This was NOT what we rode - it's too hard for me - but it's a pretty. picture.
I know I’m getting better at learning to ride a bike.
- I’m shifting better. Sometimes the BF+ even says, “That was a good shift.”
- I don’t have to stop to rest – I can recover my HR on my bike while moving. (BF+ is very happy about that because it’s hard for him to start and stop a lot because he’s clipped in.)
- I can ride over bumps and little ruts without being too scared. (I haven’t shrieked in a LONG time.)
- I’m better at making tighter turns around our little obstacle course. (I used to get off the bike and walk through certain areas.)
- Sometimes I don’t use my brake the WHOLE time when going down a slight incline.
- I’ve even tried riding and rolling down funny little hills and sandy patches – silly little spots that I would have never tried before.
- I am a lot more confident and am trying new little “tests”.
But I still suck.
I don’t FEEL like I suck when I’m riding.
When I’m riding, I feel pretty awesome actually.
But when I watch myself on video, I see how bad I still am.
That’s both good and bad.
- Bad because I’ve been a bit discouraged lately about a few things.
- Good because I AM better.
- Bad because it proves how ridiculously bad I used to be.
- Good because it’s pretty darn funny.
Learning to Ride a Bike: The Saga Continues
This little outing was at a local state park, Montana de Oro. And this particular trail is labeled a greenhorn trail (yep, the level before beginner). It was about 6 miles out and back on a fire road with a moderate (my definition of moderate), intermittent climb (which is just my style – I like breaks in my uphill).
So the ride we took was a fire road, but BF+ was excited to point me to the trail heads of his favorite rides and describe every little detail of each path. Well, I was feeling particularly confident, so I wanted to TRY just a section by the trail head.
Remember, I can’t ride up. I’m not that good.
But I was pretty sure I could ride down. BF+ agreed that he thought I could do it and encouraged me to walk my bike up a short way to give it a shot. (Remember, he really wants me to be safe and have fun, so I totally trust his judgement in these matters.)
So we set up shop, pulled out the camera, and captured the epic moment.
He went first. He’s awesome.
I went next. Don’t blink – you might miss it.
Yep. All these months later, that’s what I look like on a bike. But you can tell by my YEAH at the end that I am VERY proud of myself :)
Despite the “I’m so pathetic” and “This is so funny” self-talk, I am VERY excited about going to South Lake Tahoe later this week. I’m hoping to tackle a “beginner” trail and will be keeping myself busy when BF+ goes on a couple of real rides.
Any suggestions for me when I’m hanging in Tahoe solo?
OMG – that’s not riding a bike! That’s mountain biking. I’ve never even tried that!!!
Yes Karen, that is a little mountain, but remember that’s not really what I’m doing. We just set it up for the picture. I’m still wondering if the BF+ was secretly hoping I would take a little tumble. Hmmmmmm.
I literally LOL’d when you yelled YEA in your video!!!
my dad rides all kinds of trails, etc…i however, can’t….
I LOVE street/road biking but trails…I can’t see so well and things are ‘off’ so I always misjudge, go off trail, hit a tree, god knows what else…
YOU.ARE.A.MOUNTAIN/TRAIL.BIKER Kris!
here’s a visual food for thought for you!
http://taraburner.tumblr.com/post/6250483854 :)
You are awesome! I hope you have a blast in Tahoe and take it all in. :) You SHOULD be proud of yourself!
You should see my pedal injury! You’d be so proud! Bf+ was ;)
YEAH !! you are a rock star, my friend! :) I haven’t ridden a bike in so long and certainly would not be comfortable on the trails right now! great job on your improvements!
hmm, Tahoe? find a spa! and if you see a roulette wheel anywhere, put $5 on #27. you’ll win. I always do!
Hehehe Tahoe is lovely! We might head towards civilization tonight and I’ll place a bet for us! We r being very active so a massage might be in order. My body is tired!
So proud of you! I’d be so scared! I learned to ride a bike in my teens and haven’t ridden since. It’s so dumb I can drive a car but a freakin bike scares me. Sigh!
I’d love to give it another try…someday!
It is fun but I couldn’t have done it without my coach. Hehehe you should try it with a patient friend to cheer you on!
This is freaking awesome! I love the videos! I don’t think you suck. I’d be scared to do that. Which means I probably should.
Getting a bike would help..
Oh man you should see what I’m trying in tahoe. It’s officially single track and there are rocks. Yikes! I still suck but I think I’m starting to beat a little of the mental part. My brain sucks too!
I love how you say “yeah!” at the end. And is that sand you guys are riding in? That looks intense. I’ll tell you, my bike riding has not nearly been going as well. All I have is a flat landscape and my triathlon is in the mountains–it will probably not end well!
Oh dear. I am easily discouraged so I just keep on trying. It’s not really loose sand but more like a dirt road. I am in sand now in Tahoe and yikes! So glad my coach just gives me tips as we go — time to shift, weight back, relax your arms, let the bike roll. Stuff like that cuz my brain to muscle connection is spastic at best! And yes, never forget the YEAH!
You are soooooo cute and so inspirational. HUGE hugs and kisses for you.