Woohoo! Back on the Yeti yesterday for a test ride around Listerfield. I did consider that riding after the rain we had lately would not be good for the trails, but then I suppose Melbourne weather is likely to remain wet at this time of year - and I couldn't hold off for much longer. I really enjoyed being back in the trees and even the mud! The ribs gave me a bit of curry over the bumps and I still don't like to lift the front much, but the good thing about Listerfield is that most of the obstacles are either avoidable or relatively smooth - especially on the yeti at its plushest! 

I did a lap each way of the main circuit (minus the comm games trail) and it took me nearly 15min longer than last time with an average HR 5bpm higher - I thought I was taking it easy. I certainly have some work to do!

I was disappointed to see that some part of the trails are very worn (perhaps after chase the sun?) - places that were good a few months ago have deep ruts and the trail is wide enough for a quadrunner in some areas. Perhaps its the weather, but the trails are obviously getting a lot of use. Good, and not so good.

Hey, I got "road raged" today while walking to work! A lady driver who looked like she should have been walking to work herself was very unhappy that I crossed when the green man said I could - she yelled something incomprehensible and tooted her horn with a vengence. I am counting that as proof that cars make people angry and irrational ... or perhaps she was really cross about more tax on alcopops. The world is raving mad. Get on yer bike!

Hoping to get off work in time to ride to Carl's spin sesh this evening.

hooroo.

Hey All,

So, I am back on. Actually, I have been riding outside since last Saturday, but due to a myriad of excuses, I haven't written in the Blog.

My first ride out was on the city bike. I had to go into town last Saturday, and by far the easiest way to get there is on my trusty city bike. It was then that I experienced one of the worst road rage incidents I have had - with no where near as nasty ramifications as Sydney of course, but it left me shaking in my boots! A guy actually got out of his car and ran back up the road at me - I had nowhere to go as it was in the middle of the city on Collins street - and as I was stopped he stood about a foot away from me yelling and then proceeded to shake the back of my bike by holding the pannier rack. I was very frightened - mainly because I was hurting from ribs already (not that he knew that). Anyway, this was all because he thought I had spat on his car. It was a cool morning and I had done a bush blow that may have got his car when he had driven past rather closely earlier in the trip. Ok, so bush blows aren't very lady-like, but nor is a stream of water from your nose! (yes Mum, I could have used a hanky)

For those interested in commuter bikes, mine is a Giant city-pro: normally Giants aren't my favourite choice of frame as the geometry is not great for women, but there price is usually good for componentry. This one makes a great commuter with its 8-speed  hub gearing (Shimano Nexus) - for the fashion concious, it even looks like a single speed! The hub gearing makes maintenance a breeze and it comes in stealthy matt black that hides the dirt well - so I don't even have to wash it :)  The bike came with a pannier rack and mud guards as standard. I ride it everywhere (my car only comes out for trips that are out of town or where I need to carry my cool bikes - DISC, spin and MTBing). I try to tell my mates the advantages - parking anywhere, no petrol or parking fees, speed!, health ..... the list goes on (let's not mention road rage guy).

Back to the point ... So, I'm back on the bike and trying to get my fitness back to where it was before my little fall (and further!). I tested the ribs out at Disc on last Sunday where Carl put on a hard but very fun sesh. It all went well and as long as I don't try to use arms for extra power or go over too many bumps, I'm laughing (not too hard though!). I have been out of the road and I must say, the weather is delightful at the moment and riding during the day is just lovely. I am hoping to get out in the trees of Listerfield on Monday for a tester on the Yeti. Can't wait!

Wishing everyone a great weekend of riding. Take care out there!