Saddle Training - Day 1

No matter how many Meters you swim in a pool...
No matter how many Miles you run...

...there is nothing that can "Train the Saddle" except for riding!

I did my first bike ride at Cherry Creek State Park last night... beautiful weather... cool, sunny skies... no wind... air temperature 63 degrees.

My goal for this workout was to "Spin and Grin" from the West Park Entrance making "The Tower Loop".

I was hesitant to pack my cycling gear the night before. I couldn't remember where I put my helmet, gloves, cycling shoes and the like. I reluctantly attached the bike rack to the hitch on the back of my car... strapping in my bike securely.

I reluctantly inflated the tires to optimal pressure... after finishing the setup, I actually felt pleased with myself. I pulled my car in "Extra Tight" to avoid the garage door from closing on my aero bars.

I loaded up the car with my padded cycling shorts, a short sleeve CWW top and the other gear that I eventually located. It hadn't been used since last August when I did Danskin Seattle with my study partner from graduate school.

I was in much better spirits the next day... knowing that after work "I would ride!" !!! Slowly but surely it's coming back. Locating my gear was probably the greatest challenge. So, I re-installed the clipless pedals and tightened my seat and now I was ready to ride!

I wobbled out of the parking lot and headed over to the park. I "missed" the pedal several times before I was able to clip in. My cateye computer battery had died. All the things you find out on the first ride of the season. I gained momentum heading down the hill and into the park... I began to pedal as I felt the rode under the bike...

Aaah yes... a nice day at the park... round and round my legs went... I practiced being down in the aero position using the softly padded arm rests. I was unstable, but surprisingly comfortable otherwise. I rarely ride using good form, however, this is a goal for 2008.

The route seemed longer than usual. I know that park like the back of my hand... the many years I have both biked and ran this same loop. My pedaling was slow... which was ok since my goal was to just "ride". That part I had already accomplished.

I was passed by several "peloton's"... cyclists in high gear and high cadence. They passed me as if I were standing still. "I want to ride like that" I thought to myself... and maybe one day I will. For today all I had to do was "Push and Pull"... "Spin and Grin".

On the way back I noticed my "Sit bone"...

OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had on padded shorts, but it felt like I was riding on a bed of nails!! I squirmed to find an area that was "less tender"... unfortunately I wasn't successful. I rode standing up!

I know from experience that as I train...

...my "Saddle area" will be more tolerant of that "mean bicycle seat" that I sat on...

...my legs will be stronger and desire to spin faster...

For now... this is the first day of "Saddle Training"...

...and...

...it hurts!