Captain's Log # 60 - The trip to Monterey & The new bike - Rides 1-3

Post 1

I'm taking my son to Monterey for a couple of days, June 1-4, with plans for the Aquarium, kayaking on the bay and two history walking tours: Cannery Row and Historic Monterey. I've exhaustively researched bicycle rental options and the best deal is to rent one from the hotel, 12-hours, $40. That's the cheapest and easiest option.

I went to a local bike shop that sells used bikes to inquire about purchasing one and got to test ride three. I haven't been on a bike in 28 years! It would have been laughable if it wasn't so dangerous. The phrase, something like, 'you'll always remember how to ride a bicycle,' came to mind. I ORDERED myself "you know how to do this, so do it!" and forged ahead, wobbling down the sidewalk. Getting on and off was quite a chore, what with the arthritis in the toes of my right foot that won't let me use them, and struggling to lift my leg over the bar. I'll need a 'step-through', formally called a 'girls frame.' I really liked the ones with the smooth tires! Oh! like gliding on a cloud! The knobby tire ones were like slogging through oatmeal. Ugh! The prices were great, $125 for a used 10-speed with upright bars. Of course there were very nice ones that probably originally cost in the thousands, that were only a couple of hundred, a screamin' deal. But then, I'd have to get a rack to carry it, $95 (I got one for $40), and I'd have to store it and possibly actually USE it. I just don't think bike riding in Sonoma Valley is in my future, too many wine-tasters, and narrow roads. I might if I lived in town... I'm hoping the riding will get easier - and safer - with practice. "It's like riding a bike!" Yeah, right.

In my mind the trip is wonderful, we'll see what the reality is when the time comes.

Post 2

This bicycle decision has been (obviously) driving me nuts, and being the control freak that I am, I purchased a drop bar, 10-speed yesterday from Operation Bicycle.

I went there on Sunday to ask about the cost of an overhaul (for my X's bike) and they had some that would have cost about the same, so I tried them out and was - rudely - reminded that I haven't been on a bike for 28 years ---> I couldn't lift my leg over the bar! So I tried a girl's frame, called a "step through" and that seemed so much more sensible, and safe. I went back yesterday to buy one but they just weren't comfortable, or safe for me - I fell twice! I picked one out and asked how much would it cost to put drop handlebars on. Alot, so I finally tried a drop-bar/old-style 10-speed frame in my size, at three-times what I wanted to spend, and it was heaven! It has the same feel as my old bike! That's what my body wanted: low center of gravity and stretched out torso. Oh là là!  It felt so good! (I spent 20 years on that bike.) And, like they say, "hung for a sheep as a lamb" I sprung for a car rack, an indoor bike trainer stand, an orange windbreaker, flashing red rear lights and an odometer. This was my thank you to Pres. Biden and his stimulus payments, I was spreading the Fairy Du$t around.

(This is turning into a blog.)

Post 3 - the first ride

While I now have an absolutely beautiful vintage Peugeot bike to ride, I will have to master getting on and off, not to mention just basic control. I brought it home yesterday and tried it out on my street. Neighbors have complained that our streets are from a third world country and I agree. It is unsafe to walk on them without watching carefully where you put your feet - I mean, watching carefully. We have complained vehemently to our county supervisor, she says we're 'on the list' for repair. I felt like I risked a broken hip trying to navigate the broken pavement on my new bike - whose tire pressure made them feel like wood: every tiny, squirrely piece of gravel was heart-stopping. When I got home I let some of the air out, and will try riding again after today's optometrist exam. Honestly, I have to re-learn riding a bike, it's like I'm 7-years old all over again. While I don't remember that as a terribly enjoyable experience, I do appreciate that the older boy who pushed me from behind, had me learn (on my vastly too large bike, you know, "she'll grow into it") in the sandy, dirt back-alley where the crash landings were soft. You're built closer to the ground at 7 and don't have that far to fall. It's WAY different at almost 68. I'm hoping I can figure this out - soon.

Post 4 - the second ride

I took it out for a second, little longer ride in my neighborhood. Crossed Madrone into a dead-end street with much better pavement. Not far into it a 250 pound Rottweiler came charging at me barking and slobbering, dust kicking up. There must have been some electronic fence because he stopped at the edge of the sidewalk. Thank god! "You've got to be kidding!" I made it to the end of the cul de sac, stopped and pulled out my short, plastic pump, ineffectual as a weapon but a quick snap across the snout might discourage him while I scream "LAW SUIT!"

Post 5  - the third ride

Yesterday's ride was 35 minutes long, what with a headwind and a gentle slope I was pooped. "Can I go home and get some dinner now?" After the dog it was uneventful. I biked at the closed developmental center nearby and diddled around getting used to the steering, the breaks and getting on and off. Since I struggle to lift my leg over the seat (which is the same height as the handle bars) I figured a work-around: with the bike in the gutter and me on the sidewalk I can easily mount and dismount. Et voilà!

I had thought of going out twice as long as the previous day to build up stamina and had devised a short loop through the developmental center. Since some of the roads are blocked off I have to detour onto a sidewalk (at a handicap access curb) and get off of the curb on the other side. Not a problem if you're careful. It would have been nothing when I was 40 but at 67 (and no exercise for 28 years) it's tricky. I succeeded a couple of times but the last time I got onto the sidewalk just fine. I chose to stop and, standing on my left foot, turned to my left, lost my balance, the bike fell on me and I fell backwards, fortunately rolling off my rear end, along my back until my ridged, 40-year old, white Bell helmet hit the sidewalk with a loud CRACK! My head bounced. Was I glad to be wearing a helmet? I'd be there still, and still, not moving. The property is empty, not a soul in sight, or likely to drive by. I had my phone but without a helmet it wouldn't have done me much good. Discretion being the better part of valor I called it a day and rode home, 40 minutes.

It's the most dangerous when I am standing and the bike is near me. (That's a scary thought.) I'm ok when we're moving, the gyroscopic effect, thankfully. Today I expect the arrival of an indoor bike trainer stand. How dangerous can that be? I'll be careful. I'll wear a helmet.