So….I took my road bike out for its inaugural trip yesterday!
Big old helmet….safety first.
Thankfully my friend who sold me the bike also sold me his shoes (which are a tad bit big, but hey, only $25!).
I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about clipping in. I clip in with my spin shoes in spin class, but, um…..yeah. Totally different when you’re clipping in on a bike that’s moving.
I clipped in and left my driveway and I was off!
About 100 yards from my house, I came to a stop sign and unclipped with my right foot. All was good. This isn’t so bad!, I thought to myself. Then I tried to get going again.
I made the mistake of thinking I had to be clipped in with both feet before I even had my bike in motion. Um…..stupid. So I experienced fall number one as my bike slowly leaned to the left! Thankfully I caught my fall with my hand and all was good, aside from a scratched up hand.
But then I was scared to clip in again!
I actually went home and put on my tennis shoes (aka sneakers) and rode around for awhile with those. Then I braved my cleats again and off I went. Much better this time! However, I did experience one more fall as I got home and in my driveway (I didn’t unclip fast enough). 
My cycling friends told me awhile back that you aren’t a “true” cyclist until you fall. I was hoping that would mean at least my second time out, not my first, but what can I say? I was eager to fit in.
If it stays dry today, I’m actually hitting the roads with a group of friends – eeek! Wish me luck…I need it.
Do any of you bike and have tips on clipping in? I am such a biking virgin!
What’s on tap for you today? I’m off to the gym to lift and do the elliptical, makin’ some Turkey Sloppy Joes later, going for a bike ride with friends, and celebrating some family birthdays later today!
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So exciting that you’re enjoying your bike! I honestly don’t own a road bike, but would love to get one eventually. Can’t wait to hear more about your adventures. Turkey sloppy joes hmmmm? Deliciousness
We will be taking care of Frank all day today…he had a bad night last night- his medicine caused him to develop an ulcer…bahhh, my more bulldog!
I would fall SMACK on my face!! ahhhh
I am sure that I would fall over.
LOL! That is so funny…I would clip in with both shoes too before realizing I’d fall! Glad for that pointer and glad that you’re ok!! I did giggle a little thinking about how I’d totally do the same thing!
You are so brave to be using the clip-in shoes! I’m way too afraid to try. Maybe next year….
That’s awesome that you’re biking! I bike, but have a mountain bike and don’t have clips…pretttttty sure I would fall!
[...] My friend, John, is actually a photographer and rigged his camera on his bike. How cool is that? That is me at the beginning of the video….scared shitless I will fall off my bike again. [...]
Hi. I’m a newcomer to your blog. I’m not even sure how I was linked here. Anyway, I am enjoying reading some of the posts, and had to giggle at your (mis)adventures with clips. I panic at nearly every stop sign and I have been using clips for years. I’d love to hear how you have been doing with the clips over the last couple of months. Keep posting!
P.S. Or maybe you have been too busy with short guy…