It was the first nice day in over a week so the hubby took a vacation day and I called in sick (teachers don't get vacation days so I decided I needed a "mental health day") to embark on my first ever road ride. We knew that we would be stopping quite often at first to get my bike dialed in so we set out for our first ride not really expecting to get very far so we brought along the digital camera to capture some of our travels.
After the first mile, we stopped to adjust my seat (too far forward) and my bars. After a couple more miles, we found this lovely little memorial and had to stop for a picture of me with the tank.
After our stop at the tank, we traveled along rather quickly as Sq-Earl was trying to teach me how to draft with him. We were really flying for a few minutes and then he managed to drop me rather quickly on a climb (I really do need to figure out how to shift my bike).
Our next photo op came when we reached the Corinth Bluegrass Festival Site. Unfortunately, they arent open until summer, be Sq-Earl decided to pose with the sign anyway.
We were off again and I was in for some real climbing. For those of you who have visited our area, I am sure you have heard of Spier Falls. Its a rather windy road with LOTS of climbing. Not wanting to kill me on our first time out, Sq-Earl thought we should tackle about half of it.
The first section that we climbed was a longer gradual climb.
More climbing and now were getting to the steeper sections:
The scenery is quite beautiful along the side of the road.
Despite being on a road bike, Sq-Earl cant help but try notice some excellent features along the roadside and decided to try extreme off the road riding
What goes up, must eventually come down
All in all, we did a 20 mile ride in just under 2 hours (with our stops for pictures, a snack and bike adjustments). Next time were out, well be able to get a true sense of our speed.
My observations about road riding (after my first ride):
1. Wind resistance is major!
2. Drafting is AWESOME (especially when Sq-Earls in the lead).
3. Riding down the hills is perhaps more of a rush than hitting a run on my DH bike.
4. Cars arent nearly as scary as 18-wheelers!
Im looking forward to logging some more road miles soon!
After the first mile, we stopped to adjust my seat (too far forward) and my bars. After a couple more miles, we found this lovely little memorial and had to stop for a picture of me with the tank.
After our stop at the tank, we traveled along rather quickly as Sq-Earl was trying to teach me how to draft with him. We were really flying for a few minutes and then he managed to drop me rather quickly on a climb (I really do need to figure out how to shift my bike).
Our next photo op came when we reached the Corinth Bluegrass Festival Site. Unfortunately, they arent open until summer, be Sq-Earl decided to pose with the sign anyway.
We were off again and I was in for some real climbing. For those of you who have visited our area, I am sure you have heard of Spier Falls. Its a rather windy road with LOTS of climbing. Not wanting to kill me on our first time out, Sq-Earl thought we should tackle about half of it.
The first section that we climbed was a longer gradual climb.
More climbing and now were getting to the steeper sections:
The scenery is quite beautiful along the side of the road.
Despite being on a road bike, Sq-Earl cant help but try notice some excellent features along the roadside and decided to try extreme off the road riding
What goes up, must eventually come down
All in all, we did a 20 mile ride in just under 2 hours (with our stops for pictures, a snack and bike adjustments). Next time were out, well be able to get a true sense of our speed.
My observations about road riding (after my first ride):
1. Wind resistance is major!
2. Drafting is AWESOME (especially when Sq-Earls in the lead).
3. Riding down the hills is perhaps more of a rush than hitting a run on my DH bike.
4. Cars arent nearly as scary as 18-wheelers!
Im looking forward to logging some more road miles soon!
!!!
