2007 Bike Ride #20: Back on the trail again

[wickedwords]

Ride Length: 50 miles (approximately)
Elevation: 330
Where: Redmond to Gasworks and back via BGT/SRT
Start Time: 7:30-ish
How long: 6.15 by watch, 4.20 on-bike time. 11.4 mph avg speed.
Heart Rate: 111 avg, 137 peak
Total Calories: 3725

Sunday we backed off from the hills and millage that we'd done the day before, and went with our familiar trail for some distance. I had a commitment to do some family stuff (aka, go on a date with my husband) in the late afternoon, so I couldn't put in another 80 mile day, and ended up doing the 50.

One thing I've noticed is that the balls of my feet start going number as I am riding a long distance; I probably need different shoes, but unfortunately, with 2 weeks to go, there's no time to break new cycling shoes in. I have learned that I can take my feet out of the toe clips for awhile and pedal like a normal person in order to get the feeling back, but I can tell I lose some power when I do that. But it's better than tingly toes. I think.

Two Weeks and counting.

Comments

[watergal.livejournal.com]

I have learned that I can take my feet out of the toe clips

You're using the toe straps and not the metal clips on the shoes that lock into the ["clipless"]pedals? Is there a reason? I tried the toe straps for a while, bit couldn't get the same power on hills as with the clipping in. And I am supremely lazy, so I went back to the clipping in.

It sure would save me some road rash if you have a tip on using the straps better. I'm not what one would call real dexterous at unclipping on a dime.

[wickedwords.livejournal.com]

I went to the toe clips when my old pedals started falling apart, and they were so much better than without the clips, that I have been happy with 'em. At the time, I didn't feel that I was riding enough to justify the expense of spending that much money on shoes and yet more for the clipless pedals. Plus I was worried about my foot being clipped into the pedal, because of that whole 'inability to unclip on a dime' thin that you mentioned.

What I have learned is that I have the strap loosely tightened at the widest part of my foot, so only about 1/3 of it goes into the cage; I end up using the ball of my food to pedal, as you do with clipless pedals, but I can pull it out easily, as that part of my food is narrower than where I have the strap adjusted. And I know that 'loosely tightened' sounds like an oxymoron, but I never have the strap so tight that my foot sticks when I pull it out. Maybe I'd get more power if I did, but I like being able to quickly and easily put my foot down, without having to think about it when something comes up.

At the moment, I am lusting after biking shoes, as they have that more rigid sole. Even if I didn't change pedals, I think just having different shoes would help. But 2 weeks is not enough time.

[watergal.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I have a set of pedals with toe straps at the back of the junk closet. I'll dig 'em out and try 'em again with your method.

But, yeah, I got a pair of Shimanto shoes on a closeout sale, and they are awesome for everything except walking across the pine floorboards inside my house. I get some numbness on long tours, but not near as bad as I did with the toe straps. But I'll try 'em again with your tips.

It's either that or buy stock in Aleve and Silvadene.

You do know that clipless pedals can be adjusted like ski boots/boards for how easy it is to pop out of them? Of course, if you set them loose, you pop out unintentionally while cranking up hills, which is a nuisance. But I have mine set that if pressed at an intersection or somesuch, I can pretty much jerk my leg and pull out. Tho not necessarily without going to ground.

I just mention it as if you are at the doing century ride level (I'm not!), it seems like you would benefit from them...but like you say, two weeks is not enough time. :)

[barkley.livejournal.com]

Now there's a back to back ride! Wow! You are so ready for this!

[rosawestphalen.livejournal.com]

You are so amazing! I'm so glad you're posting about your adventures in biking and I so admire you for all your hard work for the STP.

My feet fall asleep on the elliptical machine at the gym. About 20 minutes into the work out, no matter how fast or slow I'm going my feet are tingling and feeling very numb. It's weird.

[wickedwords.livejournal.com]

Huh. I didn't know that. I think if I end up doing another long ride, bike shoes are going to be at the top of the list (along with road slicks, bar ends, and a new butt).

[wickedwords.livejournal.com]

I am feeling like I 'm ready, but wow, I checked the weather report and it says 90s for that weekend! I've really only ridden up into the high 70s, so that's going to make it very exciting. Think cloudy for me, 'kay? *g*

[wickedwords.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it is weird. Feet are funny, you know?