Road Cycling - Today was good, THEN...

I went out and took 3 mile loops on 3 bikes I'm considering and it was great. Weather was beautiful, I felt good, the bikes were awesome (Specialized Roubaix Elite, Spx Comp CF, and Trek 5200) and I think I've narrowed down to the Specialized...now I need to figure out which one.

Then I got home, pumped up the tires in the OLD Trek ('88 400T) and headed out for my first group ride of the season. Only 2 other guys showed up and I knew I was in trouble. We headed out and the pace was a bit too fast for me, but I held on for a while. We got to a red light and when I finally caught up I decided to turn off and let them go, I was wasted. Right as I said "I'm gonna turn" it happened.

I fell over!

Of course, I was laying there laughing, as was the driver of the SUV behind me. I got up, clipped back in and turned off to finish the ride.

This was the first "official" fall for me, I had an earlier incident where I grabbed onto the hood of a pickup truck and shoved off. But, All in all it was great to be out and riding on a beautiful day.

PJBAZ

Well it definately happens to most of us, good thing you wasnt hurt...
Just keep going and remember the firsst ride of the season you already fell.
So no more !!!!! :D
Ride safe and good luck with the new bike :)

For that reason, I have just about decided not to go clipless. I may feel differently if I ever try it, but for now, I just don't see the need. I will max out at 20/22 miles every day or every other day, for the season. I would like to hit daily before the end, say in August or September. I had a nice conversation with a gentlemen who, at 70, is in much better shape for cycling than me. He was riding a nide Dura Ace equiped road bike, with standard pedals. He said that he had not been training for anything in about 15 years, and he liked to move his foot around on the pedal. In fact, he looked at my clips, which are strapless and molded of plastic, and said that he needed to get some like that. Best -

Nothing but Look clipless for me... I tried a few other brands, but am more comfortable in look... Its been so long since I have fallen, its almost a second nature to unclip when you have to...
Now that I said that I am sure i will fall, no doubt.
Once I went to look back in the early 80's it was love at first try, i couldnt imagine riding without clipless.
There is nothing to be afraid of, infact you can get more out of clipless because you can pull harder on your upstroke and a few other reasons...
I got my son (age 11) a pair of looks on his first ride, he fell 7 times but now he is like a pro, he doesnt fall anymore and is working on his track stand.
Some people prefer clips and some prefer clipless, I guess its just a matter of what you are comfortable with..
Ride safe everyone :)

I fell over!


did you have a helmet on?

Good thing you weren't on the new bike. :)

55/Rad

hey, my 88/89 trek 400t isnt that old :D

I did have a helmet and it was FUNNY! Like i said, the lady behind me was laughing almost as hard as I was.

I do love the Look pedals, clip ins were not the problem, I was wasted and leaned a little too far from my free leg while standing there.

PJ

You were just endorphin drunk. Happens to me a lot, too. Although, it seems like I have to ride longer and harder to get the free high.

I love my clipless. They're on my road bike, mountain bike, and I'm considering putting them on my commuter (when I can find a solid commuter bike).

I wasn't drunk wasted, I was leg muscles exhausted wasted.

Sorry for the confusion.

Pj