26 miles and rather proud!

[Madmidwife]

Having explored my local area with 7-16 mile rides- I decided to go on an epic ride today (epic for me anyway!!!)

26 miles!!! I can see how addictive this new hobby is. Most of the route was relatively flat with a couple of small climbs- then a very long climb at the end (Staverton- near Daventry for anyone who knows the area)- what a killer!!! Only had 1 clipless moment when I had to stop for oxygen halfway up the hill- and in my panic about stopping on a hill- for which I prepared myself mentally "don't forget to unclip".....took my right foot out- forgot my left and fell into a nice soft mound of nettles!!!!!

Not my first clipless moment might I add (only got them yesterday) and on my way home from the LBS with HWMBO- was turning right to join a cycle path- when I heard "left, left, left"- panicking, thinking there was a car I hadn't seen- I slowed down, forgot I was clipped in....... the bruises are cool!!!!

My knees really hurt now though- am wondering if there is a way to adjust the cleats?

Ah well- just had to share that with you- what a great forum- so friendly and welcoming!!

Kirst

 

[HLaB]

Well Done. I found these guides (a & b) useful when I first went clipless.

 

[beachcaster]

Well done.......something tells me you will be doing 50 soon

great result.and a pat on the back !

barry

 

[HJ]

Aye there is something very addictive about cycling, you'll soon be wanting to go further, then the touring starts...

 

[Madmidwife]

Thanks guys- HlaB- fantastic- shall be getting HWMBO to do some tinkering tomorrow!!!

 

[jeltz]

I agree its very addictive, but it ain't a bad thing to be addicted to

Well done on the 26 miles I must admit I was amazed when I 1st did 25 miles then 30 then 50 and so far I'm up to 66, all since May.

When you've a spare few minutes you might want to knock one of these up

 

[Madmidwife]

jeltz- thats fab!!!

LOL- is there a design for a bum massager too???

 

[Smudgley]

Well done, what a sense of achievement.
I'm very new & currently doing 10 mile rides and decided to try 15 this weekend. It is very addictive isn't it.

 

[NormanD]

Congrats Kirst

don't worry about the clipless moments, your dignity like all the rest of us that use them is now gone

you now know that the 30 mile mark is calling you ... it's a drug

Norm

 

[I am Spartacus]

Well Done. I found these guides (a & b) useful when I first went clipless.

Nice pics but are these problems more with zero float cleats?
eg track cycling where you have the double whammy of being strapped in as well?
With modern self aligning cleats the knees sorts themselves out?

 

[andyfromotley]

I have been cycling for several years now so i thought my clipless moments were well behind me.

Did the White Rose Classic this year, 70 miles, massive hills, brand new £1k bike. Glided to the finish looking as if i do that sort of distance every day....stopped just after the finish line like some lycra clad cycling god.....slowly toppled sideways onto the cattle grid! And it bloody well hurt!!!

 

[jeltz]

jeltz- thats fab!!!

LOL- is there a design for a bum massager too???

You need a cat for that


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRdEL0FDcGg

 

[HLaB]

Nice pics but are these problems more with zero float cleats?
eg track cycling where you have the double whammy of being strapped in as well?
With modern self aligning cleats the knees sorts themselves out?

check out link (a) Park Tools, it deals more with the angling of the cleats between (a and I managed to get things sorted out. Self aligning cleats are all good and well but if there not angled near correctly the haven't got enough float on them to sort things out.

 

[Madmidwife]

Norm- am currently perusing my OS map for suitable routes!!!

Andy- I had tears running down my face at that one- it made me feel better too!!!

jeltz- Fab!! I have 2 cats who I intend to train tonight!!! Now where is that cat nip......

Am just waiting for HWMBO to get his head out of his marine fish tank and am off on a 20 mile circular ride......

 

[jimboalee]

One of this year's AUK DIY 100km rides was to Daventry. I think I know the slope you speak of. The one with the Countryman pub at the top??

It rises from 110m to 180m in about 1 km. That's 7% in my book. ( or 1:14 in the old money ).

Take a ride out to Barby through Braunston, and then come home via Lower Shuckburgh.