Days Two & Three: Learning How to Ride a Bike

As I get another year older *choke* one thing is for sure . . . you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. That same "dog" might be humbled by looking or feeling foolish, but the sense of accomplishment when success is attained is invaluable. 

Enter days two and three of Kristin's Cycling Academy

As someone who generally fears speed, riding with cars, and curbs, this three-day clinic was a God send. On day two (Saturday) we participated in a bevy of skills tests. We did everything from bunny-hopping and curb jumping to off-roading our road bikes. You really had to be there to appreciate the scene. Imagine 20+ women weaving in and out of cones, helmets perched on their heads, intention firmly pasted on their faces. Empowered. 
Cornering, shifting (a small science in itself), and braking were all practiced, too. All things you thought you knew how to do . . .

What was the difference between the 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday?

Confidence.

The ride in was totally different than the ride out; there was a definite hint of triumph & camaraderie in the air.

Day three (Sunday) was a mixture of the skills we had learned the day prior put to practical use. Riding out to a more secluded rural road, traveled most often by truck and horse trailer, we explored the meaning of cadence, ascending, descending, and bike positioning. 

When mentioning the word descending this usually causes my heart to race, my stomach to float upward, and my brow to start sweating—you know the feeling. Well, I mastered my fear of flying downhill with help from my new friends. My top speed (aka the slow lady's lightspeed) was 26 miles per hour. It rocked!

I can't say I commanded my hill climbing in the same way—I seriously was the weakest link. My legs and lungs weren't playing on the same team, or even mine, for that matter. That said, my version of failure excites me. I can only get better, faster, stronger—if I practice. And I have a lot of practice ahead of me.

At the end of the clinic we all headed back to our starting location using our echelon training. (We learned how to ride in a pack, too.) It was fun, just like riding a bike should be. I think every woman  rode away from the classes a little stronger and definitely more self-assured. Way to rock, ladies!

It looks like a second clinic may be on the horizon at some point (fingers crossed). I have to say, if you ever have an interest and have an opportunity to participate in Kristin's Cycling Academy for women, or any of them for that matter, DO IT!!! You will not regret it.

Many thanks to the K.A.C.A. Team (Kristin, Joe, Liza, Dave, Dave, Jason, Ron). You guys are the bomb-dot-com!