Quote from: Randimus Maximus on August 06, 2009, 05:41:10 AM
Nice job on the his and hers bikes!

Are you guys still riding with the toe clips, or have you switched to clipless pedals yet? 

Thanks! We were lucky for finding them when we did. We weren't looking for two at the time, only one for Maureen, but when we saw that they had similar ones for both of us we figured what the heck!

We really liked that both have carbon fiber front forks, but it's sort of hard to tell from the pic because mine blends in with the paint - it's subtle. My bike is actually a "dark" with a nice matte finish; so it matches my Monster!!! 

We're still using the cages for the time being. Buying two bikes and most of the gear that goes with them not to mention the necessities for roadside maintenance adds up $$$. So we haven't bought riding shoes yet. LOL, though I can say that I am a little afraid of looking like an idiot at a stoplight when I fall over cause I can't unclip my shoes!! LOL!!!

Quote from: somegirl on August 05, 2009, 07:57:39 PM
A lot of it is just getting your muscles used to it, but also make sure you are replenishing your electrolytes as you ride, especially if it is hot out.

We've really made it a point to be sure to keep fluids flowing and to keep electrolytes replenished. It's hard sometimes because out here with it being so dry you can get dehydrated before you know it, so by the time you're actually thirsty it's too late. The hard part is just reminding yourself to drink even when you really don't feel ready. 

....(well not that kind of drinking!!!).

Quote from: somegirl on August 04, 2009, 08:13:15 PM
Yeah, what happened to our century?

Haha, between you being on travel for the last three weeks and my latest "distractions" it's been "rough". 
Planning on a mellow ride tonight and a longer ride on saturday, I'll be ready again in no time.   

Quote from: Randimus Maximus on August 06, 2009, 05:41:10 AM


Are you guys still riding with the toe clips, or have you switched to clipless pedals yet? 

Hahaha, no.  Maybe wearing full leather I would.  I'm afraid I would flop over each and every time I try to stop.

Quote from: SheMonster on August 06, 2009, 09:17:04 AM
Hahaha, no.  Maybe wearing full leather I would.  I'm afraid I would flop over each and every time I try to stop.

Oh honey, I'm sure we'll learn and it won't be soo bad!! 

Quote from: SheMonster on August 06, 2009, 09:17:04 AM
Hahaha, no.  Maybe wearing full leather I would.  I'm afraid I would flop over each and every time I try to stop.

while they may seem a little tricky or dangerous, they actually quite easy to get used to (maybe kinda like the first trackday you did??).  Once you get used to them and the more efficient pedal stroke, you'll never want to ride without them.

Also, if they didn't do this when you bought the bikes, a proper fitting session is critical.  Not only will you be more comfortable on the bikes, your efficiency on them will increase.

and I completely understand the drain on the pocketbook.

Quote from: Randimus Maximus on August 06, 2009, 11:42:19 AM
while they may seem a little tricky or dangerous, they actually quite easy to get used to (maybe kinda like the first trackday you did??).  Once you get used to them and the more efficient pedal stroke, you'll never want to ride without them.

Also, if they didn't do this when you bought the bikes, a proper fitting session is critical.  Not only will you be more comfortable on the bikes, your efficiency on them will increase.

and I completely understand the drain on the pocketbook.

We were fitted when we were looking at bikes a month or so ago. 

I've been looking to get a road bike, just don't feel like dropping 1k on one yet. Been starting to ride my 20yo mt bike with smooth tires. Its great for a work out but not very efficient. Climbing hills i have to ride with one hand cause the gear selector doesn't want to work, so my other hand is holding the cable  I want to do more riding to break up the monotony of the gym, spin classes, and running.

We had serious sticker shock when we first went out looking at road bicycles.  I had no idea.  We quickly found out $1K still puts you in the beginners bracket, $2500 seemed about average, we saw some that were $10K+!! 
And there are more expensive mods and bling for them than for motorcycles.

To begin, we opted to get a pair of decent simple entry level bikes.  We didn't want to make a serious investment in it unless/until we decide it is something we will want to pursue at that level.  Along with all the little stuff you need to get with them we spent over $1500 for both, so not too bad.

Quote from: Monster Dave on August 05, 2009, 09:11:26 AM
We bought his and hers road bikes two weeks ago and have been really loving them! We looked all over and after we got past the sticker shock for the cost of new road bikes, we bought these:

>cough<

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=1537.0

Quote from: Monster Dave on August 05, 2009, 09:11:26 AM
......

We're training pretty hard and valuing the effect of Glutamine to help get over being sore.  Ultimately, our first goal is to take part in the annual Tour de Tucson race in November. Annually there are typically 9000 cyclists who take part in the race! Tucson is a really popular destination for serious cyclists to train.

Since we've been doing so much exercise over the last few months I built a database to keep track of calories burned for the various things that we do (cycling, spin classes, weights, jogging). Here's a sample of what we're using:



It's really helped a lot to keep track of my caloric burn and to actually see the pattern that I'm establishing. 

Keep up the great work everyone! 

>cough<

looks like fitness to me

The pics of the bikes. 

Quote from: kopfjager on August 06, 2009, 03:26:56 PM
The pics of the bikes. 

The pics of our road bikes was post related; it's all relevant.

I'll post them up in that thread though! Thanks for the link, I hadn't seen that one before!

My first week was a bit brutal. My chest and arms feel like pure liquid fire was poured on them. I start running today. Im going to start out slow and build up. This is too much like work so far.

Quote from: ducrider45 on August 07, 2009, 06:47:14 AM
My first week was a bit brutal. My chest and arms feel like pure liquid fire was poured on them. I start running today. Im going to start out slow and build up. This is too much like work so far.

Keep up the good work.   

The benefits far out weigh the temporary soreness.

Start slow running...I would recommend a run/walk interval to start and work up to running all the time.  Your body will thank you.  Also, get fitted for proper running shoes,  they can make or break your running experience. 

[shameless plug]
Try to see if there is a Fleet Feet Sports within reasonable driving/riding distance.  The staff are all runners and are highly trained in getting people in the proper shoes. [/shameless plug]

Quote from: DesmoDiva on August 07, 2009, 07:58:10 AM
Keep up the good work.   

The benefits far out weigh the temporary soreness.

Also, get fitted for proper running shoes,  they can make or break your running experience. 

As a fitness addict and runner, I totally agree with all of the above. A good pair of running shoes can take the painful impact out of your knees. They won't completely remove it, but I always know that my shoes are worn out when my knees start hurting. Some shoe stores will put you on a treadmill and see how your foot moves when you walk/run to best fit you for a pair of shoes.

If it's too much like "work" find a way to make it less so - are you running to (new) music? New music always refreshes my routine rather than listening to the same old stuff.

I recently had my vitals taken and was shocked to see that my resting pulse had dropped from 62 to 48 thanks to all of the cardio work that I've been doing over the last 6 months. The benefits will show and you'll be proud that you reached your goals as you work up to them.

Keep it up!