chefisaac

My wife and I had our first ride together today. After picking up her bike last night, she really wanted to go out and ride today so I took her to the Schuylkill River Trail. When we were driving, I asked her how many miles she wanted to ride and she said about 30 miles and I said OK. That would be a 15 mile out and a 15 mile back. I explained to her that if she was getting tired, to let me know sooner then later as we would have to ride back. I did know in the back of my mind that 30 miles was a lot to bite off first but I did not say anything.

We got there and she loved the park. We started up at Phoenizville and was the same place that I met Neil B at when he took me on my first ride.

We got geared up and I taught her a lot about riding etiquette and etiquette on a MUP. Told her about hand signs, how to use the gears and how to shift. We practiced clipping in and out a lot. Then we were off.

She had to stop for a second and she took a fall due to not uclipping at the right time. I felt bad for her as I too took a fall when I first started riding when I was 16 and using clippless.

She had a tough time doing the "unclipping, slow down and dismount" the bike thing. I agree that there is a learning curve for sure. But I showed her in slow motion a few times on how to do it. She is doing much better.

What really killed her was the stock saddle. I can relate big time!

All in all, we did 7.75 miles round trip. I was so happy we went riding together and that she liked it. She did great!

Beachgrad05

Congrats.

CraigB

Way to go on the support and encouragement, Isaac. Good work.

And I bet she has a whole different perspective now on what a 30-mile ride really is.

IBOHUNT

Good on her...

and you as well. Maybe she'll go with us tomorrow eh?

chefisaac

Rik: Yeah.... no.

I asked her, when on our way home, if she wanted to go take a walk and she said no and that riding tired her out. She slept for three hours when we got home and said she did not know how I ride so much. I told her I feel exhausted after a long ride and then ore tired when she bigs me to go for a 5 mile walk or grocery shopping. She now understands!

TrojanHorse

Ah, that's great. My wife's hit the ground a few times with her pedals (She has 105 SPDs) so I have her back in toe clips for now. She just can't get one foot out (hip trouble). Sigh.

cyclokitty 

Congrats! I have to get Mr. CK on a bike soon as well.

imacflyr3

Great job to you and to Mrs. Chef!!

PhotoJoe

I love riding with my wife. We're two weeks in on our journey and we'll do 20 miles today. Congrats! Enjoy every mile together!

redeyedtreefr0g

Congratulations to her! 7 miles is a lot for a first ride, wow. I went maybe 3, but then I was by myself. And clipless too! I am too chicken to try that out, personally. yay for her! You sound very patient and encouraging

ka0use

there is her motivation- go shopping! get some carriers and racks and awaaaaaaaaaay she'll go! woo hoo!