Pushing Limits

So the last two Saturdays, we rode on Calaveras (43 miles) and around Livermore (47 miles).  Both had a fair amount of climbing (for a beginner at least!).  Near the end of both rides, I was pretty worn out.

On top of that, I've been trying to follow the official TNT training schedule, which includes trying to squeeze in 2 20 mile rides during the week, which, with my work schedule and the sun's schedule, basically involves getting up pretty early.  I tried riding to work last week (14 miles or so) but it was pretty tricky, and I had to bum a ride home because it's dark by the time I get off work.

Also, I've just gotten clipless pedals, which means, counterintuitively, that you get shoes with cleats that clip into the pedals.  I fell right off last Saturday and skinned my knee, but fortunately haven't fallen off since.  I have had some close calls, though.

Here's the boo-boo.  (Thanks to Danielle for the picture.)

Here I'm bumming a bandage off of Lori because I am a big baby.

It's really weird because I get off the bike the same way I always do, stand up off the seat, stop, and put my right foot down, and I've been doing that just fine until now.  Just seems like with the clips, I start panicking and forgetting how to do that all of a sudden.

Anyway, I can't figure out how to squeeze in these midweek long rides.  Between this and work and Cracked and WoW, I keep letting things slip.  I've got to figure something out.