I have nothing planned today. That is not always a good thing, because when I think I have all the time in the world, I get nothing done. I’m always going to do it "later." But maybe it’s ok to have a day to chill and do nothing and sit around in my pajamas til 11:13 in the morning.
Funny story. Yesterday, Chad and I went out to the Eddy’s Bike Shop in Stow and bought some new shorts, chamois butt’r (hee hee!), and toe clips. We came home, Chad installed one of the clips, and I decided to try it out in the driveway to see how it worked. Well, we have a narrow drive, the car was in it, and the grass on the side of the drive has been turfed and is uneven. Can you see where this is going? So I’m riding very slowly, trying to avoid the garage, the car, Chad, the ruts in the grass, and I have to make a sharp turn. And I just fall over. Kerplump. Right on my face, with my right foot still in the toe clip. Chad very graciously did NOT laugh until he was telling the story later to all our friends. Apparently, it was quite hilarious. I didn’t get hurt, other than wounding my pride and getting a grass stain on the knee of my favorite capris. So I went inside, put on my helmet and my gloves (wasn’t going to break my head open learning how to use toe clips, for goodness’ sake!), and tried it out on the road. They’re weird, and they’ll take some getting used to. And they change my stance and sitting position slightly, which worries me. I don’t want to be sore during my event in TWO WEEKS. We pack the bikes and ship them off this Thursday, so I’m going to try to get lots of practice in before then.
I get to "carb-load" during these next two weeks. The BEST part of training!
Recent photos:
OUCH! I am sorry you fell, but glad to hear you did not hurt yourself. I do not like toe clips, however, Rob loves them… they make me feel panicky. When you get home from your amazing race, we want to have you both over for dinner and games 🙂 ‘K?
I love my toe clips. I have always unclipped as I approach a stop just in case (I had a similar spill at the entrance to our neighborhood my first time out with them). On one bike trip, a girl in front of me wiped out and I got my feet unclipped instinctively. They are worth it to me–I feel I get more from my pedal stroke. Keep me updated on how you like them.
Well, I went out today, and it was ok. I didn’t fall, and I didn’t have any trouble getting in or out of them. I do notice a difference right away with my pedalling-it feels more efficient, tighter somehow. I am slightly worried that the small changes to my foot position will translate into big soreness or knee pain over long distances (say, oh, 200 miles), but I won’t know that until I try it. I am probably going to bring my regular pedals out to Seattle with me, just in case I have issues on the first 100 miles. I think I should be fine, though.