One mile at a time

On Friday I planned a mini, 10 mile ride to a local park and back. 3 miles in and something felt abnormal, only to look back and realize I had gotten my first flat. After the roomies dropped off my patch kit, I was back on the road. 3 miles later I was exploring said park only to glance at my back tire and see yet another flat tire. The sun was setting on an already difficult week and I felt discouraged and defeated.

I set off again this morning to complete my initial objective. Along the way I met a rider named Courtney. He taught me how to draft (which is secretly terrifying) because it requires you to stay 6-12 inches behind another rider's back tire. He had a 50 mile day planned so I extended my ride a bit because I was still feeling great after 10. We parted ways and I confidently finished a 19 mile morning. It may not have been in great time but the mindset I was in was extremely encouraging.

There were a few points in the ride when I just sort of 'got it'. Even now, in between homework assignments, I can't help but think about my next opportunity to get on the road. My legs will definitely feel it tomorrow but it's just another reminder that I'm one day closer to starting this journey!

I attached my GoPro to the handlebars and set it to take 1 picture every 30 seconds- the result is Southwest Florida at its finest

T-Minus 96 Days

Hey Readers!

So this is it- THE blog. I've never really journaled or blogged before so please cut me some slack (it might not be up to Alex's Expectations). I will try to do the best I can because I really want to share the details about my upcoming Bike and Build adventure with everyone!

My new Giant Defy 2 road bike was shipped home two weeks ago and the assembly began almost immediately when I walked in the house. It's the men's version of the Giant Avail because #tallgirlproblems.

Once it made the journey back to Fort Myers, I installed the clipless pedals, trip computer, and saddle bag in preparation of my first ride. Clipless pedals are designed for riders to clip in and out of with certain cycling shoes. The advantage of these are that cyclists can utilize more of the rotation- you can push down and pull up on the pedals because you are snapped into the bike. The disadvantage of these pedals are that if you are clipped in and start falling, you must unclip or you WILL fall with the bike.

I took my first ride to CVS just a few days ago. It was a quick 7.5 mile trip, the perfect length to adjust to the bike's mechanics and riding in a bike lane rather than on a sidewalk. The seat is surprisingly comfortable (I say now) but I'll let you know after my first century ride (completing 100 miles in a day)!

Arm Sleeves. I also purchased arm sleeves.