I am back on a bike! 70 pounds heavier and 10 years older than the last time, but I am back.

Goal: Tour De Victoria — Chosen Distance: 100k

Tour De Victoria is not a race, it is a tour of one of the most beautiful places in the world to ride, it has 7 distances available and is a timed ride. I will have some big hills to deal with and need to learn the art of riding as a group, not something I ever did in my triathlon days.

So I apply a lesson I learned long ago and use regularly, find people that know what they are doing and let them teach you!

The team at Trek Victoria has stepped up to make sure I will not only know what I am doing but that I have the fitness required and have as much fun as possible.

Susan Secret: I have NEVER played a team sport. I am 50 years old and have been pretty much a solo act when it comes to my sporting endeavours because the thought of someone having to depend on me, or me on someone to get the job done is terrifying! I had NO idea how much team work was going to be part of this ride.

So here we go.

First up, I need the gear! This beauty is the Trek Checkpoint AL3. Perfect starter for my needs!

I also needed something to wear.. everyone said bib shorts are the way to go.. so I did. I am posting this for all you ladies that have walked into a bike shop and turned and ran the other way because it feels like the only people who belong are a quarter of your size and you SO don’t belong. You DO and the chances are good that the staff is ready to help you find what will work for you.

Shoes and helmet also required and taken care of.. heads up they have a new fastener system for helmets now that keep you from clipping your chin.. but until you figure it out you are trapped in your helmet.

I also wanted to go for a ride before my first official ride with the Tour De Victoria clinic, so I recruited a few friends. Big thanks to Richard and Laura Cook who are wonderful examples of people who love to ride and are more than happy to share that joy with an inexperienced rider like me!

So here we go! Wanna come along for the ride? You can literally or figuratively! Sign up at Tour De Victoria for the distance of your choice or just check back here for updates on my progress!