Getting Aerodynamic

Given the hours I'm going to dedicate to riding my bike in preparation for my race, I finally decided to get properly fitted for a triathlon bike.

The triathlon bike offers several benefits -- namely allowing the rider (i.e. me) to get into a more aerodynamic position by stretching out across the middle of the bike.  The upper body relaxes, letting the legs do much of the work so you can conserve as much energy as possible.

I got my new bike on Saturday.  It is red and shiny -- just as a new bike should be.  However, when I took it out that afternoon for the first ride, I felt like I was learning to ride all over again.  My balance felt clumsy in the aero position.  And kinda scary!  The shifters are at the ends of the aerobars (two parallel bars that run down the center of the handlebars, allowing you to center your bodyweight), so you need to be in the aero position most of the time.  I probably looked like I was drunk, I did so much swerving.

Plus, man oh man, does that aero position do a number on your butt!  I was so sore the next day.

So I took the bike out again yesterday and was pleasantly surprised that my balance had improved substantially.  I had a blast cruising down the local roads at high speeds -- even despite the thick humidity.  And I discovered padded cycling shorts.  Hooray!  My butt is doing much better now (I'm sure you're relieved to hear this).

So this seems to be getting better with practice, as most things seem to do.  Can't wait for my next ride!