Biking has always been and will continue to be my favorite pastimes. It is also one of the most important aspects of the triathlon because it is the longest. While I spent a great deal of time in the mountains on a hard tail mountain bike over the past few years I had very little experience on the road. I am quickly learning the dynamics of a group ride and how tough it can be to work a pace line.

We covered 43 miles and averaged slightly over 18 miles an hour. Working the pace line was a first for me. We rotated the lead spot at minute intervals and held a much faster pace for virtually the whole way back than the first half of the ride. It was tough to slip in to the back of the line without “missing” and dropping too far back. It took some skill and anticipation but as the miles added up my endurance started to wain. It was fun and a great workout, these folks can really ride.

A few months into my bike purchase and I am really glad I spent the extra money to get more bike. My Look 576 has performed well and has exceeded my expectations. I have read you can buy speed on the bike and now I am starting to see some of the benefits in action. Maybe next year a set of racing wheels, hmmmmmm?

As a novice I think what may have been a more important decision is where I decided to buy my equipment. I researched and visited several local shops. I asked if they are certified to fit tri-bikes which is a key distinction and specialty. It is also important to note what type of accessories they sell. Does the shop cater to competitive bike riders and triathletes?

Once I committed to where I was going to buy my bike the rest boiled down to a few options, price and a qualified recommendation which is how I wound up with the Look 576. I could not be happier. Since I have never had the pleasure of riding a piece of equipment like this my rides are a joy. The Look brand is aptly named as it not only looks fast, it is. I love the blue and white color scheme and the paint job is first class. This bike was love at first site.

Getting professionally fit for a bike is a detailed process that requires experience. Christian at Cycles 54 did not steer me wrong in any regard. We took our time to fit the bike and answer my questions along the way. Fitting a bike cannot be underestimated. There are no shortcuts here and fit is critical to overall bike performance and comfort. Getting my bike fit was not only exciting but it was an education.

The bike has performed wonderfully and really is an amazing machine. One of the most noticeable features even to a novice like me is the weight. The frame and fork weight in at just over 3 lbs. Throw in some peddles, bottle clips, and a bag and your just over 4 lbs. I think my mountain bike peddles weigh more than that!

The SRAM components shift like butter and are incredibly smooth. Again when you are used to driving a Subaru and you step behind the wheel of a BMW a few things pop out at you. When in the saddle of my Look I feel like I am in the BWM and it has not yet disappointed me.

The big question is will the love affair stand the test of time? How will I feel about my Look 576 next year? Only time will tell but today I am satisfied and have a big smile on my face ever time I take it on the road. The Look is race ready and delivered performace in my first triathlon.

In looking online I found a few good resources that may help you as well.

eHow Video Series

Mickey Denoncourt put together a eHow video series on easy maintenance tips for road bikes in this free video series that covers the basics of how to become a knowledgeable road biker. Mickey is a Category 3 road racer, Semi-professional DH mountain bike racer and avid BMX bike racer. He also owns Spooky Bikes. I thought this was an excellent series and think you will too.

Maintenance Checklist

Dr. Edmund R. Burke, Ph. D. on Active.com put together a simple list of necessary maintenance items and recommended frequency of maintenance is designed to give a recreational or club cyclist or a commuter an outline for a schedule. This list is simple and straight to the point bike maintenance checklist.

Let me know any other good tips or resources.

The day started off in the Manasquan River with about 20 other swimmers to do a morning open water swim. I swam a tough stretch against the current and really did better than I thought. While I know I still have a lot of work to do I am becoming more confidant in the water. The swim back with the current was extremely speedy and it almost felt like cheating. Focus on swimming form and sighting techniques. Total distance approx. 3/4 mile.

Part two of the day was a forty mile bike ride. This was the longest distance I had attempted to date. I was concerned that I would not be able to keep the pace with more experienced riders. For the most part I was the caboose but hung in there for the whole ride. I really had a great sense of accomplishment when completed.

The company was great and I connected with a few new people. I truly have become enamored with the sport and the community and am anxious to complete my first event.