Got Shoes! Fall Achieved.

Today was the get back out there and try again ride along with the learning how to ride with clip-in shoes. We picked up Sierra and were stood up by the rest of the group, so we headed to Cibolo. Sierra has been on enough rides with us to pick up on our pre-ride routine. We are suited up and ready to go before you know it.

We head for our normal route and I'm getting the clips to work for me. Pete watches me a couple times and then rides up to offer some pointers. Especially helpful as the next intersection is a major highway we have to cross. We continue on into the headwind with Pete leading the way. The three of us pulled a line fairly well for three miles at which point it was our usual water stop.

At this point, Sierra had enough. The heat and the humidity were getting to her, so we sent her back with truck keys. I surprised myself by drinking half of my bottle of Gatorade and then we continued on our way. Pete and I rode side-by-side as we were now handling a cross-wind. The more wind he can block, the easier my ride becomes. I still have not gotten to the point of gabbing on the road though.

Another couple miles down the road and I was wiped. I could feel the difference in my workout by having the clip-in shoes. My head was begin to throb a bit again and I could feel the sun burning down on us. Pete understood and turned back with me. I was pleased to hear that we had held a pace of about 12.5 mph. This was making today a much better ride, but I still was not making any good distance.

On the return trip, my thighs were burning. I told myself I had to make it back to the water stop. To move my focus from my thighs, I started asking myself how the shoes were working. It was at this point that I discovered I had been curling my toes trying to grip the pedals. I relaxed my toes and now the balls of my feet went numb. The water stop intersection was in view, so I just kept on pedaling.

I announced my intentions to stop at the intersection to Pete. He fell back, let me turn and pull over. As I did, I unclipped my right foot. Up until now, I had been unclipping my left foot first. When I put my right foot down, my right calf started to cramp and I leaned to the left. Sadly, I had not unclipped my left foot, so over I went onto the pavement. There I lay bike still attached to my left foot and laying on top of me with my right leg cramping. I wasn't sure what hurt more, my right leg, or my left elbow that took the brunt of the fall. I knew I had road rash immediately. Pete said, "Congratulations! You've had your fall." and then helped me up. We paused while I pulled myself together, had some water, and then we were off again.

I managed to pedal myself back in and called it a good ride. No, it wasn't the distance I'd been hoping for, but it was definitely a new and improved workout. I've learned the value of the shoes and clip-in pedals. I've learned how to clip and unclip, plus experienced "the fall". I've learned how the weather can affect your ride. I've learned that sometimes you have a bad ride and just need to call it a day. I've learned to watch what I eat and drink the day before a ride. I've learned that cycling is a lifestyle change, not just an activity. I've learned the value of a great coach and partner and how that relationship can get you through your biggest defeats and turn them into a learning lesson.

This weekend was all about lessons. I learned a number of them this weekend. I think I know what I have to do now to be able to pedal through the ride in October. It's not going to be easy, but no one told me it would. I know if I commit to it and keep on working toward it that I can do it!

Goals
Today's Miles: 10.6
Total Miles Achieved: 109.9
Financial Investment: $815.16
Total Weight Loss: 0