Let’s be very clear here: I am not a morning person. I’m not really a late-night person either … but my ideal day involves not getting out of bed until mid-morning (9, 10am) and climbing back into bed around 11pm. Sleep is just too delicious to not indulge on the weekends.
But I also love riding my bike so I sucked it up and woke early to make an 8:30am roll-out time for a women’s group ride at my local bike shop. And honestly, is 8:30 too early in the morning (YES)? I’m usually on the train to work around then!
Today’s group ride was sponsored by Specialized Bicycles – Women’s Ride Day.
Our group of about 8 women (and two guys – the leader and sweep) skewed slightly older than me but no matter – everyone had a great attitude and personality. I started the ride toward the back of the group but quickly realized I’d be happier closer to the front.
The ride itself was relatively flat – so I spent my time working on gearing. Big Ring for the flats, little ring for the hills. I noticed a few times when I geared down too low and was bouncing in the saddle – an adjustment or two later I was transferring power from myself to the bike. It’s a beautiful thing, really. There were a few bigger hills – but I managed to maintain 8-10mph up those hills. The ride felt good.
We got back to the shop in about an hour and only 10 miles. Half the group decided to split but the other half continued on for another 10 miles, coming in a touch less than 2 hours total. The shop had free bagels for us and was handing out free water bottles too (hooray – free gear!).
AND I managed to not fall off my bike! Laura 1, Clipless Pedals, o!
I’m thinking I may actually need to change my unclip pattern from right to left – but didn’t feel brave enough to change it up on this ride. Maybe on a nice, quiet solo ride.
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I’ve also signed up for the Greater Philadelphia Bike Challenge! It’s a free, for-fun competition to encourage you to use your bike for transportation, exercise, and recreation this summer. Ride your bike, log your miles, maybe win fabulous prizes but definitely feel awesome about using two-wheeled transportation all summer long.
wife. mother. awesome girl. 
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