Tonight was my first official time on the road bike for an extended ride (about 21.65 miles). My computer was a bit glitchy (getting used to the new bike? or needing a new battery?). I was a bit hesitant to leave from home and had thought seriously about taking the bike to a trail head. Ultimately, though, I left from home to get to the greenway and then back. It did take some getting used to the shifting and the posture, and my back, shoulders, and hands are feeling it. I tried to move my hands around, but my being thrown from my bike way back when has taught me to be cautious and get used to my center of balance, which means I'm barely moving my hands; I mostly keep them on the hoods. I did get them moved a couple times to the top of the bar, but it felt like my hands were too close together. It really took quite a bit of the ride before I didn't have my hands hovering over the brakes....
Even with the headwind I faced (gusting at about 10 miles and hour) I found I was going faster with less work than on the Nashiki. However, I realize now that when I first started cycling, I was woefully out of shape, so my distance didn't much outpace my skill. This time, though, I had greater skill and endurance for the cycling itself, but I'm not sure my body was quite there with the bike...I guess I'll know in the morning!
Interestingly, either people were friendlier than usual or it made a difference about the bike because I got more nods and greetings than usual. Was it the bike? I don't know. For my part, I did the best when I relaxed and forgot I was on the "new" bike but simply biked. Hopefully, I can get my hands used to the new positions...from the hybrid, I'm used to having my hands hovering over the brakes, but that's simply not an option with a road bike for several of the hand positions (going onto the drops is not going to happen for a long time, though).
Anyway, I'll be heading out again tomorrow if I'm not too sore...
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