This morning I did two things I’ve never done before in my life: 1) I did a “brick workout” (bike then run for those who don’t know) and 2) wore a bike helmet.
Now, before you go yelling at me about not wearing a helmet before, please understand that the last time I rode a bike, it was pink and had streamers and a banana seat.
I’m not sure they even sold helmets for kids back then. Luckily, Jones’ helmet is adjustable and I was able to wear it today.
Also, don’t get any ideas about possible triathlons in my future. Tri’s involve swimming and swimming with any speed requires putting my face in the water. That? Won’t be happening. Some day in the future, however, a duathlon might occur.
Anyways, recently our neighbors gave us two bikes. I’m in the process of trying to figure out who should have the bikes that we got and who gets a new one. Judging by the bruise I’ll soon have in a place I don’t share on the ‘net, I think it might be me. I rode the bigger bike (a Huffy Rocktrail 26″) today and could barely touch the ground with my legs over the bar, which meant a little pain when I accidentally stopped suddenly.
I did 3 miles on the bike in 21 minutes and 1 mile of running in 8:26. Yes, I do realized I wasn’t biking much faster than I ran. When you haven’t biked in more than 20 years, speed is not your friend. I then did a quick 100 ab exercises and 100 pushups and called it good. I did Inperspire’s Virtual Bootcamp Challenge over the weekend and am trying to keep up some semblance of cross training.
So, anyone got some good “biking 101” websites I should check out? Or any suggestions of a good fairly inexpensive bike that would work for me now and Jones later as he gets taller? (Are there unisex bikes?) I know NOTHING about biking. Also, I’m pretty sure I need a softer (or at least easier on my bits) seat. Any recommendations?
And don’t forget, the BEER IS GOOD! Giveaway ends Wednesday night at midnight!
good job cross training!! I would say you want to hit your local bike shop and get at least measured even if you don't buy from them. Handsome is a biker and I bought a rather inexpensive bike, but it is comfortable and fits right!
I love that you are coming up with new ways to stimulate your beer appetite!
Way to go! Good luck on the bike search.I am in total agreement – I could do the bike/swim, but no way on the swimming.
Go you! Only cool people wear helmets 🙂
Your post made me laugh! I just got a new bike, and I'm a little afraid of it! My bikey friends laugh when I admit to that, but dang, it's a long way to the ground if you fall of that sucker! And as for tris — you hit the nail on the head… putting my face in the water for any length of time is even scarier than the bike. I'll stick to dodging traffic on my own (slow) two feet!
Nice job with your brick workout! I got a used bike from a bike shop for a decent price, and it's a pretty good bike.
way to go!! Those "brick" things scare me!
Great job. You can always do a duatlon!!!
Nice job on the bike ride! I need to get out on mine more for some cross-training.
best thing to do is go to a specialty bike shop…have them tell you everything you need to know…size etc…try out a few even…then dont buy anything, come home, get on craigslist etc and find what you need thats comparable if you cant find exact. i sold my first tri bike on craigslist in ONE day…bikes are BIG on craigslist. and you dont need the really expensive bikes to toot around in and do duathlons. i know because i did (and still) do it.fun!
Sounds scary and fun!! I haven't been on a bike in years! Great job getting out there and good luck shopping around!
Awesome!I'll echo the suggestion of getting a professional fitting (or just going to a friend who knows what they're doing). And I'd also get your own new helmet. Not one from craigslist or a friend, but one fresh out of the box. Helmets are pretty delicate beasts and can lose their effectiveness pretty easily with a hard knock on the ground, so always better to play it safe and have your own. Bike shorts will help ease the discomfort from the seat, and a women's specific saddle can work wonders, too. Have fun!!
Awesome job cross training and getting a helmet! For bike stuff: I swear by my Terry "ride like a girl" saddle and bike shorts. Btw I recently discovered you are not supposed to wear underwear with bike shorts… Instead you are supposed to use something called "chamois"…
I also second Abby about the bike fit. Also, we got our bikes from a local store. It may be a bit more expensive (even though they also sell very inexpensive bikes) but we can go to them whenever we have any questions or issues, including fitting, squeaking and other random stuff.
Nice job on the baby brick! I too am bad and never wear a helmet. I know, I know! Good luck finding a bike. I bought my cheap mountain bike from Target so I can't be much help.
Whoa, don't ride a 26" bike! That's enormous! Most adult bike-shop bikes are pretty much unisex now, by which I mean designed for men and ladies can ride them. Some manufacturers make women-specific bikes now, but that's pretty new. My new bike is a women-specific design, which is why it's teal :). But my old bike is a regular bike. Anyway, I've learned a LOT just by googling "how to buy a bike." Lots of bike stores have info online, and we do have a lot of bike stores in the area, so go pick their brains. As long as you and Jones are the same height range, you guys can share a bike for a while. But bike fit is so important. It's what keeps you comfy on the bike, and you get used, to some extent, to a saddle, but most people I know upgrade theirs. Good luck!
Awww… you rode with the cool group this morning : )
the first ride always results in the most "soreness". Your *areas* will toughen up. Promise 🙂 I just found out that the Tri club in the city hosts a duathlon every Spring – I'm going to try it next year. But I'm in the same boat as you – Tri's require me to swim, and swimming involves me drinking a lot of lake/pool/river water. Not happening.
Mine was purple with big 60's-esque daisies on the seat. I knocked my damn teeth out riding that sucker so I am far from qualified to offer you any biking tips.
also, Bike Shorts. They have a little padding – it helps.
Be careful, biking is VERY easy to fall in love with. Then, the swimming! :o)
I'm positive a brick workout is a beer followed by a nap.
Keep us posted on the bike 101 websites. I am STILL having a hard time finding any good places to find valuable info.
Love the baby brick 🙂
Sounds fun! Your cross-training today was impressive. I hope you find a more comfortable bike set-up.
Yay for the baby brick! The soreness should go away – the first ride is always the worst. Check out a local bike shop, they'll give you info about bikes and measure you for the right size. And that photo of the bike? I swear that's a picture of the pink Huffy Sea Princess I rode in grade school!
Hey I think we had the same bike back in the day. Great job on doing the brick. That's an awesome workout!
Nice job! Don't worry, I do triathlons and I don't bike much faster than that 🙂
Been wanting to do that type of workout for a while…cool beans!!!! When I did bike, back in the day (Bike Club, College) a gel seat was awesome!!!
Nice job on the brick workout! I miss having a bike!
Hey. Here's a website that you can look over as a reminder of what to look out for vis a vis auto traffic when you're riding your bike. There are lots of nice quiet place to ride in Arlington, so I am sure it isn't a big deal, but you can't be too careful: http://www.slowtwitch.com/Training/Defensive_cycling_362.htmlThere's another one that I have been to before that is actually about the mechanics of riding – I am going to keep looking for it. Also, Conte's (in Ballston by the Gold's) is a great bike shop that also has a running store attached if you're looking for stuff.
Nice work! I bought a bike from a friend who used to race.. so, it's a well worn one, but it gave me the chance to see if I would use it a lot. Thus far, I'm good sticking with that one… lol
I love the episode of FRIENDS where Pheobe learns to ride a bike. Always makes me feel better about my biking abilities. Sometimes at the gym I'll run on the treadmill then get on the stationary bike. Is that a kcirb? I'm always surprised when I read blog posts about people combining biking and running for the first time. On days where I'm feeling lazy I'll stop running and bike because I get to sit down.
head in the water…no matter.. I'm still rootin' for you to do a triathlon down the road;-)and love the banana seat bike pic
Bikes are overrated. What's to love about the burning pain in your crotch that's eventually replaced by a sullen numbness?Beer would make it all better, but I think the cops around here would frown on me downing a bottle or two on the ride ;p