kenj's group closed, training hard and having fun!! (Page 17)

I could chnage a tube but not a tirel I carry extra tubes, Co2, levers etc., Road ID, 4 bottles on long rides (Houston 90ish degrees), Chomps and/or Fig Newtons and cell phone.

I have had 2 flats - the first one was on my second ride and it was after I hit a curb and went over the bars, flatted the front tire. A guy (found out later a BTer) stopped in his truck to hand me a tube but I had already called a friend I knew was in the area, I was a bit shaken after the wreck.

The 2nd flat was on a 20 or so mile ride in the evening, HUGE gash in the back tire to I called my husband, he came out swapped my back tire with the bike tire from his bike and off I went. I've been very lucky. I have changed a flat in my garage and feel I could do it but not with a huge gash in the actual tire.

I, as well, as not that accomplished.  If the rear tube needs changing, my hands will be messy.

Like the glove idea though.  Might adopt that one...Thanks!!

julta - 2011-04-30 10:30 PM Ok The thing I've not used at all and don't have is CO2...I've got a pump and I guess I will need to invest in the CO2. Great question on the must have's for a ride...I usually carry, phone, water, camera (hey I blog. ) one tube, levers, ID, money, chomps/jelly beans or other nutrition if its a long ride. I think that's it sometimes I feel like I carry everything but the kitchen sink. Looking forward to race reports!

I'm "old fashioned" & carry a pump as well.  It straps to the top tube of the bike.  Works well & never out of gas.

Just back from my long run...13ish miles.

Feeling fitter!

Nice run!!

Feeling fitter is a good feeling!

Well done Ken!!

Quite a result, particularly for so early in the season.

I walk/jogged today for 5.5 miles around the neighborhood.  Tried the slow and easy method and it actually was sustainable for quite a stretch.  Didn't have an odometer on me, so I'm not sure of the distances that I actually ran, but I was able to run for several stretches throughout the walk.

At first, I tried to run too fast and I hated it.  Then I remembered to go at conversational pace, and I almost enjoyed it.

BTW, I purchased a road bike!!!

After looking far and wide, I finally found a place that would accept my hybrid for a trade in.  They also had a 2010, which saved a little.  I tried 3 different bike shops and this one had the best service.  I test rode a number of different bikes and this one fit the best.

In the end, I got a Trek 1.2 WSD.  Aluminum frame with carbon fork.  Still trying to get used to the clips.  I fell twice yesterday trying to get my feet out.  Haven't mastered that part yet, but I'm loving the ride - what a difference! 

Vivian, congratulations on getting a great bike!!

What type of clips does it come with? Some can be adjusted to make it easier to withdraw.

The main thing to get used to is to try to prepare to remove your foot early, anticipate what's coming, and when in doubt remove a foot just in case.

Nice Time, Ken!

Congrats!

Cool, you will be a speed demon, now!!!

Post up a pic of your new acquisition!!

Viv

Hope you enjoy your new ride..

Great Job Ken! Nice start to the season.

Congratulations on the new bike Vivian, it's always great to ride a bike that feels fast.

I need to get work practicing changing a flat on the back tire.  I'm comfortable with the front, but never wanted to practice on the back, except once when I had to, luckily in my garage. 

I had a 5.5 mile run, or "a leisurely stroll" according to my dog, this morning and 1700 yards in the pool this evening.

Great run Ken.

Vivian that is a nice bike.  If your clips are too tight, they can be adjusted.  Ask at the bike shop.

I was reading Vivian’s post about un-clipping her shoes on her new bike and I thought I’d pass on a little tip that I practice every bike ride.

I’m not the fastest tri-athlete but I do usually nail my transitions. Now that it’s a little warmer out and if the driveway is dry I practice my transitions on to and off of the bike every ride.

In transition I leave my bike shoes clipped on my bike. This works really well for sprints where time is so critical. In T1 I take my wetsuit off as quickly as possibly grab my bike and run to the mount line. I then ride for a ¼ mile w/ my feet on top of the shoes. I then reach down and insert my feet into the shoe and close the Velcro strap. I use shimano tri shoes they have one big velcro strap and it works really well for this technique. To keep the pedals from flopping around I secure them with rubber bands, the band just breaks free on my first downward peddle stroke.

Coming off the bike I do it in reverse. I take my feet out of the shoe and ride on top of the shoe for the last 1/8^th of a mile. It’s much easier for me to run barefoot then to run with my bike shoes on during transition. It’s really not that hard and can save a lot of time.

Ordered tri cycling shoes.  Will practice this.  Thanks.