Well I got my bike last week, got fitted, and took my first real ride today (was sick most of last week, which didn't stop me from a really short test drive).

I managed to stay on the bike for an hour, I am pretty impressed because I thought for sure I would only survive a few minutes. I went down a hill and almost lost control, scared half to death AGAIN (like last weeks test ride).

I will have to say that I was expecting to feel terrible after the ride, but oddly enough I gained a HUGE increase of energy for the rest of the day. I think my fears of doing something new, and the short term consequences are unfounded.

So with that being said, everything went well enough I feel like I can gain total control of my life. I signed up at myfitnesspal.com (follow photontim if you need a fitnesspal buddy). I am working on the South Beach Diet, and can't wait for the milestones to come.

Now I just need to figure a few things out. Finding a good pair of biking shorts, figuring out what the built in computer on my bike fork is used for, and getting some light weight jerseys. I did almost have a total wipe-out around a sharp corner, probably caused by my lack of confidence but here is hoping to a brighter and healthier future.

I think someone should make an updates thread were all the Clyde's can make updates and progress reports. Not just before and after. That way encouragement can be had watching everyone's progress.

What kinda bike did you get?

Dude, this whole forum is an update and progress report. Post as you see fit.

Oh, and on cornering - look where you want to go, not at what you don't want to hit. Look through the corner, not at your wheel. It's counter-intuitive to newer riders but it should help you avoid discovering road rash.

And realistically, you should probably expect to crash at some point. If you expect it to happen eventually, you'll probably extend it out by keeping your eyes open, then one day you'll get a little too comfortable and crash. It won't be the end of the world, you'll get up, get out of the street, check yourself and the bike, and continue on. Well unless the checking part comes up with some unfavorable result that leaves one of you out for a while until parts come in. Really though that's only going to happen if you're "trying something."

And congratulations on having a great first ride, that's very exciting! Just take the down hills a little slower until you have a little confidence in your stability, and next thing you know, you'll be on Strava tracking your monthly goals and trying to end up making it to a century.

I got a Trek 1.2 Alpha something-or-the-other.

You may or may not find this interesting but I never heard of it:
I was riding it today and at first I thought something was seriously wrong with it from a loud clattering sound. Upon closer observation, a piece of plastic was sticking out of the fork intending to make one aware of a speedtrap gizmo. I went to the LBS after my ride and they pulled out the black piece in the fork, and to their amazement they actually gave me a chip for a computer. So I am looking to get the compatible computer to it this weekend.

Thanks Ill try that technique tomorrow. I am very anxious going around those corners and wobble like a newborn fawn. With time and proper technique right?

I will work on that tomorrow. I hope with riding more the anxiety wil subside. On another topic, what happened to your leg there?

just like motorcycling. Go into a corner too hot, look through the turn and relax. Panic and you'll crash; relax and pick a spot to come out of the corner and you'll be fine. I've yet to experience it on a bicycle, but plenty of Oh crap moments on the MC.

I'm having cleats installed in my metatarsals so I can ride barefoot.



I tore some tendon or ligament or something and had surgery last week to sew it back together. I'll be posting more and riding less for most of the summer, unfortunately.

Congrats on the ride!

If you're scared you're going too fast, slow down. There's no need to go out there and ride beyond your comfort level. Your comfort level will automatically rise as you spend more time in the saddle, there's no reason to hurry things along. You're not trying to get away from a bear or something, you're just out for a ride.

Two years ago I got a twist break in my leg. The break also severed the tendons in my ankle. Than I got tendinitis from the healing process. So I know that PITA. I wish you well, will you be taking PT?

[QUOTE=TrojanHorse;15624219]I'm having cleats installed in my metatarsals so I can ride barefoot.

cleat feet....sweet