Solo Trip

Today I ventured out on my first solo ride. It was a beautiful day in sunny Los Angeles, and the plan was to ride from my apartment to Pasadena to see the Tournament of Roses parade floats which are on display through the weekend.  After researching the 30.8 mile round trip route online, I ventured out at 9:30 am with a few butterflies but determined to face whatever the ride would bring.  Little did I know that five hours and two flat tires later I would be a much wiser rider.

Things I am proud of:

• Climbed the monster hill at Colorado street one slow pedal at a time
• Changed two flat tires on my own without blood, sweat or tears (just lots of grease and dirt)
• Rode 99% of the way with major traffic, especially in Old Town Pasadena (not smart) with no fear, except for the giant bridge which I crossed at superhuman speed
• Didn't flip off the man in the red truck that yelled at me for "parking" in his spot which was a red zone. serioulsy? parking? i wasn't going THAT slow.
• Multiple left hand turns, yes...even used my hand signals

Things I am NOT proud of:

• I got lost and never did make it to the parade floats
• Secretly hoped someone would come rescue me so I didn't have to replace the tires myself (maybe one day I will realize my own resourcefullness at the begining of a problem and not at the end)
• I didn't have a bike lock so I didn't go to the bathroom the whole ride - doh!
• Didn't take ANY pictures. Ugh!

I really enjoyed this ride in spite of the challenges.  The day was ideal for being outside, and I noticed that once my legs warmed up I was able to ride much more consistently than I have in the past. That's got to be a good sign, right?  At the start of each ride I find myself wondering...what the hell am I doing??  I am never going to be able to do this ride. But at the end of each ride, I think "dang I'm tired...but I love this." Today was no exception.

And even though I didn't reach my final destination, it is still freaking cool to say "I rode my bike to Pasadena today!"