I had an amazing weekend and the only reason I'm not completely depressed (still semi-depressed) that it's over is that I'm hoping this is the only the beginning of fabulous summer weekends ahead and Ash is coming back in a month for Katie's bachelorette party! We are so lucky she is such a willing traveler.
We started off the weekend with a trip to the North End (Italian section of Boston) for a yummy dinner at Trattoria Il Panino, a wonderful restaurant I went to a few weeks ago with Eric, Tiff and Ronnie. I ordered the same thing I got last time so I didn't bother taking a picture (I know, I'm a horrible food blogger, I'm not going to pretend otherwise). I did take a beautiful picture of us though...
On Saturday my biking dream came true! I had a biking buddy!!!! Ever since I started triathlon training and began biking I have been complaining to everyone who will listen about how bored I get biking without a buddy. Many people have suggested headphones so I have started putting one headphone in one ear and leaving the other one open to hear people passing me etc (don't worry I don't bike on the road with headphones on). That has helped a little but not as much as having a biking buddy! Ash borrowed Caroline's bike and we took off on the Minuteman Bikeway all the way to Bedford. It ended up being about a 12 mile bike ride, which may not sound like much but it was more than I had done without a buddy so I credit Ash. It was far more entertaining to be able to catch up with Ash than just stare at other bikers passing me :) We did get a bit sprayed with mud (that's what happens when it rains for 3 days straight before you go bike riding) but other than that it was a very successful trip. It is my secret dream (and by secret I mean I'll tell everyone!) that Ash will match in Boston so we can be biking buddies every weekend. Well that and I can hang out with her anytime I want!
After our fabulous bike ride (during which my knee did not hurt one bit, yay!), we decided to refuel at a great lunch place called Fresh City. This place has great sandwiches, stir fry, salads and smoothies but the absolute number 1 reason to go to this place would be their *free* cinnamon pita chips.
I once tried to buy Stacy's cinnamon pitas (and I love Stacy's plain pita chips) thinking they would be like these, but nope, these cannot be beat!
Today we had brunch in Boston with Katie and Gerry :) We went to Tremont 647 for the Pajama brunch (but no we didn't wear pajamas). I just got a bagel because I didn't know what my stomach would really like, but next time I am going to risk it on the french toast that Katie got, it was sooo delicious!
I really need to make an effort to try out new restaurants in Boston more often, particularly in the beautiful South End.
After all the fun was over I had to come home and attempt to write my end of the year report cards for my students. Of course I decided to procrastinate instead and I went for a quick run (ended up hurting my knee so I stopped very quickly) and then went to look at road bikes. I test rode a really nice one and there were some things I LOVED about it (light weight, much easier to ride). However, it was so weird to be so hunched over, I felt like I could barely reach the brakes. Plus my arms were killing me after a less than a mile test ride.
For the bikers out there~ Did you made the switch from a mountain bike to a road bike? Did you get used to the hunched over position?
I'm so scared to make this extremely large investment and then decide I hate being hunched over and I want my upright mountain bike back!
Finally, I made a delicious dinner tonight but this post is already wayyy too long so I will post it tomorrow night...something to look forward to.
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I used to do a lot of bike riding when I was younger, with my parents. We used to drive into the country and eat at a Der Dutchman restaurant and get huge pancakes after biking 30 miles. Those were good times, but now I just can't seem to get used to the pain I feel from the bike seat. I always get a sore bottom and in between my legs. I have a good seat too, it's gel, so I don't know what to do!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had such a fabulous weekend! It sounds like you had a lot of fun. That's great that your bike ride went so well, and that you had a buddy! And I'm so glad your knees didn't hurt biking--that's awesome.
ReplyDeleteI've never tried a road bike, so I can't help you there. But I would think that the new position would just take some time getting used to.
I don't have a city bike YET (can't wait until that day comes), but I think you will get used to it. It's not the same, but at first I really had trouble with sitting that way in spinning class, but now I kind of love it!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had such a fun week-end!! I can't wait until mine are free, I would love to go for brunch and bike rides...*sigh* :)
congrats on the bike ride, glad you found a bike buddy! I got my first road bike 5 years ago and it took a bit to get use to it but now I love it, they are soooo much faster its amazing. I still love my mountain bike but I way prefer my road bike now.
ReplyDeleteKelly,
ReplyDeleteHooray for biking buddies! I totally suck with wheels. I've taken two spin classes. One I fainted the other I threw up. Either very bad coincidence or really bad karma!
Have a great night and a wonderful Monday!
With Love,
Emily
Yay for spending time with friends! Sorry you couldn't find my reply to your question, but here it is: My bike is a road bike and if you are interested in buying a road bike, I would highly suggest going to sit on one before purchasing.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the brand, I have a Giant, but there are tons of brands out there that make really great bikes. It's all about what you prefer. But if you do want to get a road bike, make sure you get it fitted so that it is the most comfy for your body! This may cost 50-75$ but it is totally worth it in the end!
Glad your weekend was great too! That's awesome that you have a biking buddy...excercising is way more fun when you have someone to workout with. The new book I ordered is "Bitter is the New Black : Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass,Or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office." Quite the title isn't it? It sounded kind of quirky, I'm excited! Have you read it?
ReplyDeleteYay for a biking buddy! It can get so lonely on the road.
ReplyDeleteReading about all of these meals out is making me SO HUNGRY! Must be lunch time...
oh, glad you had such a great, productive weekend! and yay for a biking buddy! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that she will match in Boston too!
ReplyDeletehaha, and I consider getting splashed by mud while biking quite satisfying in a "I'm so tough and rough" sort of way. hee hee~
I would love to get a roadbike and do serious biking. But I do think the hunched over feeling would really bug me.
ReplyDeleteI was just working on my report cards too! I find that the end of the year ones are the easiest because if they have already mastered certain skills like counting by tens to one hundred, I just transfer their previous mark--it makes for a LOT less assessing this time around. Have a great end of the year!
ReplyDeletePS Do you teach full day or half day Kinder? We had full day this year and last year but due to budget cuts we are going back to half day and I am so bummed. I saw such a huge difference with my group this year that had full day last year.
I have a mountain bike right now, but I reaaaly want a road bike!! That's cool you have someone to bike with!
ReplyDelete