July 26, 2009

The riding is getting better ! I am now up to 21 miles...and able to walk the next day. Yesterday's ride was a true test for me...arm was still sore from being stung the night before by family of red paper wasps.

Then, as I was near the end of the first half of my ride, two dogs came racing out of their farm and started barking/chasing me. The large, black dog was at my heels for a long time (well, it felt like a long time!). I'm thinking I should take something with me for protection? Reading other cyclists' blogs about dogs/bikes gave me some ideas! Yelling at the dogs to "go home" definitely did not work!

Anyway, the riding is getting easier...I feel great...now to hit the magic 30 miles!

Fund raising goal update

Thanks to everyone who has donated so far...I really appreciate the support! As of today, I am 43% to my goal...every little bit helps!! Here is the link to my fund raising page:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=6835047&pg=personal&fr_id=11357

July 19 Update

I did it!! Today was my first ride with clipless pedals. I took my friends' advice and practiced clipping on/off before beginning my ride...am so glad I did! :) I learned a lot on my first ride with clipless, like: be sure and pop your foot out before you get to the stoplight, don't tie your shoes too tight, and wave at the truckers who are nice enough to move to the other lane (like everyone else should be doing, too!)

I also learned how to use my new camelback and it worked out great. I've lost count of the number of water bottles I've knocked off my bike and run over.

Today I rode to Karsten Creek and back...17 miles. Tomorrow I'm going to ride with my iPod so that I can tune out the highway noise. Stay tuned!

A huge thanks to my daughter, Laura, for teaching me how to create my own blog!!

July 14 Training Update

OK...I've done it! My bike now has clipless pedals. In the past, I've had normal pedals...and I've worn tennis shoes. I've learned that for more power/speed/continuity in long-distance riding that I should go to clipless shoes/pedals. So...my bike now has that! I'm up to 12 miles/ride and am going to start riding at 4:30am due to the heat. And...I'll be able to ride before going to work at 7am. I'm a little worried about learning how to use the pedals. My riding buddies are telling me to practice by holding on to a tree before I venture out. Gee...I'm not worried at all! Stay tuned...thanks for your support.