Corpus Harbor Bridge Dry Run

The MS Society invited Pete and I to join a small group of riders for a test ride of the Corpus Harbor Bridge. In the past, the ride ended at the Texas State Aquarium. This means the cyclists ride from the last break point at Portland High School, onto the causeway, across a rise for the small boats to pass under, then under the freeway to the aquarium. This year, the plan has shifted with the finish line being moved to Whataburger Field which happens to be across the Corpus Harbor Bridge from the aquarium. This new finish will allow for a better experience at the finish line. Providing more parking, more space for finish line festivities, more room for the people to come and cheer us on across the finish line.

Unfortunately, the appearance of the bridge has a lot of people worried about the finish line moving. The bridge is tall enough for ships to cross under. That means it's high. In some test drives with the bike computers in the car, we captured numbers (slope, height, etc.) and it doesn't seem to be as bad as it appears. Easily said by the girl who is still learning the hills. The point in the ride was to gather the data from a bike and get some true impressions from cyclists of all levels.
We carpooled down to Corpus Christi in a few full-size vans. We arrived at Portland High School where we prepped our bikes, adjusted our gear, and had a pre-ride briefing. Then we headed out. I was mentally prepared to be the slowest and weakest rider of the ride. I know that most of the riders invited have been cycling a lot longer than I have. I know that I have been off the bike for over a week. I know that I haven't ridden ten miles without a break before. I know that hills still challenge me. I know that I'm new to my shoes/clips/pedals. This ride is a mental thing for me though. The opportunity to cross the bridge now, know that I can do it, and ride with that knowledge in October will be huge!

We head out and I'm doing fine. I clipped in without a challenge and begin following the group. We start to settle in to our respective paces, and I start to get passed. No surprise there. I stop pointing out road debris when I think I'm the last cyclist. Then I suddenly have two cyclists on my left (who did not announce their passing approach) and I feel bad that I wasn't signaling. A quick glance back and I see that the van is now behind me and I really am the last cyclist now.

We get onto the highway and begin the long straight-away along the causeway. With Pete setting the pace, I'm keeping up a steady cadence. I try to take in the scenery and enjoy a bit of the ocean view. There is bird life and activity all around. People are in waders out fishing. It's really turned out to be a beautiful day for a ride, and the wind was not nearly as bad as I had been expecting. Six miles into the ride, my butt is beginning to talk to me. Yes, that's a little early if I'm going to ride 90 miles in one day. I realize that I need to adjust before I go totally numb. I may have waited a bit too long to adjust because now when I do, it's only worse. Oh well, just have to keep on pedaling.

I roll in to the gathering point where we were scheduled to regroup before heading up and over the bridge and announce "the turtle is here!" I get a few laughs and we take a moment for ice towels, water break and another briefing on the bridge. One of the cops approaches me and says "I don't think you'll make it. " Thankfully Pete steps in and says something. I go back to paying attention to the briefing. The nerve! Who does this guy think he is? He's not going to get to single the turtles out in October. Oh well, I try to forget it and put it behind me for the last leg of the ride.

We head out. I told Pete to go on his own pace up the bridge to get the data. I know Tony is behind me in the van and I'll be fine. I know what I need to do and I know I can stop and walk if I need to. The bridge is looming ahead and I start telling myself it's not as bad as it looks. I decide to focus on my cadence and not keep looking ahead. It's worked before. Sure enough, I'm making progress and maintaining a good cadence. I downshift as I need to and I'm still moving. I know that I'm going to need the small ring and decide it's time to shift to that and then use those gears. I do so and am feeling like I can make it no matter how slow I go. Then I downshift and nothing happens. Then the bike shifts two stops, and comes back. I don't really know what gear I'm in anymore. I try to stabilize with one more click and again a lot of clunking and back and forth. This means I've now lost my cadence and I'm a bit concerned about dropping a chain, or having a slow speed fall with all of the traffic around me. I decide to jump off the bike and start walking the hill. Wow! I never knew how hard it could be to walk up a hill. With bike shoes and cleats on, you're already walking on your toes, then with the incline of the hill, my calves were getting quite the workout.

Tony pulls up to check on me and offers that I can walk in the middle of the lane. I'm still slipping pretty bad there and pause to get some air. He pulls up again and offers a pick-up. I look ahead of me where I see that the other walking cyclist has been getting further ahead (she's in mountain bike shoes which gives her traction on the road.) I take him up on the offer. He jumps out of the van, throws my bike in the back and I climb in (not an easy task in bike shoes). I don't get to enjoy the downhill side of the bridge. I also don't get to test the sharp turn at the end of the bridge as we exit toward Whataburger field. Tony turns the corner and drops me off so I can ride the final stretch to the finish line. This is the plan for the ride in October for those who opt not to pedal the bridge, they can take a SAG van over the bridge, but still ride across the finish line.

I roll into the parking lot where everyone has gathered. The other cyclists start cheering. I do my usual off bike gathering of gear and people start approaching me asking me how I did. I admitted to "cheating" over the bridge, but I did it. Lisa and Tony are thrilled at my experience and Lisa says I got them the most important feedback of all: mechanical problems, walking challenges, newbie input, and SAG pick-up/drop-off. Okay, I'll buy that. I didn't pedal the whole thing, but I still feel a sense of accomplishment. For that, I'm happy.

We fill out our surveys and enjoy our lunch. The group piles back into the vans and we begin the trek back to San Antonio. It was a good ride and I'm glad I did it. I hope my input is valuable to the Society and other riders. I know the ride today will help me in October.

The walking did shred my cleats, so it was time to go get replacement cleats. We headed over to Bike World after our return to San Antonio. Drew replaced my cleats for me and adjusted the cleat on my right shoe by 3 mm. I felt like I wanted my foot rotated slightly when I sat on the bike for the longer stretch. We'll see how that works on my rides this week.

Goals
Today's Miles: 8.9
Total Miles Achieved: 139
Financial Investment: $863.55
Total Weight Loss: 0

They Say Everyone Has Bad Rides

I've been told by multiple parties that everyone has their off days that cause a bad ride. Apparently, Murphy was with me today. In reviewing the ride, I've yet to come up with the "what was wrong" answer that made tonight's ride so rough. Best solution I can find is that is was just one thing after another, I finally broke, it became physical, and all-in-all it was a bad ride.

Allow me to start at the beginning. We just returned from vacation, so I haven't been on the bike for over a week. Today's ride was the women-only 10 mile ride, so I figured that was a good way to ease back into my routine. I decided to ignore the fact that it was 98 degrees out and just be sure to drink lots of water during the day, on the ride, and on the drive home. The ride leader had emailed that she wouldn't be able to make it this week, but a substitute leader would be there. Pete decided he would come too and if the ride happened, he'd ride a different route in the neighborhood. If the ride didn't happen, he and I could ride it anyway.

We ended up with a substitute leader who was unfamiliar with the route and leading a beginner's group. There were two other women there. Pete hung back to wait for Sierra who was running late, so it was a small group. The four of us headed out down the access road. A truck decided to sneak out of a driveway between the second and third cyclist, so the last two of us had to maneuver into the driveway around the truck. The gal in front of me made it, but I hit a divot in the lip of the driveway and went down. I rebounded quickly and was back on my way without pausing or thinking about what had just happened (and all of the cars around me who saw it!)

Our interim leader does not stop at all of the stop signs. If she sees it's clear, she keeps on pedaling through without confirming we all made it through the last intersection. We got to the shorter route option turn that I took last time, but I was told that was the wrong way. Then one of the more experienced riders coaches me about the next intersection because if we have to stop, the start through the turn can be a challenge. She wasn't kidding! We had to stop and the start was a bit of a challenge, but I made it. A block or two later, Pete and Sierra caught up with us.

This is the part of the route that is some rolling hills. The first time, it was a challenge, but I learned the value of rolling hills and how they can really give you some assistance and confidence on hills. I discovered that my bike was not shifting as smoothly as it should. Sierra and I paused for a moment at the spot of last ride's "break point" while the leader checked the map. When she was done, she took off and left us in the dust. I put my water bottle back and jumped back on.

Around the corner is the hill where I dropped my chain last time. I'm ready for it and am looking forward to making it up the hill this time. Pete is behind me cheering and coaching me on. He tells me to shift into the small ring. I try, and it won't go. I can't twist the shifter any further and the chain hasn't moved. Meanwhile, I'm losing speed going up the hill. I give up the shifting into the big wheel and downshift the other gears. Then I drop the chain, again! Over I go. Crap! I sit there for a moment taking in what happened and then stand up and brush myself off. Meanwhile, Pete fixed my chain for me.

I walk to the top of the hill and jump back on my bike. The downhill is a welcome break, not to mention the breeze on my hot and sweaty face. Then it's announced that the leader and I just blew past the turn. I'm pissed at this point because I've just lost my downhill momentum to get me up the next little incline on the missed turn street. I hang a u-turn and head up the street. My knee hurts with each down stroke. I'm mentally broken and can't get up this little "hill". Pete and I decide to double-back and meet the group back at the parking lot.

We slow it down and I'm trying to assess what has caused me so much trouble on this ride. I need a break, so I find a shaded driveway and stop. I'm emotionally drained! I'm ready to tell Pete to go get the truck, but instead of saying it, tears roll down my face. This little ride should not be so difficult. I stand there feeling like I'm going to loose my lunch, shaking all over and silent tear mixing with the sweat on my face. I'm a wreak, but I'm determined to finish the ride, yet I'm afraid to do so. I was trembling from head to toe. Each time I picked up one foot to clip in to the bike, I'd wobble so much on the other foot, I would have to get both feet on the ground again.

Pete asks if I want him to go get the truck. My response is "yes and no". Talk about sending mixed signals! Poor guy. I finally decide I'm going to try to get up the next little incline, but if I get to the top and there's another hill, I'm stopping and he can go get the truck. I manage to get back on the bike and up the incline. There is another "hill", but I have momentum and I'm ready to keep moving. I make it up that one and then there's a long, slow downhill. I enjoy every second of it! I'm beginning to tell myself I can make it. I have to slow down the speed and my cadence, but if I can just finish, I'll be happy at this point.

On the long straight part of the route, the bottoms of my feet are not happy. I'm tired, so I'm truly pushing down on every pedal stroke and my feet are going numb. I stop for another quick break. It doesn't take long, but I just needed to get off the pedals for a minute. I'm back on the bike and the final neighborhood turn is in sight! I'm determined and I'm making each stop a California stop if it's clear. I stopped for the last two to allow cars behind us to pass safely. Meanwhile, the ride leader has doubled back and is now riding the route on her own and waves on her way by.

We get back to the parking lot and I'm all smiles again. I know it was a rough ride! I'm glad I made it, but I'm sure struggling with what went wrong. Sierra is there and exhausted in the grass. All the other riders left. I'm not impressed, but oh well. Sierra is glad that it wasn't just her struggling with the heat. We both made it and I'm proud of us for that. I don't like the struggles I went through, but I guess it has to happen some time. Pete will work on my bike to fix the chain and shifting problems I'm having.

Goals
Today's Miles: 10.2
Total Miles Achieved: 130.1
Financial Investment: $840.16
Total Weight Loss: 0

First Ride Sans Pete!

I did it! I completed my first group ride without Pete. This was a women's ride organized by the local bike store, Bike World. There was a total of eleven of us, including the leader. I was a little nervous about falling again, keeping up with the group, holding up the group, how far I could ride, handling the hills, and meeting all these women who are thinner and more fit than I am. As I tried to talk myself out of the ride on the drive over, I worked on my self-talk and cheered myself on instead.

I was running a little later than I would have liked. It'd been a rushed afternoon, so I was still in that mode and that didn't help. Not to mention, this was the first time I had to prep the bike myself, change at the ride, and walk across a parking lot in bike shoes. I managed though. It was quite comical getting the pump out of the back of the truck and I broke a sweat just getting things ready, but once I was ready, I was confident that I was good to go!

When I walked in the shop, I bumped in to Vicki. I met her last Saturday on the ride where I wimped out and went to buy shoes. She stuck around for lunch, so I've talked to her a little bit. She was all smiles and said, "I'm glad you're joining us!" That helped to put me at ease a bit. Ran in to Erica, but she was shopping, not riding. And for proof that it was a woman's ride, I got a compliment on how matching my outfit was! Mark that down as the first compliment of me in my bike gear! Trust me, it's not the prettiest sight, but it's functional, so you do what you have to do.

We headed out and I was the fourth one out of the parking lot. That didn't last long once everyone got moving. The first road we head down has a stop sign every block. Yikes! My foot got tired clipping in and out of the pedals. It was good practice, but once my foot got tired, it was more of a challenge to clip in. Of course, that meant that I got better at pulling the pedals around a couple times with my right leg. It was good practice though.

On the first long stretch, the group pulled away. I was pedaling and had a good cadence (for me) going, but couldn't keep up. I switched my bike display and saw that I was moving at 12.5 mph. That's a good clip for me. Vicki started to hang back a bit as she noticed in her mirror that I was falling back. I figured as long as I kept moving and the group waited at key intersections, I'd be fine. I was actually glad that I wasn't holding someone up!

At the next intersection, it was a decision point. Those who could ride 15 mph went straight and were to meet up at some random point. Those who needed a slower pace, or shorter distance, turn right. Without hesitation, I announced that the right turn was my route and made my way. I was alone in that decision, and I was okay with that. The ride leader, J.D., stuck with me and it was a good opportunity for a little coaching, encouragement and getting to know one another.

When the group finally caught up with me, I was on some rolling hills. They were all good about announcing they were passing and I just kept on pedaling. I announced my moves and signaled road hazards. One of the girls even cheered me on each time she passed me all day. It really made me smile and kept me motivated.

I was enjoying the challenge of the rolling hills. I'd get some speed from the downhill and enjoy the quick rest, then start pedaling and move myself up the next hill. Then we turned a corner and there was a bigger hill in front of us. hmm.... this was about the size of the hill I walked on Saturday! I check my gears, and I'm ready to get myself up the hill by pedaling. Just over half way up I decide I need to switch rings (gear one on the left handlebar.) Whoops!!! I dropped my chain. Oh! Feet!!! So I quickly unclip and hop off the bike. Shamefully, I think I forgot to announce I was stopping, but the gal behind me saw what happened. She even stopped and said "do you know how to fix it?" I sheepishly replied, "Maybe... I think so." Instead of letting me struggle, she hops off her bike and teaches me, getting her hand greasy in the process. Wow! Thank you! I offered my handkerchief to clean the grease off her hand. Sacrificing one of Pete's handkerchiefs is a small price to pay!

With the chain fixed, I still had to get up the rest of the hill. I had two people tell me that you have to circle downhill to get some momentum and then turn and go back up hill. Are you kidding me?!?!? That's more hill to climb! I clipped in and started pedaling. Then I hear "she's doing it!" And sure enough, I pedal right on up to the top of the hill without doubling back and without walking it. Whoo-hoo!!!

It's another decision point. Do the loop again for another 3.5 miles, or head back to the bike shop. Ha! I was in this for ten miles today. By doing the loop again, I have to go up that hill again. I am tired. I'm drinking most of my water. I decide to stick with what I know I can do and that means take the direct route back. Vicki says she'll go with me, so the rest of the group doubles around and Vicki and I start pedaling for the shop.

I'm keeping up with her to some degree. Any sort of an incline, or a car behind us, and she pulls away in front of me. Then we're on the long straight away again, and I'm tired. My legs are tired, and I need to slow down my cadence a bit, so I shift. Then I remember what Pete said about shifting from 2-3 to 1-6 (or something like that) so I decide to give it a shot. Whip! Chain dropped, again. I try to fix it by shifting the right hand and nothing happens. It's time to unclip before I'm going so slow that I fall over. So I get off the bike and fix the chain. Climb back on and take off again just as Vicki catches up to me on her doubling back.

Traffic was lighter this time going through all of the stop signs and that made it a bit easier. I actually think a smaller group of bikers helped too. We were almost back and Vicki figured she should tell me the plan to get back to the shop, so we stop briefly. I get the coaching for the driveways and sidewalk we take to go the wrong way on the access road. I'm relieved because I had suddenly started thinking we had to cross the highway and take the access road and then turn around all the way. The sidewalk is a much better solution.

We pull into the Bike World parking lot and I shout "I did it! I did it!" I can feel the huge grin on my face. I hop off the bike and finish my water. I load my gear into the truck, straighten the mess from the pre-ride chaos, and load the bike. Then I realize this is the first time I haven't had Pete there to confirm the bike was loaded on the rack tightly enough. I drive the truck to the end of the parking lot where the Bike World guys are playing basketball. One of them checks the bike and sure enough, it's on tight enough so I'm good to go. I live the truck running to cool off with the air conditioner, but I won't leave until the group is back. The rest of the group arrives in one bunch. Clearly, they can all ride at a faster speed than I can, but that's okay. Everyone was glad to see me there.

I learned a lot of little things on this ride. It may have been as simple as proving to myself that I could do a lot of it. I enjoy the partnership and teamwork Pete and I have in our preparations, riding, and loading. It was quite the feeling of accomplishment though to prove to myself that I could do it. Getting through a ride with the shoes, by myself, not falling, and pedaling up the hills was a great feeling. I can't wait to go back. I'll have to wait two weeks, but I let J.D. know that I was going out of town (they didn't manage to scare me off) and I'll be back in a couple weeks.

Goals
Today's Miles: 10
Total Miles Achieved: 119.9
Financial Investment: $840.16
Total Weight Loss: 0

I Registered for the Ride!

Time to further my commitment to do this ride in October! So, I registered for the Bike to the Beach event. Check out my participation center at http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/ali-treks

I'll try to update it later with more appropriate photos and what-not. For now, it's a start. My fundraising goal has been set at $5,000. I think I can do it. I'm not confident that I can, but I know with your support, I can get there. And if I hit that goal early, I'll raise the goal.

Remember, I'm not doing this just for all of the fun I'm having. There is a cause and there are people in my life who are suffering from MS and will benefit from advancements in research and finding a cure to this horrible disease.

I appreciate everyone's support and encouraging words. Join me in my fight to find a cure for MS!

Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 109.9
Financial Investment: $840.16 (ride registration fee)
Total Weight Loss: 0

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

It's Not All Peaches and Cream

Today was my first official Wheelmen ride. It was a "stay together" 30-mile ride. It means no rider gets left behind and the whole group ends up moving as slow as the slowest rider. My first fear in joining a group ride like this is that I would be the slowest rider holding everyone up. Pete and I talked through the route last night. We decided on a strategy for deciding if I could make the full 30 miles, or needed to cut it short. We discussed the lack of consistency in my training and lack of a distance rides recently.

I kept all of that in mind as we drifted off to sleep. Unfortunately, I struggled a bit to fall asleep last night. Which means when the alarm went off, I wasn't jumping out of bed ready for the ride. I got up though and we started to get ready for the ride. I know I'm running slow if I'm still fussing with sunscreen and Pete is making the water bottles. We managed to pull out of the driveway a mere two minutes late. I'll take it!

We arrived at the rendez vous point and signed in for the ride. Pete knows the route, so we didn't look at the maps. We got our gear in order, listened to the pre-ride briefing and then watched the faster groups start out. Cliff asked Pete to sweep, so that meant he'd be at the back of the line. No problem! Someone behind me, if I'm the slowest who I won't be too worried about being too slow for.

We start out and I'm already beginning to think it's hot out. For the record -- it was! At 8 a.m. it was at least 78 already and 84% humidity. "Buck up, Alison! You can't change the weather. Summer is coming. You have to get used to riding in the heat." So, we head out. Cliff, the ride leader, turns left. "Left?!?!? This isn't the route I know, or we discussed, or planned our strategy for." Then I hear Pete say, "Cliff turned left. Hmm... he must be doing the published 30-mile route."

"Ya think? Oh crap! What does that mean I'm in store for? Knock it off! You know what you're doing. Pete will coach you through what you need and tell you when you need to make distance decisions."

My self-pep talk is interrupted by the focus on pot holes and gravel. The road we head out on is under some construction, so it's slow going as we deal with the uneven road and gravel. I learn how to maneuver with someone I don't know in front of me who doesn't point out holes. For what it's worth, there were too many holes to point out (and I wasn't pointing any out to Pete either.)

I'm suddenly ready for some water. Must have gone three miles. Nope! I look down and we've done a mere mile and half and I'm already dripping sweat down my face. I notice two or three people in front of me, and obviously more experienced, grab their water bottles on the fly. I see a stop sign, so I'll get to that point. We stop and Cliff does a pace check. We had been doing about 12 miles an hour. I was doing okay. Occasionally falling a little off the back, but I was unsure of who I was following, so I was giving him some room. The group decides we can pick it up to 13 mph. I don't say anything, but I know I haven't been able to hold that pace before, but I don't want to be the only wimp in the group and maybe the group will keep me motivated to move. So we head off again.

About now, Erica and another rider catch up with us and are gabbing away. Erica used to be Pete's neighbor and we haven't seen her in a couple months, so there's some catching up to be done. Meanwhile, we go up a little incline, I shift once or twice, and I fall off the group a bit. No one says anything and we keep on trucking. I just keep pedaling, but the group gets further and further ahead. "Okay, you'll catch up at that intersection ahead. Then you have to work to stay on the group."

As luck would have it, the group continued through the intersection. Thankfully, Pete knows the route. So, we head through the intersection, make the right and the immediate left. "Oh no! Look at that hill! The group is almost at the top. It'll take me awhile to catch them now." Meanwhile, Erica and the other gal are gabbing away. I'm already gasping for breath! "How are they talking like this when we have to use our energy to get up this hill?!??!" I know they'll pass me going up the hill, but I just have to keep going, keep pedaling, keep shifting and I can do it.

Suddenly. . . I can't do it! I have to stop. I can't breathe. This is where I should mention I've been fighting off a cold, or allergies, or a sinus infection all week. I felt better on Thursday, but Friday night was all stuffed up again, and this morning I am too. I stop without saying a word. I couldn't talk! But, I put myself as far to the side in the grass as I could. Pete quickly tells Erica to catch up with Cliff and not worry about us. He stops in middle of the hill with me. Gasping for breath, I drink some water, then tell him to go ahead and meet me at the top of the hill. I have to walk it. So, I start hoofing it up the hill. Then my right calf starts to try to cramp. I keep stretching it out and won't let it, but finally jump back on the bike for the last little bit so I change the movement in my leg. Now I'm worried! It's too early to be cramping. I hook up with Pete and notice I have another hill and not only is the group out of sight, but so is Erica already!

"Uncle! I can't do another hill like that already. And I have no idea how many more of these are ahead." Pete talks me through our options as I'm staring wide-eyed at the hill. I admit to the hint of a cramp and we decide it's smarter to head closer to the vehicle and ride on the flatter, more known route for me today. My head is pulsing with every heart beat. I'm hot and down-right miserable. But now I feel like a wimp. I had no idea how quickly the humidity would get to me and how it would effect me. I had been a bit cocky about how much I could go out and do after we haven't been out for a ride like this in a month. But, I was giving in at less than six miles!

We go back down the hill. What a nice break. But, I'm moving so fast, I feel shaking in my bike that I'm not used to. My shoulder was already a little sore and now I'm feeling it on the bike. We turn to go down the highway and oh look -- a hill. "Slow and steady and you can do it!" I tell myself. Sure enough, I make it up this little one. I decided to make the most of the ride and started playing with the gears on some of the little ups and downs. I was trying to play with it enough so I could finally remember which number corresponds to the big ring and the little ring and regardless of if it's the big, or little, ring which number on the handle bars is best for getting me up those hills!

We get near the parking lot and Pete mentions it's a right turn. "No kidding! Thank you! We're not going to try to go further." At this point, I know I could pedal further if I needed to, but I'm broken and don't really want to. This is a first for me. Meanwhile, both of my feet feel a bit sore, my shoulders are tight, I've been leaning on my hands, so my palms are sore and my head is pounding and throbbing still. We get to the truck and I jump off my bike. I'm in my sneakers and my feet hurt just to walk in the parking lot. Good sign that I've had enough. We did a measly nine miles today. Oh well... this was a humbling and learning experience. I need to get consistent and serious about this biking. I can't just jump on the bike and ride 30 miles (not to mention the 95 I'll have to do in October.)

Pete offers air conditioning and I take it. I jump in the truck while he loads the bikes. I grab the Gatorade and finish it. I finish the water. My eyes are stinging and feel all puffy. I look in the mirror and my face is bright red! Even I'm shocked at how red my face is. I mention that I now truly see the value in shoes for the help the shoes and clips give to getting you up a hill! Pete offers a trip to Bike World. Perfect! So we head out. I decide to wet my handkerchief and put it on my eyes to try to ease the stinging. It works, but I'm still red and hot!

While stopped at a light Pete says "I still love you," leans in for a kiss and grabs my hand. Simple words that meant so much! I felt like a total wimp and was worried that he wasn't getting the mileage, speed, or training that he needs, and like I'd let him down. And here he is, still proud of me and doesn't put me down, and encourages me to keep on trying. This little moment went a long way!

So, we get to Bike World right as they open. Tom greets us with a smile and after a quick hello, we're shopping for shoes. He understands what I need and listens to me when I tell him how each shoe fits. We quickly discovered that I am a size 40 (not 39 like the guy in Dallas wanted to keep me in) and that the Sidi brand doesn't fit me right. I settle on a pair of Shimanos, which luck would have it, are white with blue accents. Pete goes to get my bike. Tom goes to put the cleats on my shoes. Together they get my bike on the trainer and new pedals on my bike, while I shop the clothing.

They didn't have a lot of shorts in stock. I only have the capri pants, and if they had shorts, I wanted to try them. But, they do have a blue jersey in both a 3X and a 4X. I decide to try those on. The 4X is comfortable, breathable, and roomy enough. The 3X is too and I think will last me longer as I drop some inches. Plus, this one is a much lighter weight fabric than what I had on for the heat and humidity today.

I head over to the bike and put on my new shoes with cleats. Then I climb up on the stand and get on the bike. I clip in fairly easily and immediately notice a difference in how the bike fits. Wow! It pedals differently too. I like it already. I clip in and out a few times and decide I'm good. Pete mentions the fit and I say the seat feels different now. Tom adjusts the seat a couple times and now it feels better. Now I'm ready to go try my new shoes, pedals, cooler jersey and go for it again.

We head back to the ride start and hook up with the group just as they're all loading up their bikes. A group of five of us go to lunch and I get to talk to some women about cycling. It was good. They have nothing to gain from me continuing or quitting and they said nothing but encouraging words. They had nothing negative to say about me giving up so early in the ride today. I was touched and encouraged.

It was an emotional day, but a learning lesson and a humbling day. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's ride with friends. It's usually a slower pace and I'm ready for that. I can use the pace to my advantage as I deal with the shoes and clips now too. We're going to ride our "normal" flat route and try to take the gang on the 21-mile loop (only 3 miles of which I haven't ridden before.)

Goals
Today's Miles: 9
Total Miles Achieved: 99.3
Financial Investment: $815.16 (added shoes, cleats, pedals, and summer jersey)
Total Weight Loss: 0

San Antonio Wheelmen Member

I finally pulled the trigger on joining the San Antonio Wheelmen. They are a local bicycling club with regular rides, training classes, and discounts to local stores for members. Pete has been a member and takes photos of some of their events for them.

As I'm new to cycling, I'll be spending money on equipment and gear, so the discount will out-weigh the membership expense. In addition, their monthly stay-together rides have been strongly recommended to me.

Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 90.3
Financial Investment: $403.05
Total Weight Loss: 0