Pimping my bike...and other tales from the road

Got on the bicycle again today. I'm enjoying it more and more(except for the fire smog).  Even if I don't feel like riding, I'll just get going and in a few minutes something clicks and I'm doing just fine.  Thought I would throw out a few observations and thoughts on what works for me.
Tire inflation and being in the right gear makes all the difference in the world.  Having a bike mechanic in your back pocket can be just as important as having a car mechanic there.  We have all heard of riding defensively...Well it's true!!  Don't assume cars see you out there.  I'm going to get some reflective gear to make me more easily visible. 
I carry a backpack (my daughter's old one...works fine).  Things I keep it in; small bottle of water (I may switch to a power drink soon), antiseptic wipes and a towel...in case I get into an accident (apply direct pressure), cell phone, some Splenda (for the coffee shop), a Tupperware container (for the leftovers from the coffee shop), reading glasses, some trail mix and crackers in a baggie, a couple of rubberbands (in case I forget my pant leg clips), and a good (easy to lock and unlock) bike lock. 
As I adventure out, I am starting to find which roads are good for riding and which are filled with potholes.  Even some bike lanes can be filled with bumps and potholes.
Again I love riding now.  Sometimes at sunset I will ride for 20-30 minutes just around the neighborhood.  Like a 10 year old with nothing to do.  I'm thinking of getting an I-Pod...Don't know how safe it is to use while riding.  Remember when the Sony Walkman was the coolest thing on the planet!!  Well I may need to adapt and change.  I'll try my daughter's and see if it works.  Just some thoughts.  Enjoy the ride.  Brian

Hi Brian!

Great advice. I have been thinking about getting a bike to ride to and from the gym. This encourages me. By the way, I wanted to say thank you again for the yummy protein powder and I wanted to comment that you looked really handsome at the last support group meeting! You are looking fantastic!

Thanks April, and your welcome.  That protein shake goes best with milk.  A couple of months ago I was going to give you some but you had left early that evening at the support group.  I saw Robert who posts here and at the Men's Forum, I gave it to him.  At the last meeting he and his wife asked for the name.  They wanted to order some.  You can't buy it locally, have to order it. 
Concerning the bike...I would just get a used one or borrow from a friend.  Don't go hog wild until you know for sure you'll use it.  I have gone through about 10 different sports and exercises till I found the one that is right for me.  Just hate to see you get a new expensive bike, then have it go the way of all the other exercise equipment that we have bought over the years.  If we include all the exercise equipment, diet books, exercise videos, and New Year resolutions we made...It could choke a horse.  Brian    PS  You were looking good too girl!

Brian,
I just love love love my bike. I have a trek 2.1 road bike.  Right now she is in the shop get a tune up.  She is getting new handle bar tape, and a good physical.  I took a spill going up a hill did not change gears correctly unclipped from the pedals and had my foot down and the ground was sloped and over the side of the bike I went.  I really enjoy getting out a nd going. Attacking the hills like I was meant to tackle them.  They are mine and I rule them hills. 
I have ridden to work 13 miles one way not too bad in the morning but a little hot in the afternoon. 
Yes I ride with my IPOD.  I only use one ear though. It is never the ear near the road. 
Yea you really need to be careful especially when people are pulling out of parking lots. 
I hope that you are wearing a helmet.  I do not need rubber bands as I wear bike shorts. If you do not like bike shorts they have mountain bike shorts that look like regular cargo shorts too.  That way you get the padding on your tush and parts and it sure helps.
Enjoy the road and be careful out there.
Liz

Hi Brian - Good on you for that riding thing! Have you considered a camel pack or similar backpack for drinking on your rides? I use a camel pack that holds 100oz of water or whatever and has plenty of space for other stuff as well.

Here's my bike I know this isn't the kind of bike you're talking about... I'm looking into picking up a beach cruiser for pedaling around.

C h e e r s,
gene

Neener, neener.....my bikes bigger than your bike

  

Hi Brian,
I love my bike too! I have an "old lady" bike- it has just two speeds and cruiser brakes. In Manteca we have miles and miles of bike trails and I absolutely love being able to ride with no fear of cars (other than the short ride on streets to the trail). My husband and daughter have bikes too and we usually go together. I think that my favorite "thing" about my bike is the feeling of the wind in my hair and the memory of the freedom that riding my bike gave me as a child. Now I can do that to celebrate my 100 pound loss. It reaffirms the fact that I have my life back. I can't imagine riding the bike at 330 pounds.
Julia

A couple of other thoughts since riding this afternoon.  Speed bumps are not our friends.  They were created in the depths of Hades.  The wind will always change directions while you're riding...You'll always be facing a headwind.  Eating mexican food and drinking coffee before a ride is a big no no...eat basic boring stuff...plus it's hard to get a burp while riding.  I can't get rock hard abs (abs of steel) while riding.  Unless I work at it, I'll get a beer belly rather than 6 pack abs.  Brian