Yesterday Bo and I took our new bikes out for their first ride. After sleeping until our bodies woke up naturally, I had a huge smile on my face when I saw the blue sky and sunshine streaming through our window. As soon as I stepped out of bed my quads and calves let me know just how they felt about the idea after Saturday’s hilly trail run. I couldn’t let Bo head out with me and instead requested that we do a flat, scenic ride instead of hills.
Even though we took longer than normal to get our act together by 1pm we were on our bikes ready to go. We had oatmeal and coffee as our pre-ride fuel and each carried a water bottle and some fuel. I grabbed Clif Margarita Shot Blocks along with a small bag of pistachios and dried apricots.
Before pulling out of our driveway I asked Bo what our plan was for the ride and he said he’d mapped a great 20 mile route that looked like it would be scenic and take us through the French countryside. I told him that I’d assess how I was feeling and may turn back early but I secretly figured the flat ride would help flush out my legs’ soreness.
I didn’t have many goals for the day other than enjoying the scenery and getting comfortable on my bike. I immediately felt a difference riding this bike, which was fitted to my shape and size on Friday night, versus the rental bike. Everything felt so much more comfortable and I felt like I was able to get more power out of every rotation, thanks to proper adjustment. During our first few miles, while we were in a calm flat area, I practiced clipping and unclipping each foot as we were riding. I’ve read on multiple sites that it’s better to practice doing this when you don’t have to so it becomes second nature when you have to quickly unclip.
At around the 5 mile point we approached the Saleve, which I’ve run a few times but never sumited via the roads. Bo took a moment at a stoplight to study the map and realized that the path he mapped evidently included the Saleve. In that moment I remembered the stories of co-workers who summit it via bike after work and decided that this was as good as any to give it a try. I told him to turn his phone on ring in case I needed to stop and turn around due to tired legs.
From this point we started a 1,000 foot climb including a few hair-pin curves and a few breathtaking view points.
I think Bo heard my choice words coming out of my mouth before he actually saw me come around the corner. At 11 miles and 1,100 feet of elevation climb my body was done. I felt defeated, annoyed and frustrated. He’d tempted me with this awesome adventure and bike path but my body wasn’t ready for it yesterday. He gave me a huge sweaty hug and reminded me of two things – today was my 3rd bike ride and he’s been spending a lot of time in the spin bike saddle over the past few months since his IT band injury.
Before turning around to head down the mountain we took the pictures in this post, including the gorgeous vistas and took in some fuel and water. I’m not very comfortable on the bike yet so drinking water while riding doesn’t come naturally.
As we came to the bottom we decided to start along another path, which we thought would lead us back towards Geneva. We also both thought this would be a flat path. That seemed to be the trend yesterday because just like the previous one, this had plenty of incline as we rode through La Muraz, Annemasse, Thonex, Carouge and finally back into Eaux Vives. Two 300 feet climbs and 17 miles later we found our way back to our flat in Geneva. I was covered in salt, there were tears of exhaustion in my eyes and we both vowed to study maps and trails better before our next long ride. While riding, this ride felt like the ride from hell. But now reflecting on it a day later I’m thankful for the experience.
His MapMyRide app captured the entire ride save for the last 3 miles pretty accurately, within 3 tenths of a mile of my Garmin.
Lessons learned yesterday:
1. Always carry more fuel and water than you think you need.
2. Double check your routes using the elevation button on MapMyRide before starting the ride.
3. Wear and bring extra sunscreen with you because it will need to be applied.
If you’re an avid cyclist, what apps do you love?
You will learn to love biking and the challenge! I spent a ton of time on mine training for my HIM and it quickly became my favorite sport to train for.
It looks like you both need to trim your helmet straps so they aren’t flapping all over. Cut them and singe with a flame so they won’t fray.
I use my Garmin 405 when biking to track everything. I don’t really use apps on my phone but Road ID has a cool free app that will send “breadcrumbs” on a map to a person of your choosing that will let them know where you are and that you are OK without you having to do anything other than start the app. It will also send an alert to your person if you’ve been stopped for more than 5 minutes-alerting them that something most likely happened.
I tell my husband how long I plan to be gone and we arrange a time about halfway in where I call him to let him know I’m ok and what time I should be home.
You might want to invest in cycling gloves to save your hands-they make your wrists/hands much more comfortable!
And one sunscreen tip: apply sunblock on your back where the top of your shorts. When leaning forward your jersey will often ride up and you’ll get a weird burn/tan line there. I know from experience 🙂
I started cycling last summer but had cages on my pedals not the clips. Hubby bought clips for Christmas and put them on so I could practice on the trainer. I am terrified of taking the bike off the trainer now. So kuddos to you for do that ride clipped in to boot. I am not very good at hills yet. I haven’t gotten the shifting down pat so I really hate hilly routes. A few hills are one thing but hubby took me on a hilly route once and I wanted to cry I was so frustrated. Hopefully the next ride will be smoother 😉
You can do it Heather!! I don’t have a trainer but that’s a great idea and way to practice. Shifting is an art and I definitely haven’t mastered it but am learning. 🙂
Beautiful scenery! I’m sure it will just get better and better as you go. We keep talking about buying new bikes but never have. Maybe one of these days. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Angie! The scenery definitely motivates me!
I love the Road ID app. It allows you to enter up to 5 peoples numbers in the app. When you leave on your ride or run it sends a text to those people on your list to let them know you’re leaving & it maps your route so those people will know where you’re at. If you don’t move for 5 mins. it sends a text letting people know there hasn’t been any activity. It’s a free app too!
That sounds awesome Traci! I’m downloading it right now!
I use my Garmin Forerunner too! It’s the best for biking!
Katie, I use mine just as if I was running. Is there a different mode I should use? I need to do some research!
Oh, I am so jealous! I just started cycling last year, so I know how you feel — and I still can drink and ride — but those views are so rewarding!
The views are indeed awesome Coco! I can’t imagine if my ride was a flat trail with no views. 🙂 Great job cycling and here’s to figuring out how to drink!
Ouch, that ride sounds painful!
I have recently downloaded SwitzerlandMobility app, which is supposed to have all Swiss hiking trails and bike routes. I don’t have much feedback about it yet… I’m trying to use today to plan my run. They also have an online tool SwitzerlandMobility Plus to plan/draw your route, but they charge 35 CHF for that.
Thanks for the info Aleks!
I’ve been riding for a few years now, and can clip in/clip out no problem, but I am still embarrassingly bad at drinking while riding. If you haven’t already, I would suggest making sure your pedals are on the loosest setting. Makes clipping in and out much easier. Then you can tighten them as you get more comfortable to get more efficient pedal strokes.
I would highly recommend the Strava app, which lets you “compete” with yourself and others for PRs and Queen of the Mountain on routes that are pre-programmed into the app. I only have the free version, but there are even more cool features on the subscription version.