Disco Bike Rally 2012

As mentioned in my previous post, I received my road bike on the afternoon of October 12, with a long ride scheduled for the 13th. The event was the disco bike rally in Gainesville (http://www.dallasathletesracing.com/races/depot-day-bike-rally/).  I was concerned about taking a brand new bike out for the first time on a long organized ride. I decided to stick with my spd pedals from the hybrid, as I had not had the opportunity to ride with true road pedals and larger cleats. However, I was on a new bike, with a new saddle, different shifting, and thinner road wheels.  I must say, it was a tough ride. In addition to learning the shifters on the fly, the more aggressive riding position and new saddle made for a long, painful ride.  I stopped at most, if not all, of the rest stops to get off the saddle, stand upright, and stretch. Additionally, it was a crazy wind day, and I began experiencing light cramping about the mid-way point. But, against the odds, I completed the ride.  The stats:   60.53 miles in 4:08:59. 14.6 mph and 3764 calories burned. The ride itself was well organized and worth doing again.  I'll be back in 2013. The before picture: