It Barely Hurts Anymore!

I went over 2 miles again today and my butt barely hurts! It's a miracle! Next week I'll try for 3 and see how it goes.
Today there were some neighbors out and I stopped to talk to then. They were building a fence in the front yard because their dog keeps trying to escape. They used to ride bikes together but the wife got a new job a while ago and now they don't even ride separately. She really liked the flowers I've painted on Lucy and my rear baskets. I let her open them and she thought they were cool. It was nice to meet them and hopefully they start riding again soon.
I like the fact that I'm not just seeing new things I'm also meeting new people and my neighborhood in just the few short weeks I've been riding around it is starting to feel more like a community.
When I rode before it was just to work and home. It was strictly for the transportation aspect and I usually left super early and never saw anyone. I never rode to explore and google maps was my guide.
Now all I can do is explore. I work from home and any riding I do is for pleasure. I'm lucky I'm rediscovering the pleasure.

This lizard startled me when I saw it. I had stopped for a drink and there it was right next to me.

I like the filigree of this gate. and the little coyote at the bottom.

A tiny flower growing right by the curb out of the street. I'm glad I missed it when I pulled over.

Lucy's New Look

Today was the test of Lucy's new handlebars and index shifters. I think it went great. The handlebars are Wald 8095 and are northroad style. They were really comfortable and my hands didn't go numb at all. The backward sweep put my hands in a very natural position that didn't strain my wrists and their being slightly lower helped to take a lot off my poor abused butt. I also love the look of them on her and they add a touch of elegance to my ride. They still keep me in a fairly upright position so I can look around and see everything.The curves will let me stretch out more and go a tiny bit lower if I want and are comfortable to hold. The only downside is I need to get a new mirror. Mine now only gives me a lovely view of my backside now.
The shifters are shimano tourney and will take some getting used to, but they worked great and shifted smoothly. All I'd ever used before were grip shifters so clicking the levers was a lot of fun. I kept shifting and they didn't skip of jerk. The left one for the front derailer will take the most getting used to because it takes a few clicks to make it shift. It's made that way so you can make micro-adjustments to stop chain rub. That doesn't seem like it will be an issue and I rarely shift that one anyway.
This was the most comfortable ride yet and the new bars made all the difference. Perhaps tomorrow I'll try them without the hated padded gloves.
Happy Easter!

Looking ready to roll.

Begging to be ridden

Her new bell looks elegant and has a great tone.

New baskets make here ready to carry anything.

A nice and smooth sweep back

The neighborhood cats approve of her new look.

A Great Short Ride!

Today's ride was short because I'm still a bit blah, but I think I'm almost over it. I always get sick at the change of the seasons and it sucks but there's nothing I can do and I'll live.
It was great to get out and about, I really am enjoying riding again after being off her for so long. I can't wait to be able to go further and longer. I'm so glad I dug her out and shined her up, she's really shining me up in the process. It's a win!
I found a great site that made it easy to know how high to set my new seat. The height it told me felt perfect and even though my butt is still sore (will it ever get used to riding again?) it felt really comfortable.  Here's a link to the site:   http://www.ebicycles.com/index.php
I was a little surprised to learn that Lucy is actually to big for me, but only by 1". If she were a road bike she would be perfect though so I wonder if her being a hybrid makes a difference in sizing. She feels great so I wonder what a proper fitting bike would feel like. Down that road lies madness and poverty. ;)
With the seat at the suggested height I can still reach the ground with my tippy toes and it feels like she's a lot more stable. I always had it lower and you'd think that would feel safer but this just feel right. I've bookmarked the site.
I may need to raise the handlebars to be more upright, but I would need to get cables first so that will wait. I might actually get new bars if I can find any I like. I've never been fond of her flat riser bar, it makes my hands go numb and hurts my wrists if I ride too long. I would love a moustache or northroad style on her. I think they look great and the extra hand positions would really be nice.

Pretty flowers growing by the road.

You miss so much if you go fast.

This is the first red one I've seen. The ones close to home are silver. I think it looks great and really stands out!

Look What Came In The Mail Today!

My new saddle is here! I can't wait to try it out tomorrow!

Shiny and new!

Look how small it is compared to my old one! I hope I fit on it!

It changes her whole look!