Its done

So, Sunday was an awful day. I'm glad its over.
After causing some problems for myself, I ended up with some horrific stomach thing last night. I have no idea what was up. I didn't sleep any, so I stayed home until lunch and went to work. The aftermath lingers, but thankfully it seems to be over.

This afternoon I went down to Carytown Bicycles for my fitting. I sure wish I could live down there. Ok, I realize I could, but I don't see it happening for various reasons. I just like it down there.

The guy was nice enough.
The questions started
So, why are you here? Uh, cause I think my fit could be improved.
Any complaints then? Uh, no. Toes numb, fingers numb, but no real pain.
How much do you ride? Couple hours a week.

It was at this point I realized I was out of my element.

After I complained about toes, he took a look at my shoes. Said my cleats were too far forward, and I went through the story of how I could never clip in. He ended up telling me he loved these pedals, but agreed they took awhile to get use to clipping in.

On to the bike I went. First thing he did was raise the seat. Once I was on the bike and could see the mirror, I thought I was too low. He used a protractor to get my height right.

Then he pulled out the plumb bob to set my seat fore/aft. While all this was good, I can't say I noticed a ton of difference. May notice less fatigue on a ride tho.

Next we moved to the riding position, based on the handlebars. We got into the discussion of front end geometry. He explained I was really leaning too far forward and my arms were stiff. This would also account some for my hand getting numb as I couldn't hold my body in that position without my arms. And while the drops were usable, it was a real stretch.

So, while we can't change the head tube angle, you get to the stem. Problem is, my stem was as short as he likes to use, anything shorter makes the bike darty. So, out came compact handlebars. I can't quite explain the difference, but its quite dramatic. I guess the drop doesn't go as far forward before it comes down. Let me tell you, this made a huge difference. It was so much more comfortable. He also changed the angle on my stem.

So yeah, I bought the bars, but they weren't bad.

It only took about 30 minutes, which wasn't bad at all. They'll be installing the bars and doing a tune up on the bike. I think think the drive train is fine, it just needs adjusting.

I have no idea how much I'm in for, aside from the bars. But, I use my bike a fair amount so its worth it. Besides, I need to keep up with TG40.

They are very nice at the shop. They have a good manner and customer service. I didn't feel like an idiot. They don't have a ton of accessories, but it is probably a good move since you can order that stuff so cheap on the web.

Can't really make the call until a ride, but I think this is worthwhile. If you bought your bike from a shop with not so much service, this is worth considering.

There Will Need to be Some Changes

So, finally got back out on the bike. It was the usual suspects; Ironwoman Extraordinaire TG40, Zumbalete Magnifique TGTD, and Universal Biking Harasser/Overall Great Guy, REB60.

Yet again REB had led me to believe that it was going to be 50, or some such garbage. Infact it was 38ish, maybe 18 I can't remember. And, throw in some rain/snow for good measure. At least I dressed appropriately.

We take off. I do think I got some draft action for awhile. Not from Reb, tho, he was feeling kinda rough and really not with it. While I missed drafting off of him, I can't fault the guy for bringing up the rear, at least he was out there. Somewhere, I took over the lead and just had at it. As I've blogged, I haven't been riding. That usually means I ride sort of hard because I don't know any better.

So, we're trucking along, I'm doing ok, somewhat out of breath, but you know, I'm pushing. I hear some shifting behind me so I know folks are there. I keep at it. Yeah, then I hear giggling. And conversation. Chatting, if you will. And, yes, its raining and I'm panting. We make it up to the halfwayish point. The girls are all smiles and roses, whilst I pant and reach for the water. We make it down to the next back road and TG40 pulls out in front.

Whew, I think to myself, I could go for some drafting. She starts going a little faster. And faster....faster. It getting a little tough to keep up, I've long lost any draft. I start to think I should back off as we still have a ways to go. I glanced down at the speedo....19mph??????? WTF????? UP the HILL????!?!!!!!??? I back off.

Two hours later when we catch up (ok, maybe it wasn't that long), she says she had a burst of energy.

A burst of energy.

Yeah, or something like that. So, our world class Ironman, who hung on my wheel the whole way decides to ride at a race pace.

Did I mention she's younger than me? (hold on, I'm looking for some more excuses). This trigirl training thing is going to KILL me. I came home with the usual sore thighs but also sore shoulders and some other things I've forgotten.

Reb, should you decide to, you can hang on my wheel whenever, TG40, I shall be on your wheel. You've shown your cards, the jig is up, and don't think I didn't notice the "RACE TEAM" stickers on your bike. Oh no....I'm only fooled once.

It was a good ride. :-)