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Bike-a-holic

In the continuing saga that is my bike, I have taken to riding it again.  But this time, I don't foresee any more spills coming my way (say Hallelujah!).  You see, several months ago I purchased an indoor bike trainer, and have been able to ride my bike inside.  It's perfect for those snowy and icy winter days when you want to ride but don't want to be in the weather.  Or so I thought.  Because, sad to say, I still didn't ride it much.  Fact is, the seat was still a bit of a bum killer, and (I now know) was set way too high for me.  After complaining vocally about it, one of my co-workers came by and helped me lower it to the appropriate height for my short frame.  Let me just say that riding became a much more pleasant experience after that.  

I try to ride faithfully most every day now, and I quite enjoy it.  In fact, my bike is now a pretty much permanent fixture in my front room.  However - my tush still isn't real thrilled with me.  See - the seat it came with is just not cushy enough for the female frame.  So - I purchased a comfort seat, and said co-worker came back over and helped me replace the seat from h-e-double with the new comfortable one.  And I have to say, there has been some improvement.  But knowing there's always room for more, I went off to REI yesterday to spend my 20% off coupon.  I came home with a pair of crop pants made specifically for cyclists - meaning that there's padding inside to protect those "tender" areas.  How cool is that!  I can't wait to try them out.

I'm also learning more how to care for my bike - like how to pump up the tires.  I bought two different pumps before I figured out I was trying to put it on backwards.  Who knew?  In my defense, I have to say the correct way is not necessarily the most logical.  But whatever.  The point is I finally figured it out, the tires are re-inflated, and I am pretty proud of myself.  

I still have one more trick to go, and then I think my indoor biking experience will be complete - and that is the purchase of a tire block - that will go under the front tire.  You see, with the back wheel attached to the trainer, it makes it off the ground a bit.  So the block under the front one will even it out, and I will no longer be riding pointed downhill.  Imagine that!

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