I want to ride my bicycle…I want to ride my bike…

July 8th, 2008 -- Posted in bicycle, exercise, training | No Comments »

And now I finally can!

I did it folks! I FINALLY PURCHASED MY BIKE. My bank account has suddenly lost a lot of “weight”…but it’s an investment well worth it. I’ve been saving up for this puppy for a few years now…weeks and months of eating Ramen, and FINALLY, the bike is mine.

I ended up getting a Specialized Sirrus. There are five grades of Sirrus bikes, mine is the “entry level” version, but it’s a sexy bitch and I LOVE IT!

I chose this bike because it seemed to fit all of my needs and major requirements. I didn’t want a road bike because riding in that hunched down position scares the crap out of me! I didn’t want a mountain bike because they are too big and cumbersome and heavy! I thought I wanted a hybrid, which is a combo of the two, heavy tread wheels, upright riding position like a mountain bike, but thinner tires and lighter frame like a road bike.

What I ended up getting is called a cross bike. It’s got much thinner wheels, similar to a road bike but slightly thicker, a more upright position but not fully cruise style, a front fork suspension good for sharp turns and inclines while still being able to take some bumps and not hurt because there is no spring suspensions on the bike.

This bike is specifically designed for those looking to use it for exercising, commuting and light racing.

That’s great, because, THAT’S ME!!! In the long run, this bike is going to save me some mullah! AND it’s going to help kick my ass into gear (and shape) for the upcoming marathons I’m crazy enough to be running!

I did it all right too, the bike that is. It’s sexy silver with sassy silver fenders and a black water bottle holder to make things POP! I got fancy schmansy anti theft devices put on my bike so no one can try to steal my precious!!! I ordered a cool skater type helmet in iridescent silver and grays and then got the safety lights and stuff that are required for use on the bike paths. I’m really in love with it.

I rode it from the bike shop, Kozy Bikes of Chicago, to beach volleyball and it was a great smooth ride. I have to fix something on the fenders because my foot was running into a part of them, and I need to take the cages off the pedals because I find those more cumbersome than helpful.

Eventually I’ll make my bike crazy and add a basket to the front and have a crate on the back, but in the meanwhile, my baby is rip roaring and ready to go!

Now…it’s time for a name. It has to be something really sexy and sassy and me. Meg suggested Thunder…I keep thinking Quick Silver which is SOOO lame, but damn catchy.

I’ll take a picture of me and the new bike this weekend so you all can see and hopefully suggest a good name for!

Oh yeah, and for the record, I ended up biking 12 miles from the bike shop to the beach and then the beach to back home. It was a good work out and my legs feel stronger already!

Cross training is soooo essential to my success this running year!