Happy days! I picked up my new bicycle on Friday afternoon. Somehow, I was convinced to get "clipless" pedals. This term makes no sense to me because the "clipless" pedal actually requires special shoes used to clip into the pedals. Notice where the confusion is added? In any event, I hesitantly had these pedals installed on my bike. The gentleman at the bicycle shop is a very talented bicyclist and teacher, and he instructed me how to use this type of pedal. However, not only was this going to be my first road bike, but other than my quick test ride around their parking lot, this was going to be my first time riding this sort of bike. Many people would assume that if you've ridden one bike you'd be fine on any bike, well that's not really the case. The gears, handle bars, frame, pedals, and brakes on this bike are completely different than those items on my mountain bike. In the end, we brought the bike home in the car that night; however, we went for our first bike ride on Saturday morning. We road along a local bicycle trail, which was pretty quiet because it was a little cool out that morning. We road 12 miles without incident. Then, Sunday we decided to bike to my in laws's house for Mother's Day. That was a 15 mile ride basically up hill the entire way. I've heard, that everyone who tries "clipless" pedals falls at some point. I guess, most tumbles happen at stop signs, where the person just forgets to unclip. Well, I didn't fall at a stop sign. No, I stopped at many traffic lights and stop signs, and I unclipped every time, very smoothly I have to add. Then we stopped in a parking lot, and I unclipped and was resting on a curb. When it was time to go, I was a little more tired than I realized. I got one foot clipped in and I guess I forgot I was riding a bike, if that can happen. I just fell over on to the curb and grass. I caught myself, which isn't the best thing to do for your arm and wrist, and I didn't get a scratch on my new bike. I did end up with a good sized bruise on my hip where I landed on the curb, and my pride still hurts a little. However, I got up and we continued our ride. We made it to the parents's house without any additional incidents, and until now, no one but my husband knew I fell. We are hoping to get out and ride a couple of nights during the week as well. We have plans for a ride after work tomorrow night.
1 comment:
So I guess the term "it's just like riding a bike" just doesn't apply here. I must say in all my years of biking on the street and mountain biking in the rough terrain I was never aware of this type of pedal. Is it to prevent your foot from slipping off? I suppose that would give you more power having your feet clipped onto the pedals but I fear I too would take a spill. If my past has taught me anything it is that if I can get injured doing a sporting activity...I will most definitely find a way to get injured! That's why I stick to "safe" sports such as hockey!
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