Gear makes a difference

When I first started riding last year, it would have been pretty hard to convince me that I need all sorts of crazy gear in order to do the BikeMS ride. Then I started training. I couldn't go more than 10 miles. So, I changed the tires to road tires for my mountain bike.

Then when after I did a 30 mile ride and the saddle I had was so horrible on my man parts that it basically numbed all of it and I wet myself after getting off the bike... I got a saddle that had a ditch in the middle of it to help fix that part.

Then I got gloves because my hands hurt.

Then I got bike shorts because I needed that extra padding.

Then I got a bike jersey with pockets in the back because I was going longer distances and wanted to carry some snacks and stay cool. The under armour just wasn't cutting it.

And last year I did my ride. With running shoes. And I hated myself. A lot.

I had it set in my mind that by the ride next year I would have new pedals, clips, and shoes. Everyone said I was crazy for doing it without them last year, and that I'd be more insane to do it a second time. Well, losing a job, not working for 6 1/2 months, and being pretty low on cash, I was set to do just that with the same pair of worn down running shoes I had been wearing for last year's ride.

Well, thanks to my family, I ended up getting a great pair of shoes that I took for a test ride on Saturday.

I was way surprised as to the immediate difference they made. My left leg is stronger than my right, so I noticed it more there. What I did notice was that not only am I getting power from the down stroke on the pedal, but also on the upswing because of being clipped in. It was amazing. I was using less power on my legs, still had the same cadence I usually have, same speed, and felt great. The shoe itself was pretty awesome as well. No bending from my foot, no numb toes because I'm pushing wrong altogether. It just felt right.

This Saturday is going to be pretty awesome.

There is still time left to get that donation in if you have been putting it off until the last second. We're 38% as of this post and HOPEFULLY we can get to 50%. $4000 was a long shot, but I had to try.

Donate to the team
Join the team and ride with me this year!
Volunteer and help BikeMS!

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