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Yesterday while I was unexpectedly at the bike shop getting my flat tire fixed, I decided to purchase a few things that I had been thinking about getting. I’ve been wanting to have the flexibility to be able to carry things with me without needing my back pack. For example, one weekend I was out riding and came along a great farmer’s market, but with no way to carry my purchases I passed it by. I also would love a place to store extra water, food, a book etc – depending on the mood!

I purchased (and had them install) a rack that goes over my rear tire. I also got a double pannier that hangs down on either side of each tire. It’s wonderful and does hold quite a bit. I can really do some good grocery runs with my bike now. I feel like I have pretty much everything I need. Most importantly, the extra tube for the tire in case of another flat and all the gear to fix it. 😉

WooHoo! I’m excited about my new gear!

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This morning I set out for what I thought would be another nice 32 mile ride to/around Wrightsville Beach. I made it all the way to the one end and then thump, thump, thump….or something like that.

I knew right away that I had my first flat tire! Bummer! Of course, I had nothing with me to fix it (nor would I have known how to fix it) so I began walking back towards town thinking I could make it to a gas station. Along the way, someone told me about a bike rental shop nearby, so I headed there. Now mind you, I go out pretty early in the morning (best time to ride as it’s been getting very hot here lately) so I would have had to wait for a bit for the shop to open. Looking through the window, I didn’t really think that they would have what I needed.

Luckily I had gotten into the habit of always bringing my cell phone with me, so next I called J. Yes! AJ’s dad was visiting with his van and they all decided to come pick me up and then we all went out for breakfast. Perfect! AND lesson learned for me. I had them drop me at the bike shop (where I purchased the bike) so that I could get it fixed, hopefully learn a thing or 2, and pick up some emergency equipment to have with me in case this ever happened again.

I really like this bike shop – very friendly and helpful. The guy fixing my tire took time to show me how to do it and help me to pick out what I needed to keep with me. I got a little kit that fits under my seat – including an extra tire tube and everything you need to fix a flat. I felt much better knowing that I had this with me from now on. It was bound to happen and I was really glad that it wasn’t while I was on River Road which would have been a bit trickier. (although there are quite a few bikers on this road) I also decided that from now on I would carry cell phone, some cash and a debit card with my while on the bike.

So, lesson learned, all is good, AND I did manage to get in a good 20 mile ride today before the flat! 😉

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Can you believe it?! A new record for me!  WooHoo! I am a bicycling fool!

I’ve been riding so much these past few weeks. Typically I like to go 15-20 miles at a time and I’m trying to plan for a bigger ride on Saturdays. So this week I accomplished my goal of riding to Carolina Beach – and beyond! Funny thing, but when I’m looking at the map, I suddenly become determined to reach a certain point and in this case, the road literally ends. You can catch a ferry here and of course I had to see what this was all about it. So, I just kept going. I felt a bit like Forrest Gump and the endless running. hehe 😉

I was VERY tired when I got home, but definitely a good tired. There is a much bigger bridge going to Carolina Beach than Wrightsville Beach and it’s a bit steep so I managed quite the workout there. Not sure when/if I will try to beat this 45 mile goal. Perhaps I should continue to do more medium size rides. (I guess this is now getting to be around 20 miles or so) I certainly don’t want to burn myself out although I can’t imagine that happening as I am enjoying riding so much.

I’m really noticing the difference in my hips/booty as well. Now THIS is good progress!

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I did it!

Today I rode my bike all the way to Wrightsville Beach! It was wonderful!

I crossed the bridge that had earlier caused me to think I would not be able to make this ride and then rode to one end of the beach, back to the other end, and to the center again to cross the bridge coming back.  I’ve changed my previous attitude of thinking that there are NOT good roads around here to ride on, to realizing that I can bike absolutely anywhere.

I will definitely go to the beach again as it’s so beautiful and the whole ride there is really nice as well.

In total it was 32.3 miles (Wow! I can’t believe I did that – who knew?!) and it took me 2 hours and 53 minutes. Not a bad workout, eh? Next on my destination list is to go the other direction from my place, hitting Carolina Beach. I believe that ride is supposed to be about 30 miles, so now I know that I can do it.

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Starting this month I am logging my cycling adventures around town. I have one of those cyclometers on my bike (handlebar) that tracks distance and speed. (it also has a clock)  I’m going to record where I’m riding, the distance cycled and the time it takes me. I plan to go for miles to begin with and will also be working to get some bench marks for myself as far as speed goes.

In general, I am roughly riding about 12 mph which I’m feeling pretty darn good about! 😉

Last week I rode a total of 84 miles so I am definitely going to start pushing myself on the bike. My record ride to date is 26 miles and I would love to make that 30 or so before the end of the month.

I’m going to attempt to ride to both major beaches (opposite ends of town) before too long and I’ve really been studying a map to see where else I might like to ride to.

This is fun stuff!