Well, since I’m starting this blog a little after the start of my cycling career, I’ll give you a brief history. And when I mean brief, I mean brief.
The first time on a bike in about 8 years was around July of 2007. I hopped on my ex-roommate’s fixie (which she had left for the summer), and started my adventures around town on a bike. Needless to say, after not being on a bike for most of my life, and returning to ride on a fixie…I had a couple close calls. But, I surived (obviously).
I owe my cycling career to my boyfriend Chris Swan, who himself, is an aspiring pro-cyclist. He is well on his way to establishing a career in cycling, and I am extremely excited for him (Please see his link chrisswan.com)
Towards the end of the summer Chris gave me a heavy, steel, Univega from about 1970, which I started riding around on the bike paths and such. It was fun! I decided, hey, I like this, my legs are pretty strong, I should try riding more. Well, I thought it was fun until my sweet boyfriend took me up Dillard Loop on this bike. I had 2 gears total, tennis shoes, no toe cages, (may I remind you of the heavy steel frame), and had never ridden up a hill like that before. Needless to say, I hated him and riding by the time I got to the top. The way down was even more fun, being my first time going over 10 MPH on a bike. But, I survived!
A couple months later after just a few “longer rides” – we’re talkin’ 15-20 miles – I decided that I wanted to join the U of O cycling team. I attended the first meeting, and went on the first ride after purchasing my first pair of shoes and clipless pedals. I only ALMOST fell over a couple times, but luckily my BF was there to catch me.
In September of ‘07 I purchased my first “real bike”. THis is the bike I currently ride. It’s name is Henry and it is a Navy Blue Felt Z65. I like it and so far (except for a couple spills) it seems to like me alright also.
So, that’s that. My cycling history. I am currently racing for University of Oregon and Life Cycle Bike Shop. I have been doing well in the Women’s B category (see results), and am excited to upgrade ASAP!
Warning!!!
Clipless pedals are very dangerous.
I’ve been riding bicycles continuously since I was 5. Have even commuted to work year-round in suburb north of NYC, Had been using Shimno clipless pedals for about 10 years and had several occasions when I couldn’t release from the pedal and dumped over. The last time, at age 58, caused my right hip to fracture. I needed 2 surgeries and 6 months of rehab. After the accident I found out about two other cyclists who suffered hip fractures because they couldn’t release from their pedals.
Needless to say I took them off my Trek and will never use them again.
The Pain was not worth the gain.
Thank you for the comment. Unfortunately, I would not be able to sprint and win my races without clipless pedals, so I think I will stick with what I have. It might be a better idea to try to clip out of your pedals before the last moment possible when you need to stop. If you start to unclip before the stopping point, you will make it safely out of them and not be dumped over. I will make sure to do this from now on, as to not be “dumped over” or fracture a hip.