Monday, March 10, 2014

Swan River Foreshore

Well I thought I would be back last May, however with a large number of health, work and family issues taking a large chunk of my time, it is only this weekend that I have started riding.

I thoroughly enjoyed a cool morning ride around the Swan River Foreshore. I joined thousands of other bike riders to the same. The big difference I noticed was the  very large increase in bicycle traffic. From families to 'lycra clads' and elderly commuters.

When I first slid into the seat it was almost euphoric that I was back on the Optima Baron. Swinging the legs and clipping into the pedals was like second nature. Very confidence inspiring and it felt as if I had not stopped riding for three years. The Baron is very stable and at the same time allowing to quickly change line and speed through a corner without any issues.

10km doesn't sound like much when I used to easily do 100km on a Saturday morning, however it is a good starting point. I want to enjoy a quiet ride, spin the pedals over easily and work towards building aerobic capacity etc. I am okay with this and if feels right especially when the on ramps to the Narrows Bridge are a bit of a struggle. I came back thinking I could have done more and for me that is a good feeling. It means I have not overdone it. I am aiming for zero injuries as I get back up to speed.
I will aim for two to four 10km rides a week, time permitting and build from there.

All I have done to the bike is wipe some of the dust off the frame, oil the chain and pump up the tyres. Brakes and gears etc were all working fine.