Cycling update, and getting some rest

Last weekend I mentioned how I had finally, after much frustration, figured out the correct way to put cleats onto my new cycling shoes and then clip into my pedals. It wasn't so hard once I had the cleat up the right way, but as simple as it sounds now it took all of two or three days to figure out. Anyway, I'm pleased to report that I did get out on the road in the end to test out the new shoes and the clip-in pedal system for the first time.

I started out intending on taking it easy around a 1-2 mile loop in a pretty quiet area free of much traffic, just so I could get the hang of being clipped in with out having to worry about negotiating busy intersections or traffic and stressing about whether I would be able to un-clip myself if I needed to. I also wasn't too sure how the legs would hold up being 'stuck' in one position and whether they would fatigue sooner than normal from doing extra work.

Before long however that old competitive urge took over and I scraped that plan. That competitive streak in me just said 'stuff taking it easy, lets just go hard and see what happens'. I ended up going for my longest ride, a slightly longer than 15 mile loop around the North Shore including some of the cities busiest intersections. If you're interested in a map click the Training Log link at the top of this page and go to last Sunday's ride.

Pleased to say that other than the legs feeling slightly tired for the rest of the day and into Monday, there was none of the serious muscle soreness that I was half expecting.

As you might have seen from my Training Log , I was able to fit in a short ride on Monday, but since then there's been no entries in the log this week. This was partly due to work pressures, I just wasn't able to get away on Wednesday. The other reason for no more rides this week is that last night I had a small operation, which will probably keep me off the bike for a week. I'm supposed to pretty much relax for the next few days however my the end of next week I should be alright to resume my training. I've had a good six weeks or so of training now so a weeks rest won't do me any harm to re charge.

Have a good weekend.