I’m a big kid now. My good friend Dave Harris of Mercury Bicycle Fit (plug plug plug) in addition to answering all of my inane questions set me and my bike up with clip on shoes and pedals. Unlike a clip on tie, these actually make you look cooler. Well, to the other bikers anyway. My neighbors think I’m a weirdo. For many reasons actually, but I digress.

Anywho, Dave Harris (like Mercury Bicycle Fit on Facebook!) set me up. Then we had a lesson on clipping in and out. Then I spent a few days practicing clipping in and out by balancing in my apartment while holding on to the back of the couch. I hear that’s how the pros do it? Then I decided to try it for reals. Except that I chickened out and just went around the condo parking lot a few times. It was actually good practice because I had to clip in and out a lot. At least that’s what I told myself. But today was different. I decided to actually take it on the open road. Or at least the less crowded road known as the Sugarloaf Loop. I got directions from Dave Harris (www.mercurybicyclefit.com), loaded my bike and off I went. I was very nervous to give it a try. I am crazily clumsy. Like to a ridiculous degree. Plus, it was super windy. Thank goodness for that. I was really worried that I wouldn’t have a crazy amount of wind to make it even more difficult. I climbed on the bike, and very awkwardly got moving and actually CLIPPED IN! It felt very bizarre at first. I have a bad right hip (due to a basketball injury about one hundred years ago) and I’m finding out that I favor it even when I don’t realize it. Clipping in keeps everything in proper alignment. Once again, finally doing something the proper way feels really strange. But after the first mile, it all felt right. In fact the first few miles felt great! Then I had to turn around and ride into the wind. Son of a…..

I got the first one out of the way! got over going someplace new while trying someplace new. It wasn’t pretty but it’s sure to be easier next time.