I asked Evelyn to take a picture of my bike and I and this is the only picture she managed to get before the batteries in the camera died. I figured it was the perfect picture anyway since most of you know what I look like (and there's no reason to look at me any more then necessary).
Shaunie dropped me off at the bike shop this afternoon and they put it together for me while I did some reading int he library (if I had tried to put it together myself it would probably be unride-able and I would be behind on my reading). When the library closed at 5pm (budget crisis) I went to the bike shop (which, incidentally is called 'Bike Shop') and picked up the Fantom. I had to get the seat raised to accommodate my long figure :) and then I rode home. I figured out how to shift the gears for flats but then I came to an incline and couldn't figure out how to down shift, so at one point I got off and walked the bike up a short hill/bridge.
After I got home I figured out how to shift the other way, so after dinner I went for a quick ride. I went about 3 miles round trip, it felt good. My left knee was initially a bit sore from coming home uphill in high gear but the more I pedaled the looser it got. The bike is light and a bit more difficult to steer than a mountain bike. It will take some getting used to but I'm excited. I'll need to continue going to the gym to strengthen my muscles (especially the upper body) and I'll probably still try to get some swimming in from time to time but the bicycle will be more enticing because of the feeling of freedom that comes from riding a trail with the wind on my face.
Before I can go on any long rides I will need to pick up the following in order to be more comfortable and prepared for the road:
Bib-shorts (the chamois is a must with these road bike saddles).
Jersey (because the only thing sillier than a guy with bib-shorts and a jersey is a guy with bib-shorts and a t-shirt).
Spare tires, tools, and pump (Or I can just carry the cellphone with me initially).
A water bottle.
Cycling shoes.
3 comments:
Lookin' good! (The bike, that is) So, did you just happen to choose one named "fantom" or was that just coincidence?
It was the right price and the right function. But I already need to get a padded seat for riding to and form school. (Ouch).
lookin' good! I mean the bike. :) have fun riding!
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