Single-leg pedaling. Getting back on. And Vanderbilt?

This weekend I was able to get out both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday I went back to Stoney Creek. It was very windy- probably a better day for flying a kite or sailing. I only rode about 15 miles, but ran another three once I got back to my apartment.

Sunday was my first ride out on real roads (i.e. outside the park with actual traffic). Let's just say it was shaky and eventful. But I survived in one piece and was even able played racquetball afterwards.

Tuesday I set up the trainer in my apartment and worked on single-leg pedaling, which is exactly what it sounds like. And it's actually a lot tougher than it sounds. It's intended to improve the rhythm of your pedal strokes, which makes your strokes more efficient so you waste less energy. Also it strengthens the muscles that pull the pedal up, so when you're actually on the bike you can rely two sets of muscles: those that push and those that pull, so in theory you don't tire as quickly.

Then today I was able to meet with Jeff, the attorney, and rode approximately the same route as Sunday. Everything went much better. Even though it was windy, I felt better and much more confidence riding in traffic. I guess it just proves that old adage that if you fall off, you just have to get back on.

For this weekend I had planned head to Grosse Pointe after work Friday and Jeff said he was going to show me some hills to ride in Bloomfield Hills on Saturday. Then Sunday I plan to ride the Metro Grand Spring Tour, which is a 45 mile ride downriver. However Vanderbilt has offered me a pretty tempting scholarship for grad school, so I may end up going to Nashville Friday and this weekend since I haven't even visited their campus yet and the deadline for response is Friday. We'll see...

First Ride, First Post

I figured that since I went for my first outdoor ride today, it would also be appropriate to (finally) post my first blog entry.

I was supposed to ride out at Kensington Metropark with Jeff, an attorney I've worked with, but he unfortunately had to cancel, so I went up to Stoney Creek Metropark. Stoney Creek has an aproximately 6.25 mile trail around the lake. I rode three laps around, which is about 19 miles total. I would have liked to ride a fourth, but was running out of daylight.

It was my first time up at Stoney Creek and it was beautiful. And there were a lot of people out there, but it was far from crowded. Only downside was that it took 45 minutes to get there. Nevertheless I'll probably go back there again tomorrow, but am going to look for a trail I can pick up closer to my apartment and ride to the park.

As for fundraising, thank you to everyone who has donated. I have been delinquent in sending my 'thank you' notes, but am nonetheless very grateful, and I promise I will get them out. My official fundraising to date is $5,986.06. However I also have checks and cash I've received, but not yet sent to Push America totaling $160.00. So due to the generosity of all of my friends and family, and friends of friends, and friends of family, and family of friends, and co-workers of family, etc. I have surpassed my initial goal of $6,000.00. But that doesn't mean my fundraising is done. It's never too late to support a good cause. So if you haven't had a chance to give yet, please check out my fundraising page. And I know the economy is terrible, so don't forget there's no such thing as a minimum donation.

So thanks to everyone and I'll be more diligent on updating my progress going forward (I promise).