Happy Birthday, Dad!

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My dad came to visit today, and I took advantage of his presence by shuttling him to the bike shop (he’s a serious cyclist).  We got cleats for my bike shoes, and now I need to practice clipping in and out. 

 

A lot of you mentioned investing in a triathlon suit for my upcoming Olympic tri.  I agree it would be more comfortable than a bathing suit + bike shorts, but triathlons (like cycling) are kind of expensive, and I can’t afford to sink any more $$ into the sport yet.  If I have a lot of fun and decide to stick with it, I’m sure I’ll upgrade.

 

Anyway, while we were at the bike store, I had a Glo Bakery bar – but my camera ate the picture.  🙂

 

And then the Husband, Dad, and I went to our favorite Thai place to celebrate Dad’s birthday.

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Don’t we look alike?

 

I had 2 of these spring rolls:

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And ordered the Cashew Nut Tofu:

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With a side of brown rice:

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I managed to finish almost all of it.  🙂

 

And Key Lime Pie for dessert:

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A lot of you have commented that you’d like to get into cycling, but you’re not sure what bike to buy.  My dad actually helped me prepare a post on buying bicycles, so keep your eyes peeled! I’ll try to finish it up and post sometime early this week.

 

Do you own a bike? What kind of bike is it – for leisure or a racing bike?  Mountain or road?  Most importantly… did you name your bike? 🙂 My bike’s name is Pink!

{ 65 comments }

 

  • Michelle@eatingjourney January 30, 2010, 8:36 pm

    I do have a bike and I love it. I actually got it as a present. I am lucky to be living in Australia, because it’s an insanely active place to live and there are HEAPS of bike paths to ride along the river/ocean.

    I need to get back on it. I don’t have a name yet, I’ve never been one to name things. Perhaps I’ll get that process started. I love the feeling of riding a bike, it’s like a mild feeling of flying.

  • mackattack January 30, 2010, 8:49 pm

    haha I don’t own a bike but my husband owns two. The first is an Elite road bike (this is a bike that can be used when you can draft-ride in a line right behind each other). The coolest thing about this bike is that his signature is on the body! How fun! The other is a Specialized TT bike (time trial) it’s to be used when you can not draft. It is so narrow with such long aero bars!

    He hasn’t named either of them…but they are fast, and super light!

  • haya January 30, 2010, 8:50 pm

    fun!

    i have a cyclocross bike, which looks like a road bike but is designed a little bit differently (slightly different frame geometry and a little more heavy duty than a superlight road bike)
    doesn’t really have a name. the model name is “jake” and since mine is the smallest size it comes in, i call it baby jake.
    i use it mostly for commuting, but this year i plan to at least try out some cyclocross racing (it is kind of an insane sport). we also ride for fun quite a bit.

  • Whitney @ whitinspired.wordpress.com January 30, 2010, 8:50 pm

    You and your dad look SO much alike! Especially the smiles :). I have a bike, but it’s just a 10 speed that I picked up so I could bike with the hubs. He loves his!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is January 30, 2010, 8:51 pm

    You do look alike! Happy Birthday to your dad. 🙂

    I have a Trek. Doesn’t have a name, but it is pink. 🙂

  • Evan Thomas January 30, 2010, 8:52 pm

    Happy birthday to your dad!

  • Jessica @ WHY DONTCHA RUN January 30, 2010, 9:07 pm

    I’m looking forward to your post on bikes. I’ve been contemplating purchasing a used bike, but have no idea where to even start or what to look out for. Bring it on! 😉

  • Brie (The Fit Bride) January 30, 2010, 9:09 pm

    I don’t have a bike yet, but I really want one! I’m hoping for one for my birthday this summer.

    I tend to give things random human names. My car is Lucille, and my Garmin is Sheila.

  • Joanne January 30, 2010, 9:19 pm

    I have a bike that was purchased over 15 years ago. I changed the seat but it still doesn’t help. Everytime I go over a bump, it is SO hard!
    I would love to get into cycling again. Around here (Upstate New York), it is so hilling, cycling would make a great workout.
    What kind: Leisure …and old “Ames Dept. Store” special. I don’t even think that store chain exists any more?
    As for naming my bike: nothing flattering comes to mind.

  • Bec January 30, 2010, 9:20 pm

    I am from a cycling family too so I have a couple of bikes, a Trek WSD 2.3 road bike, an old Peugeot road bike for getting to class and a specialized mountain bike but I am looking to get a new mountain bike this spring!

  • Jenna January 30, 2010, 9:21 pm

    Thai food looks simply delicious!

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) January 30, 2010, 9:22 pm

    When I get back from my spring travels, I want to get a bike even if it’s not a “nice” racing bike. It would just be handy to get around the city and an alternative form of transportation.

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans January 30, 2010, 9:22 pm

    I have a road bike that my dad and I built together from parts! I love it because I got to pick every single component and her name is the JamStar (Jamis frame, not very original, I know). Caitlin, it would be worth popping into the Pearl Izumi factory store in Orlando because they have some KILLER deals on tri gear. Running in tri shorts instead of bike shorts would be MUCH more comfortable!

  • Ashley January 30, 2010, 9:25 pm

    What is the name of the Thai restaurant you went to? I live in Orlando and am always on the look out for good Thai food !!

    • caitlin January 30, 2010, 9:58 pm

      Royal Thai on Semoran and Colonial – you must try it!!!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg January 30, 2010, 9:26 pm

    Awww– cute!! Y’all definitely look alike!

    I have a hybrid bike that I use for leisure when the weather is nice 🙂

  • Alison January 30, 2010, 9:28 pm

    You guys are so cute! You look so much alike.

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) January 30, 2010, 9:30 pm

    You DO look alike! Everyone tells me I look exactly like my dad + his fam. Key lime pie….drooool. I didn’t get to have any when I was in FL over winter break. I miss it!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing January 30, 2010, 9:31 pm

    I look forward to your dad’s post. I don’t have a bike and have NO clue where to start.

    Would the Glo Bar you had be the new Adore bar?! Are they as amazing as they sound?

    And you and your dad DO look alike.

  • Jessie January 30, 2010, 9:32 pm

    Is that rice a mix of different rices? It looks nice and chewy and filling.

    Pink — what a cute name! 🙂

  • Stephanie January 30, 2010, 9:32 pm

    I bought a trek 7.3fx bike just after Christmas and I am obsessed. Yes I named her blue for her beautiful aqua color! This is considered. Fitness bike but with road tires so it is a little more multi-functional than my road bike but still is quick enough to train with. I definitely agree that a road bike is needed for serious racing though.

    Happy Birthday HTP Dad!!!!!!!

  • Ashley January 30, 2010, 9:36 pm

    The brown rice looks so so yummy!! I really want to do a tri, but the biking definitely makes me nervous…I think I’m signing up for another 1/2 marathon in May and then maybe I’ll look for a tri. =)

  • Erin January 30, 2010, 9:47 pm

    I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for the bike post! I think I’m going to ask for the money for a nice bike soon. I haven’t owned one since college!

  • Cyclist Kate January 30, 2010, 9:51 pm

    I have a 2007 Cannondale Optimo road bike that I looooove. It’s a women’s specific frame, so the saddle, handlebars, and reach are all fit for women. I also love that it only weighs 17 pounds. I invested in Sidi roadbike shoes last year that make a huge difference in power transfer, too. For just tooling around town, I have a kelly green New York City Bikes frame that my boyfriend built up into a single speed and a heavy cherry red cruiser bike with a basket. I love them all :).

    What helped me choose was first putting all my measurements into wrenchscience.com to make sure I had the right fit, then going around to all the bike shops and trying out different brands of frames. I found that the Cannondales fit me best and drove 4 hours to pick up the right one. Couldn’t be happier with it!

  • Lindsay January 30, 2010, 9:55 pm

    Happy Birthday to your dad! You two really do look alike! I am also training for a tri right now and can totally relate to EVERYTHING you say.
    I have a resource if you do decide you want to look into a tri wetsuit. I raced my first tri last summer, and was VERY glad I had one. I rented mine from http://www.wetsuitrental.com for $40 including shipping. Good luck with your training and thanks for being so inspiring!!!

  • Matt January 30, 2010, 10:02 pm

    I had a Schwinn roadbike but I sold it after I was hit by a car riding my other bike last year. I haven’t riden a bike since then!

  • caronae January 30, 2010, 10:03 pm

    I have a pretty purple trek bike. And why is cashew with tofu so tasty!!!

  • Allison January 30, 2010, 10:18 pm

    I have a white road bike. I use it for cross training and I want to try a race sometime in the spring!

  • ida January 30, 2010, 10:33 pm

    I have a road bike that I love, and I bought it used from a bike store that hosted a bike swap. i think bike swaps are great b/c the shop will actually check the bike out for you before you buy and make sure it’s a good deal.

  • Bernadette January 30, 2010, 10:38 pm

    I have a Specialized Dolce that I absolutely adore!!
    I started riding a few years ago and transitioned into running later while training for a Tri. I still love cycling more than anything and have a Century coming up in a couple weeks!!

    I’ve never named my bike…

    • Emily Eats and Exercises January 30, 2010, 11:11 pm

      Oooh – that’s the bike I have too. I love it! Good luck on your century.

  • Lara January 30, 2010, 10:51 pm

    My road bike is a Specialized Dolce. I bought it in 2001 and it’s been so good to me! When it’s over 40F I ride it all over Chicago.

  • Tiffany @ A Dantat's Life January 30, 2010, 10:52 pm

    Aww happy birthday to your dad! You DO look alike! 😀 And yay for Thai food! It’s one of my favorite types of food to eat out. My bike is like 10 years old and it is most definitely for casual riding! I don’t own padded shorts, so a long ride would hurt my butt sooo badly!

  • Karla January 30, 2010, 11:00 pm

    I didn’t know people named their bikes! But that sounds fun! I guess if you name a ship…

  • Amanda (modernation) January 30, 2010, 11:27 pm

    So fun! Well..learning to clip in and out of your pedals is not a fun process. But just know that you will fall (I fell 3 times – once in my apartment) but so does everyone else when they are learning. I bought a bike for my first triathlon and then completed a century ride with Ole Blue. Love my bike and the new pedals and shoes will change your life when it comes to your riding. You are doing awesome in your training and can’t wait to see how you progress!

  • Darci January 30, 2010, 11:53 pm

    oh, happy bday to your pops!! looks like you guys had a good time & yes i can tell that you’re his daughter! 🙂

    i just have a cheap mountain bike from target and no name. 🙁 looking to upgrage and will def contemplate over the perfect name when i do!

  • Olga @ Healthing It January 31, 2010, 12:05 am

    Oh yeah, I got a bike. It’s a red, bad ass beach cruiser. I’m like an old lady but my butt is really comfortable 🙂

    And it’s named Debbie Harry, after the lead singer of Blondie. ‘Cause she’s fierce, like my bicycle!

  • Catherine January 31, 2010, 12:18 am

    I don’t yet own a bike, but have gotten veeery into spinning and an contemplating buying one and getting into triathlons as well. I’m currently training for a marathon, but I’m always looking for a new challenge!

  • Catherine January 31, 2010, 12:18 am

    I don’t yet own a bike, but have gotten veeery into spinning and an contemplating buying one and getting into triathlons as well. I’m currently training for a marathon, but I’m always looking for a new challenge!

  • christie, honoring health January 31, 2010, 1:08 am

    Happy birthday, HTP dad!

  • Laura @ Strong and Steady January 31, 2010, 2:19 am

    My bikeypoo is a blue Fuji Newest 3.0, basically the ultimate entry-level road bike. And I looooove it 🙂 And when I walk into my apt and see it, I say, “Hello, Bike!” so I guess its name might be Bike.

  • Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com January 31, 2010, 3:43 am

    I really want a new bike – I have an old, very skanky looking one that is covered in cobwebs and is rattles – it’s seriously old! It was my first ‘proper’ bike, which I suppose gives an indication of how old…

  • Jess January 31, 2010, 4:29 am

    I’ve always been an avid cyclist at heart but I only recently managed to buy a real road bike.

    I own a little mountain bike named Dorothy (yes, after Wizard of Oz, although don’t ask me why).

    My lovely commuter Kona bike is named Dr Dew, because that’s its brand name. Not original, but I liked it so it stuck.

    And my brand new road bike (Trek 2.1 WSD) is named Marty McFly. Because it’s fast and yellow. Hehe.

    I love my bikes.

  • Marina January 31, 2010, 5:07 am

    I love my bike. I don’t know what actual type it is, I would just say it’s for recration. It’s really great for hills and villages, and I adore it. It’s violet, and girly, but strong 😀
    Like me 🙂

  • Susan January 31, 2010, 7:19 am

    Haha, my bike’s name is Scottie!! He’s a Scott Speedster road bike. It’s great for a workout, but I can’t really do anything else with it. This summer I’d like to get a commuter bike that I can actually ride around town.

    Happy Bee-Day HTP Dad!!!

  • Sarah January 31, 2010, 7:50 am

    Caitlin, I’ve done three triathlons and I’ve actually never worn bike shorts for the reason you’ve mentioned (the diaper feeling is no good.) If your seat is comfortable enough, you can wear running shorts over your swimsuit and be just fine. Seats aren’t very much $$ to replace if you don’t like yours without the bike shorts–it can actually be an asset to replace it too because the if you just want to tool around town on your bike in whatever clothes you’re wearing, you’ll have a nice ride. Just thought I’d throw this out there in case you hadn’t thought about it.

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers January 31, 2010, 8:17 am

    I didn’t wear a tri suit either–I just wore a bathing suit and then threw running capri-type shorts (shorter than capris, longer than shorts)and a running tee over that. As long as your seat’s comfort and your bathing suit seam doesn’t dig into the seat, you should be fine!! My bike’s name is Whitey. I didn’t know what I was going to do with it when I bought so I got a hybrid thinking it was the best of both worlds–I’ve since learned you can’t put aero bars on it 🙁

  • Nicole January 31, 2010, 9:01 am

    Gosh, I love cashew nut vegetables!! That’s my favorite Thai dish. You’ve got me craving it again now.

    I have a Raleigh road bike that I loooove! I’ve never done a race, but I like to ride super long distances. I mainly use it to get around town. I don’t drive much, so it’s definitely one of my favorite things. Although, I haven’t ridden in a couple weeks because I’m too lazy to change the tubes!

  • Jenny January 31, 2010, 9:01 am

    You guys really do look alike–same smile! 🙂

    haha I love that you named your bike Pink!

  • alexe @ soyaetchocolat January 31, 2010, 9:06 am

    Lol, I didn’t name mmy bike… It’s a mountain bike that I use only in the city though (don’t be picky when it’s free)! I use it mostly to run errands and go to work during the summer.
    When I eat in a Thai restaurant, I always order the Curry Panang with Tofu or the Pad Thai. So good!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) January 31, 2010, 10:03 am

    i so wish that i had a bike, but i don’t…too poor for one right now 🙂 you and your dad are so cute!

  • Theresa January 31, 2010, 10:30 am

    I name just about everything!
    My road bike is “Red Beard” – it’s a Felt Z85 with a red frame. My MBT is a Gary Fischer X-Calibur – named The Silver Bullet (not too happy with that name though…but couldn’t think of anything better)
    Cars and even laptops get names in this household!

    Great picture of you & your dad – you two DO look alike!

  • Tami January 31, 2010, 10:47 am

    i think i am doing my first tri with a mountain bike, we changed the tires but someday i hope to have a better bike

    i just got a pair of trishorts on sale for $20

  • Katherine January 31, 2010, 10:49 am

    Mmmm I love Thai food… I’m pretty sure I could eat Green Curry with Tofu every single day.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) January 31, 2010, 11:28 am

    My husband was asking me what kind of bike you read, but I tried searching for a post that says, and gave up after looking through about 20 posts!! Can you tell me?

    • caitlin January 31, 2010, 5:32 pm

      its a womens giant 🙂

  • Amber K January 31, 2010, 11:30 am

    I have a stationary bike, does that count? =P

  • Anne January 31, 2010, 12:15 pm

    i have a road bike. her name is julia and i lover her very much. my commuter bike is called BA (from the A team)

  • Tammy January 31, 2010, 12:51 pm

    Yay…can’t wait to read that post. I am totally intimidated by biking gear and lingo…I guess I have a mtn bike…it’s a cheap Cannondale, but I would love to invest in a decent raod bike that is good for a newbie and something that would work for tri’s.

  • Rae January 31, 2010, 3:25 pm

    I have a beautiful pink tri bike (Quintana Roo Chiquilo) that I named summer…I LOVE it!!!

    As far as a tri suit….check out ebay. i got one for 17 dollars ;ast year and its sooo comfy!!

  • Foy Update - Cook. Garden. Write. Repeat. January 31, 2010, 7:28 pm

    I own a bike. I use it to get places. I have no idea what it is. I rely on my also bike commuter husband to take care of it. I’m thinking of getting some side baskets for it so I don’t have to bike home with groceries in a back pack.

    So basically I’m no biking expert.

  • Lauren January 31, 2010, 7:58 pm

    I have always loved the idea of cycling, and when I had a running injury last spring that prevent me from running for a few months, I decided to buy a bike. I got a Specialized Dolce, and loved it! Very aerodynamic and sleek. I am definitely not as good a cyclist as I am a runner (I’m still a bit apprehensive on the bike, especially in traffic), but I’m getting there. Of course, the snow doesn’t really bode well for my riding, but once the spring comes, I’lkl be on my bike more often.

  • Elese January 31, 2010, 8:17 pm

    Can’t wait to see the bike post! Spring is just around the corner here in Chicago … well, a 3 month corner. I’m still excited for it! 🙂

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