I went to Liberty Bicycles today and test rode two bikes. I know what size I need now, yay! (56cm). I also definately prefer the sizing (width and drop) of female specific bikes. I wanted to go look into all the stuff I would have to buy along with the actual bike…road biking is not a cheap sport to get into. Fortunately, I already have some of the gear: vented, interchangeable lens sunglasses, lots of quick dry shirts, a helmet, and a magnetic trainer (I can have my own personal spin classes in my room!). I need/want to buy: bike (obvi), chamois shorts, tire pump, gear lube, spare tubes, gloves, bike pod for my HR monitor, little bag (are they called panniers?), water bottle cages, light (required on blue ridge parkway because of tunnels), and probably as lot more. Did I leave anything out that you can think of? I am glad that I get to try out my friend’s bike for a couple months while she is in Europe, but it is over 15 years old (probably much older) so I don’t know how accurate of a feel I am going to get. It is one of Trek’s first lightweight road bikes, aluminum frame. Still, I am so grateful for the opportunity! Thanks AP!
After I left the bike store I went to Amazing Savings, it is a grocery store that carries food that is about to expire or has damaged packaging. I don’t care about things like that so I try to do as much shopping there as possible, but you never know what you are going to get. I found lots of neat goodies today, I will post about them as I use them.
Back to the eats. Before I left on my shopping excursion I made a plate of pad thai for brunch. There was no tofu and eggplant left (thanks a lot t-dog) but I cooked some noodles with the sauce and ate it on top of some spinach so it wasn’t totally devoid of veggies.
It was still yummy, but not as good as last night. It was a lot of food, but somehow I managed to eat it all.
When I got back from shopping and lusting after bikes I had 2 pieces of After Eight dark chocolate. It is 70% dark with a creamy mint filling. After eights are the only chocolate mint combo I like (not toothpastey) , but I ate it too close to working out. It gave me a little bit of a heartburn feeling.
Then to refuel post workout (Legs and Back today, one of my favs) I had a green smoothie. It contained a banana, romaine, spinach, kale, mixed fruit, and a new protein powder I picked up at Amazing Savings for more than 50% off! I am really excited about it because it contains hemp, , acai, mesquite, maca, and other superfoods!
It was just the slightest bit gritty from the powder (I only added 1/2 a serving) but all in all I was impressed. I was still hungry so I broke into more treats from the store (dangerous!). I had a peach (hip hip hooray for summer time) and some Sahale pistachio nut blend. It had dried figs, pepitas, pistachios(obvi), sesame seeds, and spices. It was really yummy and exotic but I don’t think I would ever pay full price.
Now I need to go do the dishes and get ready go head across the state line to visit the ‘rents (and do laundry for free, score!).
I just found your blog. I am looking to get into road biking too, but all I have right now is a mountain bike. I want to get a new one but of course they are SO expensive. I wish they had like- rent a bike for an entire summer programs or something haha. Good luck with getting all of the stuff you need!
Thanks! good luck to you too. I really lucked out with my friend willing to lend me her bike. Check out some stores that sell used bikes, they might let you “rent” one.