first tri

Welcome Hilary!

Enjoy the fresh air and the wind, and watch out for those big, mean, steel, bike-eating monsters!! (o:

What distance will your first tri be??

Dana

It's a sprint. 13 mile bike.

I really loved being back on the bike. I just need to get over my downhill fear.

Welcome! Just keep trying. You are doing better than I am! I'm still struggling with the clipless pedals!

welcome to our world!  it's a great place to be!

Thanks so much! I have a bike question: every time I attempt to shift gears, I drop my chain. What am I doing wrong?

Good luck with your training and welcome to the site! You've already taken a big step by getting back on the bike--good job!

Kelly

welcome hils!  about slipping your chain when shifting...first thing is to make sure that your not applying force on the pedals while shifting...stop turning your pedals the moment u shift, once you have shifted, ease into pedaling again (pedal lightly) till the chain has moved, THEN u can start pedaling normally.  this works for me on my cheapo mtb...i am not sure u should have to do the above for better bikes.   it could be a whole other problem though...i am no expert in this area.

Thanks! I have a Specialized Dolce Sport--don't know if that makes a difference. I think I was shifting and pedaling at the same time, and that must be what's causing my problems.

I think you've found the best answer to your own question about getting over your fear--you got back into riding! Good for you, good luck and have fun!

I went for a ride this morning, and before I knew it I'd gone 10 miles and fixed a dropped chain along the way!

Welcome, glad to have you here.  My advice to you is tokeeep it fun.

Welcome Hils! Hopping back on the bike...Good for you!
I too am nervous on a bike, and have been for years...you're not the only one.
My husband thinks I'm nuts.

When my tire hits sand/pebbles I PANIC. When I was younger I was riding down a hill, and at the bottom there was a patch of sand. I hit it, at full speed, wiped out and my handlebars hit my jaw (while going over them) and haven't been the same since. Training for a tri has made me face my fear and as time/training goes by, I feel more comfortable every day.

So, keep up the great work, you're doing a great job!

Julie C

Great job on the 10 miles & fixing experience!! Wow! (I actually said "WOW" aloud when reading your post!)

Great!!!! keep it up