First Proper Ride on the Road Bike

[Octet]

Just got back from a twelve mile ride along the coastline on the new road bike and I am pleased to say that I lived to tell the tale!

I just got back from the Local Bike Shop when the DHL van turned up with two parcels, a cycling jersey and a pair of cycling shorts. I put them on and did an awkward waltz to the back door, attempting to avoid being seen by my brother as to save the embarrassment and awkward questions. Feeling slightly embarrassed I carried my bike on my shoulder (a lot lighter then my last one for sure) around to the front and placed it at the edge of the driveway.
Sitting in the saddle, wearing the kit, I FELT EMPOWERED! Que the action music and I pushed off and down the hill.

Turning onto the coast ride was slightly nerve racking considering it is at times, the busiest road on the island. Cycling down I took it easy on the way there, pulling into a couple of cafes to have some water and buy an ice cream (no cake ).
The weather was very warm and so after pulling in for the third time I decided to take a ten minute break (following the ten feet rule regarding bikes and Lycra shorts). Unfortunately an elderly man in Speedos kept looking at me so I left sooner then expected.

Breaking it up, second part shall be the end of the forward trip and the return.

 

[Octet]

Ok,

Not much happened on the forward leg after that, I pulled up at my final location to have a drink of water before heading back. Waiting for the traffic to clear, I pushed off and made my way back.
After about five minutes I passed the quarry where I met another cyclist on a road bike who I tailed along the rest of the route, which I managed to comfortably do without stopping.
I have to say, the cycling shorts where slightly embarrassing to wear first time around although they certainly did reduce the vibrations from the road surface, and tailing that other cyclist made me feel more comfortable with the idea.

 

[ianrauk]

It doesn't take long to get used to wearing lycra. The self conciousness soon disappears and you realise that no one really cares unless you like wearing RED which is a no-no... it's not a good look, just ask the Polish cycling team.

What is the ten foot rule?

 

[Octet]

I wish you had warned me before I Googled 'Polish Cycling Team'... I've been scarred for life

The ten foot rule (I think that's what it is called), it is where if you are wearing Lycra then you don't walk any further away from the bicycle then ten feet (3 m) because it could be seen as being "dodgy".

 

[Shaun]

for the 10 foot rule.

 

[kedab]

The ten foot rule (I think that's what it is called), it is where if you are wearing Lycra then you don't walk any further away from the bicycle then ten feet (3 m) because it could be seen as being "dodgy".

i'd not heard that one...but i like it

 

[Pat "5mph"]

The ten foot rule (I think that's what it is called), it is where if you are wearing Lycra then you don't walk any further away from the bicycle then ten feet (3 m) because it could be seen as being "dodgy".

Yeabut: what if you are a lycra wearing Lady? Just curios

 

[Octet]

Yeabut: what if you are a lycra wearing Lady? Just curios

I think the rule is a general one but mainly directed at males.
On a cultural aspect, I think it is more widely accepted for woman to wear Lycra in public (take gyms for example).

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I think the rule is a general one but mainly directed at males.
On a cultural aspect, I think it is more widely accepted for woman to wear Lycra in public (take gyms for example).

Or if you are part of the GB rowing team

 

[slowmotion]

I like the ten foot rule! Could it be extended to a greater distance if you ostentatiously wave about your cycle helmet or spare tubes?

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I like the ten foot rule! Could it be extended to a greater distance if you ostentatiously wave about your cycle helmet or spare tubes?

Only if you cover your tube with your helmet

 

[Octet]

Hmm... you could but you run the risk.
If you where wearing a set of colourful sponsored jersey's and shorts then I think you would make the point but otherwise it is probably best to make sure they clearly see you are a cyclist.

 

[slowmotion]

Only if you cover your tube with your helmet

Pat, I thought long and hard before considering helmet and tube. I rejected multitool and pump. Bring on Fnaar.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Pat, I thought long and hard before considering helmet and tube. I rejected multitool and pump. Bring on Fnaar.

I am pretty sure I did exceed Fnaar at this game, once

 

[Sandra6]

Would the tube not go over the helmet? Or am I being too literal?!