After first 10 mile ride
I didn’t really think buying a cheap department store bike would be that big of a deal. I didn’t think it would make that much of a difference in riding.
Wow ~ was I wrong.
One of the first cool cycling FAQ sites I found the first thing he said was “you need a good bike. Not a huffy from Target, but a name brand bike”.
I pishawed that, trying to cut corners and save some money. Well it didn’t take more than a week to realize he was dead on. I started looking for a new bike and found a used Giant on Criagslist. I took it for a test drive and couldn’t believe the difference in the ride.
The day I brought it home I took it out for a quick spin ~ I was really only planning to go to the end of the road, and ended up going 5 miles.
I needed to do a couple things to the bike, including getting a taller seat post, and have the back wheel trued, so it was in the shop for a couple days. I got it back yesterday and was so excited I did.
The day was my favorite kind of days ~ 80 degrees, sunny, no humidity, slight breeze. Oh it was a perfect day for a bike ride.
I decided I was going to do my first 10 mile ride and I DID!! In fact, I ended up going 11 miles (so I could move the mile tracker on this site to 50 ~ which didn’t last very long lol)
The ride was great ~ I’m able to effectively spin in higher gears, I am going much faster on my rides, averaging around 14 to 16mph on the way out, and 11 to 12 mph on the way back. This is an amazing number considering I could barely get the other bike over 7mph!!
With the old bike I was beginning to think I would never be able to ride the 35 miles for Walnut Valley. With the new bike I know I was be able to not only do it, but do it without DYING!! 
This morning I got out early and decided instead of worrying about miles I would track time. I had an hour for my ride. I gave myself 20 minutes to ride out as far as I could. (figured it might take me longer to get back than it did to get out). I turned around (without taking a break) and came on back.
My ride ended up being 432 minutes and a total of 9.1 miles. YAY. I kind of like the time thing because I will definitely be able to see improvement the farther I can go in 20 minutes ~ which I may up to 25 minutes.
I also learned the awesome benefits of MUSIC!! I usually listen to audios for work, which are very interesting, but don’t quite motivate me to padal hard and fast ~ but I have found some of my favorite songs really DO!!
All in all in the last 2 days I’ve biked 20 miles.
Thursday:
Miles: 11
Time: ?? 90 minutes?
Wind: minimal
TOD: evening 6ish
Friday:
Miles: 9.1
Time: 43 minutes
Wind: some headwind on the way back
TOD: morning ~ 7ish
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You’re doing great! It won’t be long before you’re outriding me, and I’ve been doing this for a while longer (almost two years). The ups and downs I’ve had as a result of my health have kept me from advancing where I really want to be, which is to be able to ride the STP (Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic). Two days, 200 miles, in July. Ack. You’ll be ready by next summer if you keep this up.
I have a Diamondback Wildwood Comfort/Cruiser, and while certainly not a top-of-the-line cycle, it’s definitely respectable. Friends who try riding it tell me it has “power assist”, as if it’s running on something other than pedal power. It’s just that it’s a better bike, I think. Oh, and it’s magic, too, because it’s mine.
In your pic…what clothes are you wearing? I love the outfit, and would like to have something very similar. Not too “bikey”, but more cycle-y than just jeans or shorts and a hoodie, either, my usual attire.
Thanks for the encouragement! You wouldn’t believe it if I told you about the outfit lol
You were going to do 200 miles on a cruiser? I’m still trying to figure out what “real” bike I want lol, and I haven’t even looked at a cruiser. Thought a road bike was really the only way to go for that long of a distance.
My hubby is starting to lift weights again and he found these shirts on sale at Walmart for $5. They are made from a wicking material so the sweat is pulled away from your body. The pant, just cotton capris I found in the sporting area of Walmart as well.
The shirt is made of a very similar fabric as a real bike jersey ~ it makes a HUGE difference ~ I’m gonna do a post on that soon. I was pretty surprised ~ but yeah, 5 bucks.
It is making me want a decent jersey now though.