My pride and joy: My new 2012 Merida Crossway 20 MD
It's the aftermath of my first 11km ride.
Not as bad as I thought it would be. Muscles aren't feeling significantly weak.
Just two things today I think. One - getting on the bike again was hell on my crotch. We men weren't designed to have something as small as a sliver of a bike saddle jammed up our crotches. It just isn't cricket.
To help with that - invest in some padded cycling shorts.
Done that. Delivery 2-3 weeks time. From China. That's all good.
Now the one that isn't so hunky dory - Two - my carpal tunnel has started screaming at me to stop the torture I have been meting out since yesterday. It has started burning again, and people who suffer from CTS would know what I'm talking about. People who don't - imagine if you will a numb sensation, like when you wake up after sleeping on your hand; and add a pinch of being stung by a fire ant. That's probably where I am today. It hasn't hurt like this for quite some time. My carpal tunnel will probably be the undoing of my biking, but that still remains to be seen.
But I still want to push on. I am committed. No one buys a bike worth NZD800 just for the heck of it.
And speaking of which, I now understand the difference between a bike worth NZD850, and a bike worth NZD100 (which is what my old bike was worth). It rides like a dream. Every movement is like poetry in motion, as long as my muscles aren't protesting too much and my lungs aren't gasping for breath. And I can't get over how comfortable it is, at least when I don't feel the saddle crushing my sore buttocks. And it doesn't crush my wrists as badly as my mountain bike did! Woo hooooo!!
I am averaging a few kms a day at the moment, and I know that is not nearly enough for serious cycling. But it's probably the best thing to do at this stage of my journey. However, I can't deny that I can hear the trails of McLeans Island calling me... whispering... come... come...
Man... I gotta get out more.
Actually, I gotta get more writing done. This PhD isn't going to write itself.
wow..your story is so interesting..yup, first rides always not the easiest. keep on riding.. yeaahh
ReplyDeleteby the way, you might want to utilize some good gps-based training app for smartphones..that'll be a good record of your progress, as well as motivates yourself..if you do not have one, just give it a try. :)
Hey thanks for dropping by Jamil. Thanks for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteAlso, what apps do you use? It would be good to see what's out there.
I use Sportypal, available for iOS, android, blackcerry.
ReplyDeleteI'd say its quite handy for monitoring your max speed, distance, average pace, maximum pace,altitute, plus giving you approximation of how much calories you've burnt.
once you completed your training you can upload the data to the sportypal website. it's fun to see where you've been on the map. :D
if you wish to invest a little more, perhaps you can opt for heart rate monitor and integrate it with your phone, sounds like a pro, eh? hehehe
but as for me i'm happy with just the basic features mentioned above.