Emma's Try-a-Tri diary, week 2

Week 2: A scenic ride along Marston Ferry road

The bike stage of a triathlon is always the longest, and many training guides recommend you spend as much time in the saddle as you can, on account of this.

As well as quantity though, it's quality that counts, and this week, Emma was looking to mend a sometimes fraught friendship with her bike. “I've been riding a racing bike for a few years now but have only moved on to using SPDs... and it hasn't always been a happy relationship. Forgetting to unclip and falling flat isn't the most flattering look, so I played it safe and took my mountain bike to the session.”

Despite her initial nerves, the bike session itself was a success for Emma. “ Although we didn't ride a huge distance – I feel like I know Marston Ferry Road very well after several trips up and down it – I took a lot away from the session. Our coaches explained to us how to work through gears properly (it's not as obvious as it sounds) and we practised keeping an even cadence whatever our speed.” And Emma's next biking goals? “Hopefully, with a bit of practice, I'll translate these skills across to my road bike and will be able to clip in, clip out and pedal along with new found confidence”

Claire Inness, Oxford Tri publicity officer