On the Road Again...

When the sun shines and the kids are out on a sleep-over, what do we do? We take out the bicycles! Saturday morning met us with a beautiful sunny day, a little chilly but not so chilly to deter us from climbing on our bikes and going out for a little ride. A group of eight roadies got together in our cul de sac ready for a morning of adventure. Checking tires, pumping some air into the tubes, checking shoes and filling up water bottles is part of the routine. It is a moment that I really enjoy as we are all together and the excitement of the upcoming ride just passes like electricity from one to another until it converges and it explodes as we roll out for the day's ride. 

25 miles out and about, despite the nice bright sun, the day was still a bit chilly, especially for our hands and ears. Hubby and I had our "winter" cycling gloves on but we were still freezing! At one point, it got so bad that Momber and I drafted off each other so that we could keep each other warm by finding the "sweet spot" which is usually a little warmer. It worked like a charm! A few minutes behind there drafting off and getting warmer was enough to keep us happy. Heck, we were on our bikes we were definitely happy. All eight of us were stoked just to be out there cycling away...even if we were little icicles!

Our little ride took us out on a route out to Mendon, which happens to be also the very first route that I went on last year on my very first ride ever. The specific route has a little hill entering the Mendon town and I remember last year I had such a hard time climbing it. I remember clearly, how Jo and Dom made it to the top with hardly any effort and I kept swerving from side to side trying to make it up...huffing and puffing, I finally made it up. However, this year it was a lot different, first of all, the hill is not really a hill, it is more like a little bump on the road, and if you just pedal and stop swerving from side to side it is actually pretty easy to go up it. A year sure makes a huge difference!  Also where before I was about 10-15 minutes behind everyone, this time, I was right behind...and by golly at times I wasn't the last one! I have improved...I am so happy!

Hubby pointed out that I actually keep a really good cadence, my problem stems from not knowing how to  shift and also the fact that my seat was too low, he raised it already and hopefully this will make a difference on the next ride. At times, we were right next to each other and I kept pedaling and pedaling but not moving while he only pedal a couple of times and moved quite farther than I did--not fair!! I must learn how to shift! It is a bit difficult for me due to the triple composition of my bike (Specialized Ruby Comp) and the fact that I have zero knowledge of how a bike works. But, I'll learn as I go on...so much too learn, so little time!

In the afternoon, when the kids came home from their sleep-over at uncles, we planted the garden and then I went out for a little 6 mile run and had yummy Chinese food for dinner..that's what I call a perfect Saturday at the Phelps' corner.

Comments

[Jamie Jo]

You are a hottie on your bike girlfriend! You have come a long way, but I still think you did great on your first ride. I remember Dom and I being very impressed with how well you did for having barely learned how to ride one. You are an amazing girl! You can tackle anything you put your mind to. I'm very proud of you.

[Jenny]

Mmm, Chinese is my favorite. Now I need some too :D I'm jealous that you already have your garden going. I need to get hubby to till. He doesn't quite have spare time. We usually plant around my birthday. My grandpa is an old farmer and he used to wait until after Memorial Day but I think our climate is warmer now. Good luck with your garden and have fun on your bike rides.

[alwen]

Isn't it amazing how you make progress little by little, and it feels like you haven't made any unless you compare this year to last year?

A "little" 6 mile run? Wow!

[Jeannie]

It is nice when you get to do something you love. I personally don't love making my muscles ache, but I finally joined the gym yesterday, and "rode" 3 whole miles on "random hills" (20 minutes), then worked some machines. I did not feel good when finished (sweaty = yucky), but I really need start exercising. Too much time behind my desk is making me a ROUND body.

You look great. Keep it up. You inspire me.

Huggz!

[Laura]

Isela,

You're so fortunate to have such a close group of neighbors and friends. Great job with the cycling!