Hi All -
Just want to say thanks to everyone who provided insight to my preparation for this ride. I thought I would take a moment to let everyone know how it all came together and what I learned. Who knows, it might be useful to someone.
1. After reading a few posted I opted to find a higher quality used bike, then buy something that was in my price range new. I ended up doing well - got a Cannondale Multisport 1000 that fit me well. It ended up coming in cheaper than what I would have spent on a lesser-equipped Trek 1500.
2. The guy I bought the bike from was a Triathalon-er and the seat was rock hard and I determined after a couple rides it wasn’t for me. After reading up on a few posts here, I went with a Selle San Marco Arami seat. Great choice, as I became very close to that seat - I think it was a nice balance of padding and weight.
3. If you are training as a newbie (which I still am) I would recommend splitting your training on smooth and rough roads. I never though coarse road surfaces could make a difference in your ride; they do and will take the energy out of you.
4. Buy clipless pedals and the shoes to match - the platform pedals with the straps are irritating as hell to get your feet into when you start to move from a stop.
5. Although it was recommended, wearing bike short without underwear was not the best call for me. I had substantial pain after the first day because things did not stay in place and it was all remedied by wearing underwear the next day (plus 4 Motrins ). Can anyone make any recommendations on pants that do a better job of isolating that area?
6. Riding with a group of people makes the ride more enjoyable - you almost feel as though you have a commitment to stay with them as a member of the team. I found my average speed was higher and the time between stops went faster.
7. Bring an extra tube - I used mine climbing the first bridge - back tire went flat - awesome! I was upset that the tire blew, but almost thankful that I got to take a break climbing the bridge.
8. Wind - damn! I am a runner and never really cared about head wind. The wind while going up the two bridges leading to Ocean City about did me in. Not a fan of wind - even a side wind sucks.
That is all I can think of when it comes to my lessons learned – if anyone has other insights, please add.
I have to say, cyclist are a great group of people. Everyone seemed more than willing to pull over and help someone with a problem as small as a flat. Thanks to all of you who made my first experience a great one.
Cheers!
Just want to say thanks to everyone who provided insight to my preparation for this ride. I thought I would take a moment to let everyone know how it all came together and what I learned. Who knows, it might be useful to someone.
1. After reading a few posted I opted to find a higher quality used bike, then buy something that was in my price range new. I ended up doing well - got a Cannondale Multisport 1000 that fit me well. It ended up coming in cheaper than what I would have spent on a lesser-equipped Trek 1500.
2. The guy I bought the bike from was a Triathalon-er and the seat was rock hard and I determined after a couple rides it wasn’t for me. After reading up on a few posts here, I went with a Selle San Marco Arami seat. Great choice, as I became very close to that seat - I think it was a nice balance of padding and weight.
3. If you are training as a newbie (which I still am) I would recommend splitting your training on smooth and rough roads. I never though coarse road surfaces could make a difference in your ride; they do and will take the energy out of you.
4. Buy clipless pedals and the shoes to match - the platform pedals with the straps are irritating as hell to get your feet into when you start to move from a stop.
5. Although it was recommended, wearing bike short without underwear was not the best call for me. I had substantial pain after the first day because things did not stay in place and it was all remedied by wearing underwear the next day (plus 4 Motrins ). Can anyone make any recommendations on pants that do a better job of isolating that area?
6. Riding with a group of people makes the ride more enjoyable - you almost feel as though you have a commitment to stay with them as a member of the team. I found my average speed was higher and the time between stops went faster.
7. Bring an extra tube - I used mine climbing the first bridge - back tire went flat - awesome! I was upset that the tire blew, but almost thankful that I got to take a break climbing the bridge.
8. Wind - damn! I am a runner and never really cared about head wind. The wind while going up the two bridges leading to Ocean City about did me in. Not a fan of wind - even a side wind sucks.
That is all I can think of when it comes to my lessons learned – if anyone has other insights, please add.
I have to say, cyclist are a great group of people. Everyone seemed more than willing to pull over and help someone with a problem as small as a flat. Thanks to all of you who made my first experience a great one.
Cheers!