I say "training" because although I was gone for about 3 hours, I only logged a total of 10 miles. But, before you laugh, you should know I made two VERY important stops:1) Ski Market. When I pulled my bike out of the storage closet, I could easily depress the tire with my pinky (definitely not good). I stood outside calculating how long it would take me to walk to Ski Market when another cyclist from my building pulled up and let me borrow his hand pump. With about 60 psi in my tires I made it to Ski Market and spent some time there getting my bike fitted and my tires filled (I was amazed to find out that they take more pressure than most car tires), and learning about how expensive a hobby cycling can be.
I purchased this awesome BLINKY SUPER FLASH bike light. It's touted as the "Best Tail Light on the PLANET." I can see why. With it, I shall be a rider of the night, fog, and rain. It has two settings, bright and bright strobey light thing. This thing is so intense it's like the sun - if you look at it directly you may go blind (I exaggerate... kind of).
I will be purchasing clips in the near future so get excited for the disaster that I will surely become while learning to use them (the guy suggested I start on the grass in a park). 2) Animal Rescue League Boston. If you know me at all, you know that I have a border-line obsession with dogs. After riding through the city and subjecting myself to the wrath of cabbies and only-in-Boston-potholes, I couldn't go by without stopping in (also, Kevin had never been there). They have some great cats and dogs there so if you are in the market for a pet the ARL is a great place! I am especially in love with a shepherd/lab mix named Duke. He's ten years old but has the energy of a dog half his age (you can't see it very well, but he's the dog I am petting in the picture below). If I could afford it and had enough time I would adopt him in a second.
Despite its brevity, the ride was fun and gave me some good experience riding in traffic (as I said in my first post, I have always been a path and sidewalk kind of gal).
Next up: A REAL ride -- 30 miles -- on Saturday AWAY from the city.
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Both worthwhile stops! I know this isn't close to you (assuming you still live in Brookline), but I found Ace Wheelworks (http://wheelworks.com/) to be the most informative, economical and helpful staff at a bike store in Boston. As far as I know, International Bicycle Shop (or whatever it's called on Brighton Ave.) and Ski Market are among the most expensive. The Boston Bicycle Shop (near the Audubon bar on Beacon St.) is also pretty good.
ReplyDeleteI'd recommend putting your light on strobe to conserve battery and because motorists are more likely to notice flashing than a solid light. The owner at Ace also advised me to put the light as high as possible for maximum visibility, so he attached my light to my helmet with a zip tie.
YAY DOGS!
It's gonna be a great weekend for a ride! Wondering where you are headed. Re: pedals - are you thinking about getting clips/straps or clipless pedals? I have clipless and - once you get used to them - they are pretty easy to to get into/out of. Either way, definitely a necessity for the long rides. You'll be amazed at the difference. I'm taking my bikes tomorrow to get tuned up and then it's time to get on...after a 2 year hiatus! Have a good ride and I'll look forward to a couple of training rides with you!
ReplyDeleteAwwww. Em, you and kevin look so cute in your cycling gear!!! I really like your bike, nice color choice. Also, DUKE! Love the name, obviously. SO cute. You and your dogs. Although you are going to make fun of me, today, Dillon and I went to petsmart to pet the dogs. Procrastination at its best.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your ride this weekend! Maybe we can go for a ride this summer on the island!