
As I have said, the bicycle leg of a triathlon is the hardest part for me. This is somewhat frustrating, because it is the longest and, therefore, most influential leg of the race. While I do take some satisfaction in passing the faster bikers during the run portion, I am just competitive enough to want to strengthen my biking skills. Having the Rolling H Cycles shop come to town has encouraged me that I might be able to do that.[hr]

I have come to the shop with all kinds of questions. I know next to nothing about bikes, except how to pedal. I am slowly learning, but it is one of those subjects where the knowledge tends to go in one ear and out the other. I don’t know why. Maybe repetition will help. My husband patiently repeats and puts me through training sessions. And the folks at Rolling H Cycles do the same without being condescending or pushy. They seem to want me to enjoy my biking and my shop time.[hr]


Even the dogs are friendly at Rolling H Cycles. (you know it’s true if I am comfortable with them!) I played ball with one of them while I was getting my new bike rack a couple of weeks ago. His name is Bandit. The shop owner/dog owner describes him as a 5 year old Aussie/Heeler mix. The other large dog periodically circled us with his rubber toy in his mouth. He is a 6 year old German Shepherd named Buddy. Maybe he’ll play with me next time.
Since I rarely have kids to drive around anymore, I thought I might have more chances to use the bike for errands. This would hopefully be a low-key way to get some bike time. I won’t be doing major grocery shopping with the bike, but with a bike rack, I could make my ice cream runs, ride to the Rec Center for a swim, or pick up a few things at Walmart.
Nick answered all my questions about bike racks. Which was easiest to get on and off? How did they attach to the bike? Which one could support the most weight? How much did the bike rack weigh? How might items be carried and supported? How did the prices compare? I chose the rack that attaches to the bike frame at the center of the back wheel and just behind the seat. It will be a little harder to take on and off, but will carry more. Nick said he could put it on my bike, which I had ridden to the shop that day. No extra charge.[hr]

That was when I played with the dogs a bit. I had brought a book with plans for sewing some bike bags, so I also studied that project. Then, I thought of a couple of triathlon questions that I wanted to ask Adam. I wanted to know his opinion on dealing with aggressive swimmers. He said claim my space. If they are climbing up onto me, kick a bit harder. He says that if I can feel them, they can feel me and know what they are doing. I’m not being impolite to kick them in the face… they will just be more inclined to go around instead of over!
Within half an hour, my new rack was in place and explained to me. Riding home, I did not notice any more weight or change in balance. I DID notice that I haven’t ridden the bike in street clothes for a while and need to wear a belt, as well as tie up my pant leg.
So, now I am equipped, but I need to work on my habits and giving myself more time to get places. I may even try riding in my Taiwanese rain poncho when it’s raining, just to live on the wild side!

