My biking future

I mentioned a few posts ago that I lost my mind and signed up for the Bike to the Bay in September.  It's basically a 75 mile ride starting in Dover, DE and ending in Rehobeth, DE.  I have no idea why I decided to I could do this.  At the time I signed up, the last time I had been on a bike was in 2006ish (not exactly sure when) in Chicago with my sister when we did a bike tour of the city.  But, I guess I'm committed now. 

So, on that note, while we were in Austin, J and I decided to try and take a bike tour again.  Unfortunately, there were no tours available (SXSW apparently was interfering with our plans).  However, the day we arrived we were able to rent bikes and just ride the trails around the lake for a few hours.  We rented some cruisers (basic, one speed bikes with wide handlebars).  I was not good. 

I was worse than not good. 

I had a really hard time steering the bike.  I really hated the widespread handlebars.  I felt like I was trying to steer a yacht.  Of course, J had no problems and had no idea why I was such an idiot (to be honest, I have no idea why I had such a hard time either, but it was still funny).  I felt like I was riding with my dad.  Why don't you get it?  I'm not having any problems (she wasn't really being mean, I was more frustrated with myself, and I could tell she really didn't understand why I was so bad). 

I was finally starting to feel almost comfortable on the bike again, and we get to this weird section of the trail where you had to go on the road for all of 6 feet before going back on the trail.  There were people coming towards me taking up a lot of the space.  I tried to steer around them, and had major issues, and tried to overcorrect and failed.  I finally, just put my foot down to stop and catch myself, forgetting I was on the edge of the curb.  My foot just kept going down, and I flipped my bike off the curb into traffic. 

So, yeah, my first bike ride in about 7 years ends with me flipping my bike into traffic and I almost get run over.  Fun times.  Any time we got to a section that we had to go on the road again, I was terified.  Good thing I signed up for a bike ride that's entirely on the road.  You know, those things that cars drive on? 

But, I went to the bike shop yesterday and bought a bike, and I plan to get better before September.  Hope that works out for me.

Now, the only other thing to worry about is the fundraising.  If anyone wants to help contribute to my goal, you can go here and make a donation.  I appreciate any help you can give.  If you don't want to make an online donation, you can either comment (or send me an email, or call me if you have that info) and I will tell you how you can send in a donation via check or cash. 

Thanks everyone!