Ok, so I tried going on my first long ride yesterday. "Tried" is the right word. I decided it would be a beautiful ride if I went around lake Hefner. The bike trail is over 10 miles around. I woke up early and loaded up my new pretty bike and a fancy Camelbak. It was exciting to think of how proud I would be of myself and all the bragging I'd get to do, so I got to the lake and started out. I actually was doing pretty good, even keeping up with a couple in front of me who totally looked like pros. They had all the gear and clothes that told me they were the real deal. I was having a good work out when I came to this spot in the trail that was under construction. The whole reason I picked this trail was because it went in a simple circle. Anyway, the people in front of me looked as if they knew where they were going so I followed them. We crossed a busy street, onto sidewalks, through a whole different park, over bridges, until I wondered if they really knew how to get back to lake Hefner or if they were just going to ride home. Saving myself the embarrassment of ridding into someone else's driveway, I decided to just turn around and head back towards the car. Once I was back I would decide how to finish my work out. All of a sudden the wind started blowing. Maybe it was blowing all along, hence the reason I could keep up with pros. Needless to say I now was peddling head first into strong Oklahoma winds! It was a killer! At one point I was going down hill where finally I could give my legs a rest and just coast... until the wind brought me to a complete stop! I'm not kidding. I honestly think I would have covered more ground if I'd been trying to ride up a mountain. I don't know how I mustered up the energy to keep peddling back to my car but I finally made it. And even though I only rode 5 of my 10 mile goal I am happy to say with all the pride in my heart that "I did it!" And Utah riders with their Rocky Mountains have NOTHING on the perpetual Oklahoma wind! 
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Hills vs. Oklahoma Wind!
Ok, so I tried going on my first long ride yesterday. "Tried" is the right word. I decided it would be a beautiful ride if I went around lake Hefner. The bike trail is over 10 miles around. I woke up early and loaded up my new pretty bike and a fancy Camelbak. It was exciting to think of how proud I would be of myself and all the bragging I'd get to do, so I got to the lake and started out. I actually was doing pretty good, even keeping up with a couple in front of me who totally looked like pros. They had all the gear and clothes that told me they were the real deal. I was having a good work out when I came to this spot in the trail that was under construction. The whole reason I picked this trail was because it went in a simple circle. Anyway, the people in front of me looked as if they knew where they were going so I followed them. We crossed a busy street, onto sidewalks, through a whole different park, over bridges, until I wondered if they really knew how to get back to lake Hefner or if they were just going to ride home. Saving myself the embarrassment of ridding into someone else's driveway, I decided to just turn around and head back towards the car. Once I was back I would decide how to finish my work out. All of a sudden the wind started blowing. Maybe it was blowing all along, hence the reason I could keep up with pros. Needless to say I now was peddling head first into strong Oklahoma winds! It was a killer! At one point I was going down hill where finally I could give my legs a rest and just coast... until the wind brought me to a complete stop! I'm not kidding. I honestly think I would have covered more ground if I'd been trying to ride up a mountain. I don't know how I mustered up the energy to keep peddling back to my car but I finally made it. And even though I only rode 5 of my 10 mile goal I am happy to say with all the pride in my heart that "I did it!" And Utah riders with their Rocky Mountains have NOTHING on the perpetual Oklahoma wind! 
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4 comments:
GOOD FOR YOU!!! Way to stick with it, head wind and all. It will get easier, I swear. Thanks for sharing the good news!!!
Amy, don't get down on yourself! I think half the battle is just getting out there! And I think five miles is a lot! Keep it up!
That's awesome! It is great you got out! Baby steps, and by the way it's all about the gear, looks like you are set!
Ames - You ROCK! WAY TO GO Girl!!! I agree with Jess, just getting out there is half the battle. Even if you only walk or ride around the block, getting into a routine is important. Then before long you will start craving it because you just feel better. Love the new bike, makes me want to get one too. Thanks for the inspiration! Love ya.
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