I GOT MY BIKE!!!

We had training camp three weeks ago, and I hadn't ridden a bike before that day in well over 10 years. The last bike I owned, like I said, was turquoise and had a mermaid on it. Although this one was not complete with handlebar streamers, I was surprised at how quickly it came back to me.

I was a little concerned about clipping in .. and I did fall once. I actually successfully clipped out, and then leaned to the wrong side. It was all in slow motion .. but really helpless slow motion. Oh well, it got that whole pride thing out of the way. ;)

The first day we rode about 20 miles (the newbie group) and I was in so much pain. I think it was a combination of putting my shoulders and neck into that position for the first time and my seat being several inches too high :( Everything got better as we ate a ridiculously carb-loaded dinner, and I actually felt pretty good as I climbed into bed to stretch a little more.

The next day flew by so much easier than the first, despite the fact that the terrain was so much more hilly. Two of the coaches, Mike and Ross, made sure never to leave me behind, even when I was trucking up the hills at 3.5 mph sometimes.

Aside from the riding, everyone got to know each other so much better this weekend. I actually know everyone's name now! My roommates were all awesome, and I hadn't really gotten to know many of them beforehand.

All in all, this weekend was a winner.

Training camp reunion in February. I've got a lot of work to do :)