Finally Back on the Bike

No sooner had I gotten home than it began to rain. It sounds like the kind of writing task we give students. I think I had better back up and explain.

Cycling season has started, and thanks to indoor training, it probably never stopped for anyone else. For me, a torn rotator cuff, several trips to Japan, a subscription to Zwift that seemed to crash every time I used it, and general laziness prevented me from doing any off season training. So here I am trying to play catchup with the first official club meet next week.

I thought I had put everything neatly away last year, but I ran around the house trying to get all my gear together. I had to put the wheel back on the bike (I did try to use the trainer) and had to deflate the tire I had blown up because I couldn’t get the bigger tires past the rim brakes. I had to lube up the chain. I had to put the saddlebag back below the saddle. Luckily for me, the lights were still charged up and that bit of confidence in my safety helped.

I have new shoes and a new helmet to sport this year. I haven’t gotten either one of them ready so I rushed out with my old ones–though I had to rummage a bit in the basement to find them. I also had on my worn out gloves because I didn’t want to spend any more time in the house. I knew rain was coming and I had this 80 or 90 minute route in mind and my window was closing. I hoped I could do it in less, but I had no idea what shape I was in.

Needless to say, it was great to finally be out on the bike. It was a great feeling, even when I had to slowly chug up some hills. I got the bike up to a decent speed once or twice and it felt pretty good.

I’ve got a few things that I need to take care of:

• I’ve got to get a new set of cleats for my new shoes.
• I’ve got to install those new cleats.
• I’ve got to get my new helmet adjusted.
• I should clean my sunglasses.
• I should adjust my brakes.
• I have to charge up my Garmin.
• I have to download next week’s route in the new platform.
• I had better do some cycling specific stretches.
• I have to get my electrolytes for next week’s longer ride.
• I have to open my box of cliff bars.

The ride itself was quite contemplative. As a result, I thought of a few more things I should explain about my last trip to Japan. If I decide to go that route, it will be part 4. I also came up with a whole other blogpost I would like to tackle.