Today I tried out my new bike for the first time. The bike itself was very nice to ride. It actually was more comfortable than I expected having last ridden more than a decade ago. My hope is to eventually be able to ride to the Firestone library 2-3 days a week. It’s about a 10 mile ride one way.

Today I rode about 7 miles in 35 minutes. I definitely need to get use to riding the bike more before I attempt a work commute. I exercise a fair bit (usually 1 – 1 1/4 hours/day). However, riding the bike I suddenly felt completely out of shape. Even though I rode 7 miles I didn’t have any baggage (i.e. computer, lunch, work clothes etc.) weighing me down. My current plan is to try substituting bike riding for my normal exercise 2-3 days a week and see how it goes from there.

I’m also a little nervous about my understanding of biker/car relationships. According to Colorado’s Bicycling Manual it’s safer to ride on the shoulder of the rode than in the sidewalk (not that the sidewalk is an option on CO-119). However, I’m a little fuzzy about what the correct procedure is when suddenly there is a right turn lane. I think technically, the bicyclist is suppose to continue straight so the turn lane is to their right (assuming they aren’t turning). At least, this is how it appears when there is a designated bicycle lane. However, this doesn’t feel particularly safe to me on 119. I think I probably just need to get a little more use to being the smallest thing on the rode. I’m also dubious about left turns as I’m not nearly as fast as other bicyclists at this point and I’m afraid I’ll get in the way of cars.

Hopefully, I figure this all out before I get run over by a car. If I do end up getting hit by a car, it would at least be nice if it wasn’t my fault. And yes, I was feeling paranoid enough today to make sure I had my phone, ID and insurance card with me