[Israel ride] Firsts

[magid]

I just went on a training ride through Gan Sacher, which included a number of firsts: first time on a bike in Israel, first time riding a bike with straight handlebars, first time riding a bike with gears that shift by rotating around the handlebars (I'm sure there's a better term for this; I don't know it), first time in bike shorts (or any non-skirt, actually) in Jerusalem (in this country, and especially city, where so often clothing is religion and politics). All of these lead to feeling a bit strange.

The bike I'll adjust to, though I'm currently regretting not going through the hassle that would have been bringing my bike - having different places to put my hands would be really nice (note to self: the ride people had an arrangement with El Al so bringing a bike would've been free, had I flown with them). On the plus side, the thicker tires mean I can go over more road irregularities without noticing much, which my tender anatomy definitely appreciates.

The clothes... well, we leave Jerusalem tomorrow early in the morning, and I think it won't feel as strange outside the city. I hope.

PS It's hot and bright sun (And there's no chance of shady routes in Israel. Tree-lined is just not the thing.). I put on sunblock, SPF 45, and even with the short ride, I think I got a touch too much sun :-(

Comments

Interesting.

[avivasedai.livejournal.com]

Using a different bike than the one you trained on must be odd; I hope you adjust well and it doesn't cause any difficulties. I think the only time I wore shorts was when I went to Tel Aviv; otherwise it was skirts. Would the free bike shipping (basically) have made it more cost effective to use El Al versus how you flew? Do you think you'll do the ride again, and use the service? (I expect that answer not to come until you're done with the ride.)

Have a great time!

Re: Interesting.

[magid.livejournal.com]

I brought some of my own stuff: helmet, saddle, shoes, and pedals. Of course, I'm still getting used to the clipless pedals...

I didn't check El Al specifically: I was looking most at schedule, since I didn't have much flexibility in timing in coming over, plus wanted to keep costs down (I'm sure you're familiar with the rise in airfares...). And you're right: I'll know more once I'm done.

Thanks!

[ceo]

They're called grip shifters.

[magid.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

[(Anonymous)]

Oh, so you decided to do that bike trip! Enjoy and hatzlacha rabah.

[magid.livejournal.com]

Todah rabah.

[fetteredwolf.livejournal.com]

Yay! Good luck. We're rooting for you.

[magid.livejournal.com]

:-)

Made it to Mitzpe Ramon!

[cellio]

Good luck with everything, especially getting used to an unfamiliar bike!

[magid.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

The straight handlebars are really bad for long rides, I'm finding out... Other things go well, though.