Dying up Tantalus

Yesterday after work, I took my bike up Tantalus for the first time. I've done Tantalus before, but that was on Stacy's bike, not this one. I went alone as Tim is out of town.

I discovered the following:
- I'm out of shape, dang I'm out of shape.
- I miss the granny gear.
- I really need to make the brakes easier for me to grab and hold, my hands just aren't big enough for these.

While it didn't go as well as I would have hoped, I did finish (eventually). I had to pull over and catch my breath far more times than I care to admit. The first time I did Tantalus was on Stacy's bike, I think I pulled over two or three times total. I don't know if the difference is because of me being less fit or because this bike doesn't have a granny gear. Oh well, while I lament the loss of the granny gear, I know it will make me stronger in the long run, so it isn't a big deal. The fact that I was sucking wind like a fireplace bellows is a big deal. I really need to work harder, that was brought into sharp focus.

Around the last mile or so, I had pulled over when two bikers came around the corner going up. The one in front yelled "Move your butt! There's no stopping on this hill." While it was unexpected, I took it in the "biker camraderie" sense and started up again. When she drew near I realized we actually knew each other. While I don't know her well, we have met before. I asked for her name (Marcie) and gave her mine and we labored up the hill.

I followed behind her without pulling over a lot longer than I would have on my own. I was about to finally give in and rest when we rounded a corner and saw the bridge that shows you are almost at the top. So, I sucked it up and made it. She couldn't have come along at a better time for me.

The ride down wasn't quite as fun as would have thought. Besides being bumpy I realized I have brake issues. My brakes make a hissing noise when applied and I have a hard time holding the brakes. I think my hands are too small for the setup, or it's related to the stem being too long so I couldn't get a good angle. I really need to get my bike fitted for me.

It wasn't ideal, but at least I did it. Maybe I'll try again tomorrow if it's not raining.

On a side note, Marcie and her friend planned to go down and then go up to the stopsign three times. Sounds like a good workout. I'll add that on if I ever get up Tantalus without stopping.