Moriarty

So this morning I finally got out for a ride with my new road bike beyond the confines of my neighbourhood. To be honest, I was kind of dreading the moment and put it off as long as possible. Would I be able to get a decent ride in without too much pain? Would the wheels stay true? Would the saddle be comfortable enough? How far could I go without overdoing it? Would it suck?

Well, it was a little painful to start. It took the first 5 kilometres or so to get comfortable with the pedals and the position but by then I was rolling out Lakeshore Blvd (in the west end of Toronto) and it started to come together. I think it helped a lot that there were so many other cyclists out there getting their rides in. It took my mind off the discomfort and made it all feel so much more normal.

I have to say I really love the brake shifters. So simple. I'm sure I'll be a long time feeling out what works best for me but I immediately felt a lot more comfortable than I ever did with downtube shifters.

In the end, I rode out to Port Credit for coffee and back. 30 km total for the ride. I got home feeling like I could definitely go further next time. The bike held up well and it was a lot of fun.

JagR

Congratulations!! Sounds like you really enjoyed it. I am a believer in not over doing it out of the gate. The fact that you feel like you can go further is a good thing. If I over do it too soon, the odds of jumping back in the saddle a day or 2 later are slim to none. Keep us posted...

imyregomaniac

Lakeshore Bvld... Does that run parallel to Kingston Ave?

sdmc530

congrats!!

rickyk76

That's great! Took me a bit to get up to 30km. So, when's the next planned ride?

jwill226

I can relate to the worry about the wheels staying true. I'm just getting back into cycling and am 60lbs over the weight rating of my new bike not counting water and tools. The first couple rides I didn't go farther away then I was prepared to walk back. My last ride I went on a 9 mile loop and like you I felt like I could have gone further. When the rain decides to stop I'll push on and see how much further.

Congrats on your 30k.

Moriarty

Sorry, should have clarified. I was on Lakeshore Blvd West. Lakeshore Blvd East does parallel Kingston Rd. for a short bit in the east end. I'm out in the west end, in the part of Toronto that was formerly Etobicoke.

Moriarty

Way to get back into it. I had an old road bike where I knocked the rear wheel out of true three times in three rides. Last time it happened, I took it to a different shop where the mechanic took the time to properly tension the wheel. This fixed the problem but I have a hard time trusting my wheels now, even on my new ride.

Moriarty

Was going to be yesterday but family stuff intruded.

I'll likely be going for a shorter ride today with my father. Usually when he's in town, I just ride my beat up old mountain bike and he takes my hybrid and we'll head for some local parks or trails.

As for my road bike, likely Wednesday after work. Now that I've proven I can do it, I just need to do it more and eventually for longer distances.

Moriarty

Thanks.

JackG79

That is great. I'm looking forward to these experiences myself. Just trying to find that right bike for now.