12.30 miles yesterday.
Maybe 22 or so today? We did the shoal creek route, with two loops of the lovely straight "sprinting" zone. It's actually a pretty good feeling to sprint for a decent way, even if I am the last one to the bridge. I dont feel discouraged about it because I know I'm trying my best and no one's going to make fun of me for being slow. Hey, we have a facebook group for our awesome slowpokes, and I couldn't be prouder to be one of them.

an ACTUAL bike ride

Last Saturday, I took the plunge and experienced my first group ride with the team. In reality, it wasn't even just my first group ride... it was my first road ride EVER. Besides the few miles i did on the veloway (glorified sidewalk,) I hadn't had any other experience with my amazing new bicycle. I was thrown into some fantastic and sometimes frightening riding, which tested my limits as I hadn't tested them before. I'm sure my limits are wayyyyy far behind the limits of more experienced riders, but I guess that's what makes them more "experienced." I'm working on getting there.

We went an impressive (to me) 30 miles in about 3 hours. Not exactly speedy, true, but difficult at times. And cold. By the time I got back to my dorm, my fingers and toes were practically frozen. After sitting for a few minutes, my legs turned blue. It was weird.

Altogether, I am proud that I made it. There's a great feeling of achievement in this--doing something that I wasn't sure if I could do. Now I know that this summer with be very difficult, but I'll be able to get through it. I won't be the fastest, and I won't always be comfortable around cars (or downhill slopes, or uphill slopes, or stoplights, or curvy roads...), and I'm sure that no matter how much I learn about cycling, I'll never be an expert like some of my teammates. But I promise I will make it to Alaska. I'll meet people. I'll raise money. I'll make a difference.

Today, I went to the gym (since its about 40 degrees outside) and rode 10.3 miles. It's a small chip off my training miles, but a chip nonetheless. Also, I did some great ab-work, so I'm looking forward to feeling a little sore tomorrow.

I can't wait until it warms up a little, so I can bike without becoming a popsicle.

my little veloway

Today I did three loops of the veloway, which totals about 9.51 miles. For those unfamiliar with said veloway, let me impart upon you my infinite knowledge on the subject.... it's a pretty sweet paved sidewalky thing for only cyclists and skaters (although I suppose that skateboards would also be allowed??). In other words, only wheeled traffic is allowed.

However, today alone (my first visit to the veloway) I nearly mowed down one of 4 or 5 high school joggers who were hanging around the track. The guy was standing in the middle of the road with his back towards oncoming traffic for at least 15 seconds before his friends told him to get to the side, since there was an obviously professional cyclist (training for the tour de france) coming right towards him.

Also, a roadrunner ran in front of my bike. That was a pretty neat moment.

I hope to return there soon and practice my shifting (which i still need help with), sitting properly, and not holding on to the handlebars with the death grip of a woman condemned. And, thankfully, no road rash yet...

2.5.2007

9.05 miles tonight in 35 minutes, plus lots of ab stuff. I haven't really worked my abs consistently in a few months, so tomorrow morning might be interesting.