Back in the Saddle!

I finally was able to get back on the bike yesterday! If you've read earlier posts (not that anyone does), I've been itching to try out my new pedals/shoes. It has started to cool off here so yesterday was my big day. I rode a little over 14 miles and felt great...until this morning. I wasn't sore from the ride per se, but the placement of the clips on my shoes.



My pedals require an SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) clip on the bottom of the shoe to "clip" into the pedal. There are several reasons for clipless pedals:

• Without something holding your foot securely to the pedal, it would be easy to slip off the pedal and send your foot into the wheel. Not so likely to happen on a trip around the block, but on a longer ride, when you're tired...
  


• There is a correct placement for the position of your foot over the pedal axle
  


• A good pedal/shoe system has to be able to transfer all of the power from your leg to the pedals without trying to bend your foot over the top of the pedal, which causes both fatigue and pain
  


• You shouldn't have to think about how your feet connect to the bicycle while you're riding. You should be concentrating on having fun, not technique!

Placement of the cleat on the shoe for optimal power transfer is key. I had my cleats all the way up towards the front. Imagine riding wth only using your toes. Needless to say, my left calf is a little sore today. Ok, a lot sore. It was difficult walking down the staris first thing this morning. I've been stretching and hopefully tomorrow it will feel better. Below is a picture of one of my pedals to give you an idea of what they look like.