questions, questions

Was all ready to head out and buy new sneaks (since my old ones are literally falling apart as I walk) when I realized that i don't actually know which shoes are best for biking. I have a sense that I don't want a very elaborate tread, which seems like it could catch on the pedals (right?). I also don't want to start investing in the clip-on kind. So, thoughts from the crowd?

for a rainy afternoon

Some bicycle-oriented entertainment. (Note that I have no wish to emulate this.)

gravity 1, sara 0

Yep, I fell. But it was a good fall: It showed me that falling isn't the worst thing, and I don't think I actually drew any blood. And I rode a short distance, thanks to the help of cousin-friend Laura, who kept me on my side of the road and taught me how to, well, stop. AND: I wasn't terrified for a few minutes here and there.

Progress!

big day tomorrow

Cousin Laura is taking me out for my first (mini) ride tomorrow, on a nice big flat road that gets blocked off on the weekends for bicyclists. Bicyclists. Like me!
Now, if only I wasn't still terrified every time I get on the bike....

style part 2

Responding to the last post, reader A.C. from Berlin writes:

Far be it from me to give fashion advice, but Swobo is the SF answer. They're also the American version of Rapha -- not quite as insanely expensive, but still pricey.

Thanks, A.C.! Oddly, the Times has another piece today about looking good while biking. Are we part of a trend?

style matters

So of course one of the reasons I am interested in this whole "bike" situation is the design aspect: hence the fabulous Electra Townie I purchased. Am still working on its accessories. I got a sweet little water bottle cage, in white, which I would never have chosen except that it matches perfectly with the retro creamsicle aesthetic of the bicycle. Am toying with the idea of a basket, and of course I want a cute little bell. (The Electra people also sell handlebar streamers, but in leather, which I find slightly disturbing.)

But this just raises another question: What to wear when I ride? It's addressed, to a point, in last week's New York Times, but not very satisfactorily. So far I've just been throwing on a strange assortment of items that are functional (short pants, or narrow pants, with a warm-enough top). I think this may add to my "crazy lady on the wobbly bike at the park" aesthetic, which I would be happy to move past. But I am so not ready for the spandex. Is there a happy medium?

intervention?

Am starting to consider that I might need professional help. No, not that kind; I'm thinking of an instructor, because I have hit a bit of an impasse. I can do two circuits around the rec center, no problem, but I am pretty much terrified of falling the whole time, and I have to stop if anyone gets near me because I am afraid if running into them!
Any advice?