So I rode. But only for 30 minutes. My legs are still tired from the race on Saturday and I’m scrapping the long run this week in lieu of the 20k I ran and will run my 20 miles next Sunday. The last long run before I taper . . . Thank God!
So about the bike. I owned it for ten minutes before I crashed it in my driveway because I couldn’t get out of the pedals. I have a huge bruise on my hip, but nothing major since the bike was practically standing still when I fell over. I’d also like to put a plug in here that Michael was standing right next to me and didn’t catch me. I don’t think he even tried, although he said he did. Don’t worry I got even. Bruised hips have their advantages. Or disadvantages. Depending on how you look at it.
All I’ve done this week is drive my bike up and down the neighborhood working on getting out of the pedals without crashing. Thankfully, I haven’t crashed since the first day and I believe I have mastered unclipping myself. I know, I sound like a baby, but I’m new to this road bike stuff. And the road bike is certainly different than the hybrid.
Today was the first day I was brave enough to ride on the road. On the road with cars. And garbage trucks. And other cyclists passing me like flying monkeys. And curbs that drop off 10 inches waiting to pummel me in the dirt. And holes and rocks and roadkill. For some reason this mental stimulation was a lot easier when I knew I could just put my feet down and stop instantly. There is also the speed thing. I can go a lot faster with the road bike, but my handling skills do not yet match the speed. I think for the next few weeks I need to focus on learning about the bike and how to ride it without killing myself.
All I need is a nice, flat, car-free place to practice ride. And a vagina-friendly saddle. I’m open to suggestions, please. I know nothing about saddles, so specifics would be nice.
As I’ve said before – just clip out on both sides every time you think you want to stop. I even used to ride with my shoes on top of the pedals but not clipped in if I felt like I might need to get out of the clips fast. After a while you’ll develop confidence. Promise.
As for saddles – you want one that is both padded and has a split in the middle. I have a Specialized saddle but it is kind of hard. It took a while to get used to. Trek makes a women’s saddle that is very padded and has a split in it that is pretty comfy. Just go to the bike store and try a few. You want less width in the front and a split – the split is key.
My saddle doesn’t have a “Vagina Friendly” label, but luckily I don’t have a vagina.
TIME IN THE SADDLE will heal all “wounds”…
I am so proud of you.
Do I see a Triathlon coming? oh yea. I second Flatmans comment.
Oh my gosh, that last part made me LOL. I LOVE my Specialized Saddle. I have had almost NO problems since I started biking a year ago. It’s bike shorts and time in the saddle like Flatman said too.
But my saddle is http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=36016.
who told you to start on the LAWN?!?!?! just sayin’
what are you wearing for shorts? need details.
You are doing great!!! NEED VIDEO!
The best advice is to anticipate, anticipate, anticipate every second you are on the bike. In this case don’t wait until you are at the stop sign to clip out. Anticipate that you’ll be clicking out and start the process before you get there.
Yep, my Giant saddle has a small split in the middle, but quite honestly, it’s fit to me so well, I don’t have any problems with the lady business.
As for clipping out of the pedals, try to anticipate as best you can. I usually clip out one foot, then use the one still in the pedal for momentum before I clip that one out.
Practice, practice, practice.
I’m familar with the term “vagina friendly”, but not in reference to a bicycle saddle?
Suz,
What have I told you…it’s not Vagina…it’s YOUR AREA!!! Remember as Carly says, YOUR AREA!!!!
My physical therapist says that crashing without clipping out is a rite of passage. First time I did it was 6 feet away from a city bus. Awesome.
I think that good bike shorts matter just as much as a good saddle. And don’t let lots of padding fool you. It causes more chafing than comfort.
And I totally missed that part about the bruised hips. You trying to avoid something??
Overcome your fears, Susan! Well I could make a lot of crude comments about the vagina friendly saddle, but I am happily married and should refrain 😉
everyone falls over while still clipped. everyone does it more then once too.
i will consult with my vagina and get back to you.
later.
We’re all looking for the vag-friendly saddle. The closest thing Ive found is the ice pack after a long ride!
oh – one more thing about the saddle. There are different widths and good bike shop will have you sit on this squishy thing and press your stiz bones in to it so they can figure out which width is best. Get a Specialized. You won’t be sorry and neither will your ‘area’ *snort*
Not sure ‘area’ is the right euphemism Cindy – especially in all-caps.
*sigh* – Everyone does a clipless fall. I didn’t, but I am an elitist roadie pig (meaning that if no one I know saw me do it then it didn’t happen).
As for saddles…EVERYONE is different. NEVER follow absolute advice when it comes to the 3 contact points with a bicycle – Butt, Feet, Hands. General advice like, “use gloves”, “good quality shorts are worth their weight in gold” etc. are fine.
Saying 1 brand of saddle is the only answer is incorrect. That said I have found much success using Specialized saddles over the years (shill). For males I find that most will have good luck with Specialized or Fizik saddles. With women it seems there is lots of luck with Terry and Specialized.
Now you know why us roadies are so mean…we have to fight everyone out there just to stay alive.
Re: V-friendly saddles – ah there is so much! 1. Find great bike shorts. (Pearl Izumi’s are the best I’ve found!)
2. GET A SADDLE WITH A SLIT IN IT!!!!! (Terry’s are really good and you can try it out for a month and send it back if it’s not working for you)
3. Body glide, chamois butter – try it, they help TONS for longer rides.
4. And yes, you do just have to get use to it, but also get your bike fit to you – that helps A TON!
It took me a year before I stopped falling over! I am an idiot – so hopefully your learning curve will be shorter.
I so just went through the same thing learning how to clip and unclip. I wrecked on gravel. So you are not alone. Mine still make me nervous.
Your local bike shop should be able to assist you in finding that “Comfort Zone” for YOUR AREA. They can also make sure that your bicycle is sized to fit your frame. Want a hint, though?
Check their history. Have they been around for a while?
BTW… See you in Chicago! I am also running the Chicago Marathon!
I like the Terry saddles – and when I was learning to use clipless pedals? totally fell 8 times and couldn’t stop without falling for months…
I loved this post because I’m in the exact same place as you! I actually circled a parking lot over and over again just to practice getting in and out of the clips. I have bruises all over my left leg from me tripping over my bike 🙂
We’ll get it – I have faith!
i had something like the liberator or whatever. all i know is that i came across a student and his parents. he wanted to know why i had a hole in my seat.
vagina-friendly but socially awkward.