Spring Hill Road has always been a favorite for CIM training (perhaps more painfully at first, more lovingly later).
And now it's a great spot for riding. I got a small group of friends together yesterday and did a 30-mile loop through Chileno Valley and back along Spring Hill. (And yes, the hills are just as bad -- if not slightly worse -- on a bike. At one point, I really wanted to get off and walk, but I was worried that if I stopped, I'd topple over into the road and get hit by a car. So I just kept pedaling. And grunting. And pedaling.)
This was my first ride with the new pedals. I'd been practicing clipping in and out in a doorway ...
... and falling into the doorjamb due to a bad habit of clipping out with one foot and leaning the opposite direction.
So naturally, I was extremely nervous to tackle 30 "intermediate level" miles.
Surprisingly, it went really well. The most challenging thing was clipping in. I had no problem with the first foot, but when it came to clipping in the other, it took me forever to position the pedal the right way, and I'd end up pedaling with one foot and fumbling around with the other. Thankfully, I eventually got the hang of it.
I didn't fall at any stops, but I did have an awkward moment when I made a U-turn, freaked out for some reason, forgot I was clipped in on the right side and tipped over. I unclipped in time, so I didn't actually hit the ground, but I bruised my left shin up pretty badly with my pedal.
Ah, well! Note to self: Next time, don't freak out!
Anyway, it was a fun ride, and as always, I love any time I get to spend with my bike. Can't wait until our next date.
2 comments
My problem was ALWAYS unclipping and then leaning the wrong direction. But if you rode 30 miles and your nearest mishap involved you managing to unclip in time, I think you've got it. I'm very jealous now.
I forced myself to do it -- it was sheer will with those pedals. The true test will be riding in traffic, where I actually will have to stop more often. I lucked out with this route -- rural country roads.
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