According to the "internet", "the Tour de France is open only to invited teams, not invited individuals. The ASO, the Amaury Sport Organisation, run the three week tour, and offer twenty teams places at the start line. The invites are totally at the discretion of the ASO and though the top professional teams are normally invited, some second division professional cycling teams are also invited.
To gain an invite therefore the first step is to be a professional cyclist, racing for a top team. Top teams though have been overlooked in the past."

Ok. So step number one is "become a professional cyclist"...HA
Actually, that's where they are wrong! Step number one is to actually purchase a bicycle! I think I may have found one that I like, at least for my first bike. I am sad to say this, since it is betraying Target, but the one I like best so far is at Wal-Mart. Same price as many of the others I have seen, but the style is better. If I don't find one online in the next week or so, Wal-Mart it is!

What is really a fun fact (read: very very strange) however, is that Wal-Mart actually carries a pretty large selection (I mean how many different kinds can there be) of unicycles! That's right folks. I said unicycle. Who knew there was even a demand for unicycles! I have never actually seen someone riding a unicycle. I joke however, knowing that Bill actually owns a unicycle that he bought off someone at work a long time ago. I assumed it was never used, but maybe Bill is secretly riding it around Evansville as we speak...oh the possibilities...

To be continued....
R

Trying Hardcore

It has been a whirlwind of cycling over the last 24 hours. I have been on two rides! Yesterday was 7 miles, this morning 4 miles (saw a deer and a bunny). Bringing my weekly total, to 19 miles :) ! I even went to a bike shop yesterday to check out their cutesie bike accessories....little disappointed must say. Didn't find anything I was looking for just all this hardcore cycling gear. I want a cute basket and maybe a bell. I don't think I am ready for the bike shop quite yet...too hardcore for me. Speaking of hardcore, I wrecked this morning, hence the picture. That is dirt, blood and grease on my leg! Don't worry, I cycled through the pain, cause that's what we do, us cyclists. Wonder if Rachel Lee has found a pink stede yet?

Basket Case...

Apparently a sure fire way to actually make a sales clerk at Dick's Sporting Goods speechless is to ask if I can put a wicker bicycle basket on a hybrid sports bike. If you really want them to look like a deer in headlights...just ask them if hybrid bikes come in pink. You would have thought I had asked if I could get a bike covered in faux leopard print fur with a velvet seat and Elvis license plate (hmmm....I wonder if that is an option...).

Apparently the answer is "no". Dick's Sporting Goods does not carry hybrid bikes in pink, and they are not aware of a line of hybrid bicycles that come in pink. They did however say I could probably attach a basket to the front of the handlebars (I think Bill was in actual physical pain at that point), and my dream bicycle basket (the Nantucket) is pictured above. Bill purchased his bicycle yesterday at Dick's (sans basket) and I was very sad (read: whiny) to learn that I will have to continue my search elsewhere.

As stated so eloquently by my sister Sami, we have taken on this quest to become world-famous celebrity cyclists (well at least in our own minds) as a new fun hobby and a way to get in fabulous shape as we embark on our adventure across the pond to Spain next fall! Bicycling has already proven to be much more (A LOT) more enjoyable than running, the elliptical machine, and most definitely more enjoyable than my arch nemesis the treadmill.

We did so great on our first 8 mile ride that I am SUPER motivated and excited to document and successfully achieve our quest! However, that brings me back to what must apparently be step #1...buy a bicycle (preferably in pink)!

Cycling Phenom

I have always loved to ride my bike! May have had my training wheels on until I was 7, but hey, who's counting. When my uncle became tired of watching a perfectly capable, yet scared 7 year old ride with training wheels he took matters into his own hands...and I was off. Here I am 22 years later, reviving my cycling career. I need a fun and interactive way to get in shape! I figure this is perfect as big things are happening in my life. I have a great new job (in catering, fun and stressful!!!!) I have a beautiful new house on a street with a bike lane! I have a gorgeous new puppy, Henry the 8 month old Goldendoodle. I am planning my first trip to Europe next year with Mike, Rachel and Bill. Spain to be exact!!!!

The first ride of my revival was last week, a scenic 8 miles around Mackinac Island with Mike, Rachel and Bill. We had a blast and Rachel and I were in skirts no less. A sweet Schwinn Cruiser with pink rims was my trusty stede. I just loved the comfy seat and wide handle bars. After the ride in true fashion we ducked into a pub and celebrated our recent adventure with a couple pints of brew.

I am off today for my next bike ride, here in Bloomington IN. No Rachel and Bill unfortunately, although they will have their own cycle tales this week and I look forward to hearing all about them. Mike may join me today and perhaps Henry, the Goldendoodle. Stay tuned for more cycling adventures.