6.03.2011

The Green Girl and Lexa's First Time On The Road

The Green Girl and Lexa went for their very first road ride today.

I've been avoiding the streets because I am petrified of traffic. I've limited all my riding to beach paths.

Unfortunately for me, as far as I can tell, in order to get some hill work in, I am going to need to learn to ride on the road.

My boyfriend offered to ride in his car with me to help assuage my fears.

I was so nervous that I forgot to turn on Mr. Green Garmin and there was no way any picture taking was going to happen.

I was somewhat okay riding on the shoulder but I dreaded every time I came across a parked car and had to go around it. I was worried a parked car door would fly open or the vehicle to the left would swerve and squash me.

My boyfriend became so concerned with my riding that he actually drove next to me when cars went by to shield me from traffic.

When we got home, he told me I need a lot more practice. He also asked me why I don't change gears. I told him I don't understand gears yet.

13 comments:

  1. lol in so mant ways. I'm very proud of you though. Tomorrow 8:30 at Out-Spoke-n bikes. Group rides are safer rides. Do you think I should advertise a true begginers clinic ?

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  2. Oh, this reminds me SO much of when I first started riding!! You will get used to traffic. And gears. Just keep practicing - I'm so proud of you for getting out there even though you were afraid!!!

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  3. Great job conquering your fear and getting out there on the roads! You'll feel more confident each time you do it.

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  4. Hahaha @ the gears! You'll get the hang of it - just practice a lot on the safety of your nice trails first. Then you'll wonder how you ever lived without.

    Boyfriend? That's the first I've heard you mention him. :)

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  5. I was gonna say what Craig said. Bike clinic. will be our pleasure.

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  6. A bike clinic is a good idea. San Diego has a fair number of dedicated bike paths that run parallel to city streets (or in a couple cases a freeway) but there is a barrier between the cars and the bikes. I LOVE a good dedicated bike path. I'm like you, even though I've been riding awhile now, I still really dislike riding in traffic.

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  7. Oh...I forgot to finish...google bike paths in your area (Long Beach, right?) I'll bet there are plenty around.

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  8. I was very unnerved by traffic the couple times I rode last month. There's really nothing to do but trust the cars aren't going to hit you. I'm not all that comfortable with that. My friend did say that riding in a group is safer, but I'm just relieved I'm back to running and won't need to worry about it.

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  9. What a good boyfriend! Riding in the streets freaks me out too! Good for you for getting out there. Picture taking is WAY hard to do on a bike esp. when going in the road. :\

    Keep on practicing and you'll be pro at the road and gears in no time! :)

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  10. That was kinda like riding with training wheels, but b.f. was the training wheels. Very chivalristic of him. Keeper.

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  11. I'm sorry, but I had to laugh at you not changing gears : )

    I'm afraid of traffic too, I stick to side roads and country roads. You'll get better at it soon.

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  12. I chuckled when I read you "don't understand gears yet." Oh my goodness! You sound like me! I was perfectly happy pedaling along at one speed, even though I had 21 to choose from! I finally let Eric show me how to change the gears. Try it. It works wonders on those hills! And good for you trying to get past your fear of traffic. You'll get there!

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