“It’s as easy as riding a bike” … I call BS

I was all jazzed up yesterday.

I finally articulated my plan to train for Pelotonia and wrote a short, but kind of emotional account of my intentions behind doing such. I was ready to get the training party started, but in an effort to preserve my one-piece, well-shaped collarbone, those plans are on a slight delay.
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Since my junior year of college, I have chugged away on my pseudo-mountain bike that my dad so eloquently dubbed “Godzilla” not too long ago (given name: Roxie). A Fuji Odessa, it dutifully got me to class and to everywhere else when my car was stolen while living in College Park. Post-best times of my pre-adult life, Roxie was perfect for the rail trails of North Carolina and Connecticut, as well as the occasional beer bike ride.

We’ve had some good times.

But when it comes to riding 100 miles, Roxie, aka Godzilla, was not the most practical option. So after weeks of research and shopping around, I decided on the Fuji Finest 1.0 (I like to keep it in the family) and purchased it Monday evening.

(The name is still to be determined.)

After a very brief encounter with the new wheels last night, I will never again refer to anything as being as easy as riding a bike in reference its simplicity or uncomplicated nature. Because I have now realized that riding a road bike is inherently complicated. And scary.

In short, strapped pedals are not my friend.*
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A few wobbly minutes and one near disaster for the aforementioned collarbone, I decided to lay it to rest for the night. Totally deflated, mildly embarrassed and completely worried that I made a promise that I wouldn’t be able to keep.

After a few pep talks from my friends and an encouraging email from my dad though, I’m ready to ride again … in a couple days, with proper shoes and realistic expectations.

In the meantime ... in my mind, Pelotonia spells HOPE.


* It should be noted: I was attempting the strapped pedals with knobby running shoes while my cycling shoes are in transit from Bike Nashbar.