New bike

It took some time, but I am finally the proud owner of a new triathlon bike – a Trek Equinox 9. I received it last week – right in the middle of an unseasonably cold spell. So after the long wait, I had to spend my first few rides on my new bike downstairs on the trainer. There were no advantages training inside on my new bike. I found that the only difference was that the new seat on my new bike made my seat hurt like it hadn't since I first started training.

I was able to finally go out for a ride on Sunday. I shouldn't have because it was only 40 degrees and the wind was really strong. But I couldn't stand another 2 hours riding inside and stationary – especially since I had the brand new bike.

So I bundled up – put tights over my biking shorts, wore some gloves, put my running vest on over a shirt and headed out the door. I can say unequivocally it was a miserable experience.

The cold and wind were bad enough (I felt like I was going to be blown over as I went past open fields), they made it difficult to stay balanced and I spent most of my ride tightly gripping the handles so it wouldn't veer off into a field.

But I had the most problems with the bars. Because it is a true triathlon bike, the gears are on the bars and the brakes are on the side (or hood as it is called). With the wind whipping my bike around and me not being used to my new ride, it was a bit scary to come off the hood and switch the gears. Thus, climbing hills (which there were plenty on my route) became difficult and I ended up struggling up many of them. I probably spent more energy being nervous than I did peddling.

I fell once due to not being able to unclip fast enough. This is like falling forward with your hands in your pockets. It's a helpless feeling as you fall slowly to the ground. You also feel really stupid. I'm looking forward to the day I master this seemingly simple act.

I managed to complete the workout, but it came with the realization that I have much to learn about the discipline of cycling.