including Machu Pichu!!!) but several of the REALLY cool tours, one needs to be an "expert" rider including off road experience! So... NOT me... yet...
Anyhow... looking forward to getting as much riding as possible in before the weather gets crappy... which will be tomorrow... then it sounds like the rain starts... I'd like to have a bit more time (and my new riding boots) before I start plaing with additional factors to riding... we'll see though...
So, I hate to admit it, that very first day, I dropped the bike! *CRIES*... we met Mac's dad at a pub in town. Before we even left the house, I knew the parking lot I'd be expected to navigate. I did NOT want to do it. In fact, I was feeling a little tired and should have just gone as a passenger... but figured I'd never get better if I didn't ride as frequently as possible. So... when it came time to leaving, I was so stressed and not really paying attention to what I was doing (I was about 3 steps ahead of myself) I dropped the bike. NOT happy!!! Mac eventually admitted he felt at fault. HE was fine with where we were at. I guess I should have just gone with my instinct and not parked with him. Oh, well... live and learn! Unfortunately, that also means my bike is scuffed (though not the blue paint- one little mark) but the brake lever is broken...
The Sunday we went out to Mac's mom's place... I was a bit nervous about the driveway, but I did pretty well. It's the hills I get nervous about... having to use the back (foot) brake in order to use the gas... a bit of co-ordination and I'm learning where everything catches...
Was nervous to drive to work- which was SUCH a shame as the weather was BEAUTIFUL! But on both Wednesday and Friday I took the bike as I had a bit more time after work. Mac met me at the shop and we took a scenic ride home. The first day (Wednesday) I almost dropped the bike again. I believe I almost made the same mistake again as I had when I dropped the bike. I managed to catch the bike, though, and I learned from the mistake. Haven't made it since!
Today we rode back to Spunky's for the tune up ($270!!! OUCH!!!) What a BEAUTIFUL ride! We bundled up, though, as it was quite windy. I was actually quite comfortable on the ride. Not too warm, but not cold. Finally got Mac to take a picture of me with the bike:
But the ride really was beautiful. We rode really well together (I felt)... we did staggered and it felt like we were riding together as opposed to another bike following behind... it was really cool! The wind was a little bothersome, but watching Mac helped me navigate the worst gusts. I was more comfortable riding on my own in the wind than as a passenger!!!
I spent a good portion of the evening looking at equipment for the bikes and found a company that does touring vacations- they provide everything but the flight to the starting point! And reasonable rate, I think! SO many of the vacations seemed VERY cool (including Machu Pichu!!!) but several of the REALLY cool tours, one needs to be an "expert" rider including off road experience! So... NOT me... yet...
Anyhow... looking forward to getting as much riding as possible in before the weather gets crappy... which will be tomorrow... then it sounds like the rain starts... I'd like to have a bit more time (and my new riding boots) before I start plaing with additional factors to riding... we'll see though...