We took advantage of the gorgeous spring-like weather today to ride our own 1/2 century. My husband/mechanic/captain advanced his pedals by 60 degrees yesterday, so this was our first ride OOP.

At first, I hated it. It felt weird, looked weirder. Our first standing climb was awful, like dancing with someone with no rhythm. I ended up sitting for the last 1/3rd of the climb because it was actually easier for me.

After about 25 miles of flats we hit the hills again. I let the captain stand while I sat. Then, up a particularly steep, short hill, I stood up while he sat. It was like running, quick & smooth & easy. When I sat, he stood. We sprinted up a couple steep rollers with ease. It was downright fun. Thus did we finish our ride, alternating our stands.

Captain reports that the bike handles more easily, he has more control no matter who's standing, and we have more power with less torque on the bike. Over the 3 hrs. we rode the OOP style grew on me. We still have some adjusting to do but I think this is a keeper.

Sometimes change is good.