Cycling Coast to Coast

When I first got clipless pedals and started learning how to ride with them, people warned me that it took a bit getting used to, and not to be discouraged if I fell a lot at first.  It was a bit weird at first, but the only time I fell was the first time I tried them out, in the hallway outside my dorm room.  I didn’t have any trouble clipping in or out on my first few rides, so I was feeling pretty proud of myself.

Today, I went on a ride to Watertown, a nice 12.5 mile loop there and back.  On my way back home, as I was approaching an intersection, the light turned yellow so I unclipped on the right side, and came to a stop.  I’d passed the limit line by a few feet, so I started to back up…but my left foot was still clipped in, and of course, I toppled over.  I scrapped up my left knee a bit, but other than a bruised pride, I’m fine.  Needless to say, it must have been a pretty funny sight for all the motorists next to me to see a cyclist come to a full stop, and then inexplicably fall over.

It’s really nice out today; windy, but warmer than it’s been in months. So, as soon as I got out of class this afternoon, I went home to change and hopped on my bike for a ride. It’s so nice to be able to get outside. I’m hoping that this is a sign that Spring is on its way, and that the weather will continue to get warmer.