I went on my first extended bike ride today with my sister-in-law and her husband. Only my second time on the bike I bought in mid-August. I don’t think I’ve ever rode more that a mile on a bike… ever. Not even as a kid. Today we did 4.9 miles. So this is my first real bike riding adventure (not around the neighborhood block). I mounted my GoPro on my bike and recorded the ride. The sound was not the best for some unknown reason, there is a static sound, but it captured about 39 minutes of the 45 minute ride before the battery died. I hope to post some of this video on YouTube soon.
I used Runkeeper to track our progress. I’ve been using the app for years to capture my walking and running so this was first time to use with a bike. It worked very well. Unfortunately we were already .4 miles into the ride when I remembered to turn it on, but from the picture you can see I captured 4.5 miles plus the .4 not captured equals 4.9 miles.
This riding spot is in Garland TX. The start is by the Garland Gun Range so if you live in the area, you’ll know where that is or can find it. It’s off of Pleasant Valley Road. It’s completely paved and great for beginners. There is a lots of long straight aways and only one small hill climb on the way back to the start. Not the most scenic ride though.
I was able to complete the almost 5 miles with only some minor soreness. Even now nine hours later I still feel ok. This is comforting to know because I have a bad right hip with severe arthritis and its not hurting.
I enjoyed the ride enough to go onto Amazon tonight and purchase a few things to improve my riding comfort for the next time. I purchased
- Platt Bike Fork Stem Extender Aluminum Alloy MTB Bicycle Stem Raiser Handlebar Riser to raise my handlebars up so I’m not slouched over riding
- BALEAF Men’s Bike Cycling Underwear Shorts 3D Padded Bicycle MTB Liner Shorts. Cause even though I upgraded my seat to a very plush seat, these shorts should make the 5 miles feel better on the bum
- MOREOK Mens Cycling Gloves,Half Finger Biking Glove MTB DH Road Bicycle Gloves Gel Pad Shock-Absorbing Anti-Slip Breathable Motorcycle Mountain Bike Glove. Cause the gloves I used today stained my hands black and weren’t really biking gloves.
- Hooshion Helmet Strap Mount with Quick Release Mount Adapter for Gopro Hero/Osmo Action Camera for Ventilated Helmet. Cause mounting the GoPro to the handlebar worked but I think on my helmet would be much better.
So there you go. My stuff arrives this Thursday and perhaps we will plan another bike outing to a different area. I want to take my Grandson out to a local park and get him off his training wheels. Perhaps this weekend.
Ozone Ferd 