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After reading an article in ST a couple of months back about first times, I had a first today. I have been a keen cyclist for a few years now but after a trip to Spain and some encouragement I did a bit of MTBing and liked it. The problem is I completely fell to pieces when facing going down anything steeper than the average curb, ummm not helpful when you want to get passionate about bikes and hilly things. With lots of encouragement (and ribbing) from friends and loved ones I pushed on.
Two nights ago we watched the latest 'collective' dvd and jokes flew about how I would be doing such things soon (I said nothing and felt a little sad that I'm such a scardy cat, aww). Well not exactly at that stage yet but today I did my first advanced loop at QE Park in the South Downs including scary bits and I didnt slam my brakes on every 5 mins and complain, I actually had a big grin on my face and loved it! Thanks to my hubby Dan for screaming 'put your weight over the back, stand up!!!' sage advice. I even did a wee jump (a first too).
When I got home to pick my 2 year old daughter up and told my Mum of my adventures she looked horrified, I made her a cuppa and she calmed down. Just amazed that a 26year old Mum of 2 is starting to do things that in her own words she says is for 'young men who should know better'. Those young men that should know better were out today too and were very encouraging, thanks guys!
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Me after big downhill and wee jump.
Do you remeber any firsts? Or any recent ones?
Welcome top the fold. Its addictive....I warn you, very addictive...
Woo and indeed yay! QE is a fun place to start to learn, good for you!
(Lose the reflectors, though...!)
yay!! go u! onwards and upwards now
Mr Flashheart, my husband put the reflector on my bike, it was a freebie from my work (cycle guide for city council) says 'bike week 09', supposed to promote stuff, I hid it away in shame. Dan found it and in his eternal love for me put it on my front wheel. Im just bidding my time till I find something equally sad to put on his bike, any suggestions?
Also if anyone wants any naff bike **** to stitch up I mean decorate friends bikes with I have access to tons of it at work!
'Bikes are cool' bum bag?
Less of the "Mr", you....! 😈
Great to see someone else getting hooked, though, good for you!
Still coming to the IOW in sept Loula?
well done 😀
Yes IOW for sure, I need all the help/practice/encouragement I can get. I love my job but spend most of my time on concrete, flat concrete. Im just totally hooked now have found a sport/past time/obsession that advocates eating cake!
As far as IOW goes be patient with me, im always worried about being a bit of a novice, I just cant wait to keep on improving and making my Mum cringe is ace!
Oh and sorry 'Captain!' (salutes and winks)
Q E Park is so lovely too, must hire one of those BBQ's some time mmmmm.
QE park is lots of fun. Trying riding the rooty bits (up and down) to get used to technical stuff! To get an easy feel for speed go up and down buster on the other side of the A3, last time i clocked 51mph going down there!
Dont worry about the IOW it shouldnt be too taxing, still mulling over the route at the mo. See how many turn up and we'll take it from there!
Riding a Specialized? Using cycling to justify cake? Not complaining every 5 mins anymore?
If you hadn't said you were a mum I'd have mistaken you for my girlfriend...
Im now trying to convince Dan I need one of these in order to cope with the rigours of MTBing, maybe not in pink though.
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Excellent job!! My Mum still looks horrified when I tell her what I've been up to and at 51 I definitely should know better 😉 . You have plenty of years left to nail those drops . . . and try more tiny bikes 😛 - go for it!
Try wearing gloves and pair of glasses/shades (you may already but not in the photo) - they make you go faster I'm sure.......or is that all in the head!??