Thank You Bike Gloves!

Cycling Gloves

I consulted the bike expert Ellen, about my hand pain when riding.  She said I should get some bike gloves.  I couldn't see how they could help, just a pair of thin gloves?  I said I'd give it a try and headed to the bike shop.  The helpful staff there picked out an inexpensive, old school looking glove for me.  I didn't realize until I had them that they have padded palms.  Of course they could help!  When hanging on the wall, you can's see the pads, and I am such a newbie that I thought they were just finger-less gloves.

I had gotten a new helmet earlier, so the gloves were my second accessory purchase.  I think the helmet was $25 and the gloves were about $18.  

It was around this time that I started riding into work a different way.  I would load my bike into my truck and drive it down to the 21st Avenue East Lakewalk parking lot.  From there I biked on the Lakewalk to Lake Place Park, then down the boardwalk ramp to Superior and 1st Avenue East.  I'd head up the block to 1st Street and then head down that to work.  I'd reverse the route after work to get back to the truck.  This method was easy and safe, although the afternoon ride on the Lakewalk are very crowded.  I also feel like I was cheating by taking the truck part of the way.  I was not fully doing my part to ease congestion and reduce pollution!  But, I knew I could not make all the way up the hill to my house on the bike, so this would have to do until I got in better shape.  

During these rides, I learned that the bike gloves work!  The pads move the pressure off the bottom of the palm and the numbness is gone and the pain is greatly reduced.  Thank you Ellen for suggesting them!

Crash Course

I am introducing a new segment to this blog called Crash Course.  It will be lessons I have learned or maybe just funny or interesting tidbits regarding a cycling misadventure.  Here goes...  On the first afternoon of commuting back to the truck, I was cruising along pretty good on the Lakewalk when a winded jogger stopped in front of me on the top of a little hill.  He was in the middle of the trail and I decided to go past on the left, as most pedestrians and joggers stay to the right on the trail.  At the last second the exhausted jogger staggered to the left, so I quick moved the right, and just as I came up to him, he staggered to the right!  I just barely missed him, I mean barely.  

He mumbled, "Sorry."  

I felt it was somehow my fault too, and wanted to make light of the situation, but when I opened my mouth, out came, "Pick a Side!"  I was trying make it a joke and have laughter in my voice, but I don't think that is how it came out.  I feel bad, and I am sorry, Lakewalk jogger.