Do you ever feel like you\’re starting over? Again?

\”Buch der Geheimnisse\”. Book of Secrets. Is these such a tome about cycling? What\’s the secret to changing several things about your riding, and all at the same time?

At a recent bike refit, I could see on the video screen that my right hip sagged downwards with every pedal stroke. I had been aware that I sat rather far forward on my saddle, but not that such motion was going on.

I guess that\’s why the inside of my left thigh has always been prone to rubbing against the top tube. This isn\’t a problem when it\’s cold enough for leg warmers, as they protect my leg. But when it gets warm and I leave the leg warmers off, it can result in serious chafing, especially during a long ride. I wouldn\’t mind getting rid of that!

So, I began to work at getting both of my sit bones on the saddle. OUCH! I had to scoot backwards to get the pressure off the sensitive area.

It\’s a move of only a few inches, but does it ever make a difference in my riding! My reach feels different. Bike handling feels different. Pedaling feels different. It even feels like my cleat position is \”off\”.

What\’s the secret? I guess it\’s really quite simple: take my time so my body can adjust, because I\’m starting over again. I just hope it won\’t mean another bicycle refit.

Speaking of secrets, this morning my chain got dropped when I was trying to shift onto the big ring. That happens sometimes, and I\’m not sure whether the problem is me or the derailer. Of course my hands got greasy while putting the chain back on the small ring. Want to know a good way to get grease off your hands? Sunblock! But don\’t tell anyone else! That\’s our secret.