It seems that a few of us are exploring the slow route. (link1) and (link2) which prompted others to take action (link3) and (link4)
So what to do except to rush home after work and pump up my tires
I bought this bike new many years ago but stopped riding because my friend had a mishap when we were going too fast on the False Creek Seawall where we rode every Saturday morning after breakfast. The tires still have the fuzz on them. This is a mountain bike with a hybrid street tire
This model has the front shocks
The trip computer still works after all these years of just sitting there. Even the batteries in my handle bar mounted headlight works. I have the integrated shifters on each side. My helmet is old but it was Snell
certified. The foam padding is disintegrating . It has been a while since I have flexed my muscles
but I decided to ride around the neighbourhood to make sure everything works
At least I don't have to wear riding boots
I don't remember what they are called but I also have bar ends for more leverage when going uphill . I could feel great lack of power so after I made it to my Bank I stopped
I wasn't tired but I thought that I would just sit and enjoy the warmth of the sun . Soon it was time to
move along, ride up and down a few more streets and head for home
Phew ! Made it home safe and sound . . .
So funny! You there, at the end of the line! Tired, eh?
ReplyDeleteI have to say you have me beat hands down. I was a very avid cyclist before I got on scooters in 2007 and my cycling has fallen to the wayside, though I DO have two nice bikes.
Every day I ponder riding one of them but somehow always choose to scoot. I think I need to get out and see how many feet/miles I can ride without my legs turning to rubber.
Maybe that's what stops me, I am hesitant to know! One day...and then I'll blog about it too! LOL
Anyway, more power to ya! Ride on, brother, ride on!
Deb:
DeleteI used to do a lot of cycling but not so much since around 2003 when I got back in to motorcycling. It takes less energy to just twist a throttle. With everyone starting to pedal again I just had to give it a try
I think they are called "bar ends" and if you search Amazon, you can find an electric assist setup for your existing bike. If you get a motorized front wheel, you'll have AWD.
ReplyDeleteRichard:
DeleteWhen your hands are on the bars, it feels like an un-natural position, esp if you need to hold on tight. Your arms are twisted a bit. With bar ends, your arms are naturally placed. If I were to get an electric assist, I would need a better bike, so better to just buy a factory built one
Good for you Bob for getting out on the bike.
ReplyDeleteDid your legs turn to jelly after? Brad taught yesterday and then we went for a wee ride last night. Too many people out on the paths though. Seemed easier on the legs than the last ride, which is good.
Trobairitz:
DeleteThe first ride wasn't very far, just around the neighbourhood. I did try to pedal fast but ran out of power. Took a bit to relearn which gears were what and which lever was for the front brakes. Our area is flat but once you go farther we go downhill and then it is an effort to get home. My bike is heavy. When I bought it I wasn't concerned with how heavy it was as I thought it was good to be getting more exercise. It has an aluminum frame with alloy wheels and Shimano running gear and the old V-brakes.
I wanted to ride all day Saturday, but that's another story . . . of how it didn't happen
Bob, You've inspired me!
ReplyDeleteI got mine out today and dusted it off and put air in the tires.
Now gotta find a basket for the "co-pilot"!
(She's the one pictured in my blog.)
How ya feeling today?
Deb:
DeleteI noticed that you finally dusted off your bike. Good for you. You can ride around your neighbourhood and notice much more stuff as you are riding much slower than when on your scooter. If you overdo it you will get jello legs but hoping that they go away soon
Well done, Bob. How are your legs doing? After my first ride I felt quite wobbly on my feet but it got better with every ride.
ReplyDeleteSonja:
DeleteLegs weren't good for the next day. Seemed to have less strength than the day before. I decided to wait another day before cycling again. Being in the heart of the City means a lot of traffic and we don't have any pathways around here. Generally you are not able to cycle in the Parks. We do have bike paths but it is hard to keep up with the other riders who have much stronger muscles . . .
It sure sounded good to exercise.
ReplyDeleteBenny:
DeleteI thought about riding down the hill for lunch BUT, how do I get home later ? Exercising is always a good thing. You should get a bike to go to work. It would be perfect for you
It does get easier, some call it training or conditioning, I refer to it as tolerance. Good for you, and keep it up!!
ReplyDeleteTroubadour:
DeleteIt will take a couple of weeks of dedication before I am ready to travel any distances. I am liking your 29" wheels. I only have smaller 26" ones. I hope it gets easier soon. I need panniers as wearing a backpack seems top heavy. You two are my inspiration