Tyres pumped to optimum pressure, water bottles filled, helmets on and
we, Prasad and me were all set for the first test ride on our newly acquired bicycles,
his a Merida hybrid and mine a Specialized road bike. We took it easy
riding towards Evans Bay getting to know our bikes better. The terrain was sloping downwards and we were just fiddling with the controls since no pedaling was needed to keep up with the slow traffic. As soon as we hit the road around the bay the ground leveled out and we were presented with flat shiny tarmac to take our bikes through its paces.
The first few kilometers were a bit awkward with me trying to get to a comfortable riding position. The hard and slim saddle that kept me dreaming of a rock to sit on was not helping things. Prasad was having his share of troubles getting his bike into the right gears suitable for the terrain. The notorious wellington winds that came in quick gusts kept buffeting us around. We stopped for a couple of minutes and I gave a few tips on riding to Prasad. We resumed riding and luckily the wind subdued a bit letting us find some rhythm on our new bikes.
In a short time we hit the scenic route around the bay and was rewarded with views of beautiful landscapes all around us. The ever undulating surface of the restless sea was shining in multiple hues of blue, green and purple and in the distance we could see the low mountains standing guard around the harbour. It was difficult to keep our eyes on the road with such views all around us. Every turn of the road offered something new, a beautiful half moon beach or the sea smashing and churning into white foam against the red, black or sand colored rocks, or a flock of seagulls fighting for a dry spot on the surface of a rock, all of it bathed in the bright golden sunlight. This is a route I can ride a hundred times and still be eager to go back to.
The bike I was on was the other part of excitement. The rigid aluminum body and the carbon fork made the bike precise and predictable. The turns were sharp and always well controlled. The bike was super light compared to the hybrid I had earlier. I felt(and probably looked) like an over sized walrus riding a lean white hawk. Every time I pushed my foot down, the bike wanted to escape from my restraining holds and I felt myself hanging on to the handles desperately trying to control this buckling beast. The aggressive saddle was assaulting my bottom but i could feel its fury abating with every kilometer we passed. In a few kilometres I got the feel of the bike and I could feel my form getting better and my posture was relaxed. I started pushing harder on the pedals and the bike responded with unrestrained enthusiasm and glee. I was soon flying along the road with a new sense of freedom and ease eating up the curves, slopes and flats. I was pretty much in love with this new bike of mine.
Unfortunately we reached our planed destination pretty soon and it was time to turn back. Prasad being a new rider, I did not want to spoil his enthusiasm by pushing him too hard on his first day of riding. The way back was no less beautiful than the way forward. We were totally lost in the views and our own thoughts that we did not realise when we reached the end of the scenic route.
Soon it was the last few kilometers to home where lunch was waiting for us. It was at this time that the bike decided to have its revenge on me for being the control freak I am. Being new to New Zealand Prasad was having a bit of trouble figuring out the way back home. I was riding in front and I turned back to check if he was following. The next thing I know is that I'm sprawled on the side walk which claimed a considerable amount of skin from my knee and a small patch from my palm. There was a dull throb on the right elbow in tune with my breathing.
We pushed the bikes back the last few kilometres to home and went to the hospital and got myself patched up. The doctor put my right arm in a temporary sling and advised to rest it for a couple of days and to give the knee about ten days to grow some fresh skin.
So I'm going to wait for 10 days and then I'll jump back on that bike and show him who is the boss.
The first few kilometers were a bit awkward with me trying to get to a comfortable riding position. The hard and slim saddle that kept me dreaming of a rock to sit on was not helping things. Prasad was having his share of troubles getting his bike into the right gears suitable for the terrain. The notorious wellington winds that came in quick gusts kept buffeting us around. We stopped for a couple of minutes and I gave a few tips on riding to Prasad. We resumed riding and luckily the wind subdued a bit letting us find some rhythm on our new bikes.In a short time we hit the scenic route around the bay and was rewarded with views of beautiful landscapes all around us. The ever undulating surface of the restless sea was shining in multiple hues of blue, green and purple and in the distance we could see the low mountains standing guard around the harbour. It was difficult to keep our eyes on the road with such views all around us. Every turn of the road offered something new, a beautiful half moon beach or the sea smashing and churning into white foam against the red, black or sand colored rocks, or a flock of seagulls fighting for a dry spot on the surface of a rock, all of it bathed in the bright golden sunlight. This is a route I can ride a hundred times and still be eager to go back to.
The bike I was on was the other part of excitement. The rigid aluminum body and the carbon fork made the bike precise and predictable. The turns were sharp and always well controlled. The bike was super light compared to the hybrid I had earlier. I felt(and probably looked) like an over sized walrus riding a lean white hawk. Every time I pushed my foot down, the bike wanted to escape from my restraining holds and I felt myself hanging on to the handles desperately trying to control this buckling beast. The aggressive saddle was assaulting my bottom but i could feel its fury abating with every kilometer we passed. In a few kilometres I got the feel of the bike and I could feel my form getting better and my posture was relaxed. I started pushing harder on the pedals and the bike responded with unrestrained enthusiasm and glee. I was soon flying along the road with a new sense of freedom and ease eating up the curves, slopes and flats. I was pretty much in love with this new bike of mine.
Unfortunately we reached our planed destination pretty soon and it was time to turn back. Prasad being a new rider, I did not want to spoil his enthusiasm by pushing him too hard on his first day of riding. The way back was no less beautiful than the way forward. We were totally lost in the views and our own thoughts that we did not realise when we reached the end of the scenic route.
Soon it was the last few kilometers to home where lunch was waiting for us. It was at this time that the bike decided to have its revenge on me for being the control freak I am. Being new to New Zealand Prasad was having a bit of trouble figuring out the way back home. I was riding in front and I turned back to check if he was following. The next thing I know is that I'm sprawled on the side walk which claimed a considerable amount of skin from my knee and a small patch from my palm. There was a dull throb on the right elbow in tune with my breathing.
We pushed the bikes back the last few kilometres to home and went to the hospital and got myself patched up. The doctor put my right arm in a temporary sling and advised to rest it for a couple of days and to give the knee about ten days to grow some fresh skin.
So I'm going to wait for 10 days and then I'll jump back on that bike and show him who is the boss.
