By now, I have gotten the knack of putting the rack on my car. At first there was some overkill involved, and now I slimmed it down. I use the rack, a foam piece over the pedal to protect my car, 2 microfiber cloths, one for under the top foam pieces on the trunk lid and the other between the bike and the rack, and one short bungee cord to hold the front wheel straight ahead so it doesn't bounce off my trunk lid, and I also run that same bungee through the bike rack to keep the bike from flopping when starting and stopping the car.
I wear a bike helmet and I attached a sun visor to it with velcro. It was pretty easy to do. Just used the strips of velcro that you can cut to size.
I really need the sun protection and also need to protect my brains in case of a spill. Even though I ride in a pretty safe environment, there is always a chance of an accident - I remember my mom telling me the story of an older guy and his grandson riding their bikes, and they went around a corner and grandpa collided with an oncoming bicyclist. A day later the guy died. I don't think he had a helmet on his head. So you never know when something like this will happen - that's why they call them "accidents."
I take the helmet/visor with me, 3 bottles of water which I have in a thermal lunch bag type thing that I bungee onto the rear bike rack. I have a bag in my car with the 3-way allen wrench, my bike lock, extra bungee cords, plastic bags, etc. I have the plastic bags in case I get caught in the rain and I can put my iPhone in a bag so it won't get wet.
Remember, I am only going about 4 miles from my house to the park in my car. I consider these as test rides. I hope to expand my travels to other locations once I feel like I have a handle on things.
I have been going to the park nearly every day. I feel invigorated and energized because of the 30 min to one hour bike rides. I am starting "somewhere" on my exercise routine. I need to add some cardio and some flexibility exercises. For now, I am happy with the progress I have made, and there is always room for improvement.
The photo to the right is Okeeheelee Park
My bicycle with lunch bag with bottled water on rear rack.
This is the route I rode today. I change this up but aim for at least 5 miles and at least 30 mins.
These are the details on today's ride. I improve each time, focusing on maintaining a steady pace, try not to stop at all during the ride, enjoying the scenery, watching for wildlife, and cute guys... :-) *smile*
Below are three photos: Left, October 2011; Middle, April 2012; and Right, May 21, 2012. That is encouragement and motivation to keep going... It can only get better. I just noticed that the under eye area is not so puffy. I don't use any concealer or anything under my eyes. I use Clinique moisturizer lotion and Clinique City Sheer SPF 40 on my face. I also use some baby sunscreen stuff I found at Walmart and got it because it was $3.50 and it was a small amount. I just read that sunscreen can lose it potency once it is past the expiration date, so I tossed the old sunscreen.
I have to improve my exercise routine. Add cardio and flexibility exercises. I am doing pretty good from what my life used to be. The juices give me energy, the energy makes me want to do something so I walk or ride my bike. I didn't get obese and sitting in my recliner overnight, so I have to keep that in mind, that a lifestyle change is over the long haul and it takes time. If I go full-tilt-boogie I could risk injury or get worn out and lose interest. I know this is life and death, so I have to be very serious about the change, but have fun and take it light, and I'll be alright...
More later!!!
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