So it begins

A few years ago I went to Wheelbase Bikes downtown interested in new parts for my mtn bike. Wheelbase is a little shop on Market St, main drag, of Frederick's Historic district. I wasnt able to find the parts I wanted, but I did find a "new" bike. Classic move - dont buy what you need, get what you want. After confirming I could make the bike a "birthday present" I returned to Wheelbase chomping at the bit to ride.

After getting "white lightning" adjusted by the mechanics I was cleared for take off. The Trek 1.2 was a total steal, bought it used for almost half its retail price new. Totally love at 1st sight/ ride. For the 1st few months I was content riding laps around the Historic district. I sought out a couple nice small climbs in town and raced from home around the city and back. Then I went to Jackson Hole Wyoming. And it all changed.

While in Tetons my cousin, wife and myself rented bikes and cruised out. Half way into the ride I couldnt catch my breath. Then I could hardly press the pedals. Whew - I limped back to bike rental shop and collapsed. Of course my wife and cousin had a blast. Never understood if it was the elevation or my lack of cardiovascular health. But what a wake up call - thought I was in shape and was blasted back to reality. I left Wyoming dying to get on MY bike.

Once home I began to stretch my riding. On Frederick County map I found smaller roads winding into Catoctin Mtns west of town. Perfection. So I packed my riding shorts pockets with iphone, granola bar, and couple bucks, grabbed water bottle and busted a move. I still remember the 1st ride up the hills on Hamburg road. I never had been good at shifting gears when riding and was now wishing I knew which gear lever to shift - cuz the hills were turning into mountains. I kept head down and fought the pedals up a nice section of steepness. As I crested the peak I felt strong and accomplished then I saw the road ahead went up a LOT more. A couple deep breaths and I saw a couple riders coming up behind. I slowed and watched as they sailed effortlessly by. I never caught up to those riders, I also never shifted, but I did make it to the top of Hamburg road. The climbing was not fun but I was hooked. No idea why I was hooked on something I didnt consider fun...

I kept crushing Hamburg road every weekend. Little by little I found myself able to go up the mtn quicker. One ride I finally decided to downshift since it was supposed to make climbing easier. Of course I downshifted on a very steep section and WHAMMO - chain came off! Nothing takes mind off hurting legs and lungs like both hands totally covered in grease. Lesson learned - when shifting pay attention to the amount of force being used on pedals.

So I was now climbing and shifting and loving it. The winter climbs were hard and taught me the value of good gear. Next post will be about last July and a fall