Beginner's Clinic

December 6th, 2009. I attended the beginner's clinic conducted by Juile Brown and a couple friendly ride leaders. We met at the parking lot of sport basement near Presidio. It was a chilly day. Luckily no rain as forecasted.

Julie ran through a lot of the basic about bike, its components and safety instruction. I thought I know how to ride a bike. I don't really, a true newbie. We learned about the hand signal, practice riding in a group in the parking lot and a short loop around Presidio. The view of the coast with golden gate bridge in the background is spectacular. I am kicking myself for not bringing a camera.

Now, we go on a 6 miles practice ride on the street. It started with flat landscape and then need to climb a hill. The hill does not look that steep. Boy was I wrong. I was almost exhausted after reaching the top. My 10 year old mountain bike is really not suited for this. I realize that I need a much lighter road bike for my next ride. Biking down hill with car beside you was also a new experience to me.

It was a very good experience and I learned quite a bit. I never know there is so much abou bike that I don't know. I thought you jus hop on and ride. I so look forward to the next practice ride that go across the golden gate bridge.