Some history on how all of this began.....
Well, when i first started to cycle about two years ago it really was like learning to ride a bike all over again. It had been over ten years since I had ridden a bike and Jonathon really inspired me to give it a try. I saw him head out in the early mornings, and come back with a huge smile on his face. Whats more he actually went places. I on the other hand was going for a run and never went more than 10km's.
So I inherited Jonathon's bike and off to the park we went. Learning to cycle with cleats was horrifying. There were times when I forgot my feet were clipped in and when I went to stop suddenly realising I toppled over. It is both scary and embarrassing...
But the weeks passed and i found my way so we ventured onto the road...needless to say I was super cautious and every car, pedestrian and noise is amplified. On top of this I could not keep up with Jonathon. I have to say he was soooo patient, and waited at the top of every hill for me
to catch up. Then we had gear changing lessons. This was more challenging. In summary I just did not get it. No amount of explaining could talk my through the subtleties of changing gears. The amount of times I came to a virtual stand still as I went up a hill because I was in the wrong gear...very embarrassing. I still get the occasional voice come up behind me telling me to change up or down.....
So eventually I decide to upgrade to a "grown up" bike. After much consideration and research I ended up with the Cervello. this was serious. What a bike. How much fun was this. The weekends became adventures exploring new places and really building up to riding some distances.Not easy at first but slowly they crept up. A new hobby had emerged.
But what I quickly learnt was that the bike was just the beginning....a new world of shopping emerged, pedals, bottle cages, lights, shorts , shoes...the list is endless. As does the maintenance. I have not come to terms with this at all.....I can not do the basic things. In reality i have been spoilt. Jonathon has been chief bike mechanic to date. I fear this must come to an end as I really do need to learn these basics. So I am off to a "bike maintenance course" next week. Oh joy....I can avoid it no longer,and after experiencing a few mechanical issues preperation is crucial.
Well, when i first started to cycle about two years ago it really was like learning to ride a bike all over again. It had been over ten years since I had ridden a bike and Jonathon really inspired me to give it a try. I saw him head out in the early mornings, and come back with a huge smile on his face. Whats more he actually went places. I on the other hand was going for a run and never went more than 10km's.
So I inherited Jonathon's bike and off to the park we went. Learning to cycle with cleats was horrifying. There were times when I forgot my feet were clipped in and when I went to stop suddenly realising I toppled over. It is both scary and embarrassing...
But the weeks passed and i found my way so we ventured onto the road...needless to say I was super cautious and every car, pedestrian and noise is amplified. On top of this I could not keep up with Jonathon. I have to say he was soooo patient, and waited at the top of every hill for me
to catch up. Then we had gear changing lessons. This was more challenging. In summary I just did not get it. No amount of explaining could talk my through the subtleties of changing gears. The amount of times I came to a virtual stand still as I went up a hill because I was in the wrong gear...very embarrassing. I still get the occasional voice come up behind me telling me to change up or down.....
So eventually I decide to upgrade to a "grown up" bike. After much consideration and research I ended up with the Cervello. this was serious. What a bike. How much fun was this. The weekends became adventures exploring new places and really building up to riding some distances.Not easy at first but slowly they crept up. A new hobby had emerged.
But what I quickly learnt was that the bike was just the beginning....a new world of shopping emerged, pedals, bottle cages, lights, shorts , shoes...the list is endless. As does the maintenance. I have not come to terms with this at all.....I can not do the basic things. In reality i have been spoilt. Jonathon has been chief bike mechanic to date. I fear this must come to an end as I really do need to learn these basics. So I am off to a "bike maintenance course" next week. Oh joy....I can avoid it no longer,and after experiencing a few mechanical issues preperation is crucial.
No comments:
Post a Comment