A Rendezvous with Sneakers

All set to go--her first time on a road bike, my first time clipped in.

I turned a milestone in my cycling life today by switching to proper cycling shoes. They are Mavic Galibriers. Silver. Pretty sweet. I’m pretty sure I’m more in love with my bike.

I dragged Danielle to the bike store today so I could finally get my shoes and pedals fitted properly. (In the span of a week, she’s been to three cycling shops, ” You and your bike shops!” God bless her for putting up with me.) I received some instructions on clicking in and out of the pedals at the store, made sure the angles of my knees and pedals were aligned correctly, had some tuning up of the gears, and left as giddy as a school girl.

After a tasty lunch and catch-up session with my cousin in New Paltz at The Main Street Bistro (great food if you are ever in NP and can turn any meat-eater into a vegetarian), we got home, and I was antsy to try out my improved ride. So, I invited Danielle to come.

“It will be fun!” I exclaimed.

It was her first time on a road bike, and my first time outside the store with proper cycling shoes. After a short session on changing gears, we were off. Her father would be proud.

Things were running smoothly. There were a couple near misses with me and cars–and lots of swearing like a sailor on my part–but I managed not to crash. I showed Danielle Rhinecliff and the setting sun on the Hudson.

Danielle's infamous toe shoes. They need to make these with second toe extensions.

Danielle in Rhinecliff, New York

I have large feet

Then, the inevitable happened: a flat tire.

Almost to the turn to head back, I noticed Danielle was not behind me. So I pulled over and waited along the side of the road, thinking she would come around the bend at any moment. But then more time passed. And more. And then the horrible thoughts of her lying in a ditch somewhere along River Road began to pop into my head. I panicked. Where was she? Never would Lou Gervais entrust me to take his daughter out for rides or hikes again. The adrenalin kicked in and I frantically raced to where I saw her walking along the side of the road.

“Are you okay? I thought something horrible happened!”

“I have a flat tire. A cyclist asked if I was okay and I said, ‘Yeah Molly will see I’m not behind her…I hope’ ”

And the adventures of changing a tire began.

Smile! Isn't this fun!

Thankfully, my father keeps an extra tube in his saddle pack– I stupidly forgot to put it back on my bike after my race. You never know when you will get a flat tire, and in my saddle pack, I (usually) keep a spare tire, CO2 cylinders, and some tools for if this situation ever happens.

Bike in pieces

My bike

Danielle took pictures of the bikes.

Pretty sunset

I took pictures of the sun.

Turn that frown upside down.

So sad. Yes, I'm wearing spandex

Okay. Lots of pictures.

Despite the turn in circumstances, we kept our spirits high by laughing and singing. Two cars stopped and asked if we needed help. Bless those two people.

“No, we’re fine, thanks!”

I’m pretty sure if you drove past us, you would have laughed.

She's such a good sport!

Tire is set, and grease monkeys are off

I am afraid the “Bike Ride with Molly” might have scared her away from the sport. I guess time will tell.