What's in a (bike's) name?

What do you say? Want to help me name my bike?

Why does my bike need a name? Because just calling it "my bike" is pretty boring.

I'm not really into boring...have you ever seen me with a plain pony tail? Or all in black? Or in white shoes?

Here's my bike...it's a Mongoose mountain bike. Nothing fancy, but it's been working great for me.

In chatting with various (biker) friends recently, I have noticed several have named their bikes (affectionately and otherwise). One friend, Kelli, owns several bikes...and each bike has a distinct  name. Another fiend, Paula, has never named any of her bikes (though she did challenge me, asking if I've named any of my running shoes).

There are five compelling reasons this may sound totally crazy...

1--I'm not really that much into cycling, but I am in to cross-training. My running is my first love (fitness-wise), but I know to become a better runner I need to do more than just run. Cycling is a great activity... not only for cardio, but also for strengthening your legs.

2--I don't have all the extra gear, but I do have the basic necessities...a bike and helmet. I'm not yet convinced gloves are needed (anyone care to chime in on that?). The padded shorts not only look dorky (#unfashionable), but eeewwwww. Doesn't it feel like a thick diaper when you're not sitting "in the saddle?" And biking shoes.....that's just an accident waiting to happen.

3--I don't have time for long rides, but (somehow) I am able to make time for long runs. I suppose it's a matter of priority. I have only done one competitive cycling endeavor(a duathlon...recap HERE), so I don't have much experience with what even constitutes an effective cycling workout. An hour long? Hills? Speed? Some of everything?

4--I don't know much for bike maintenance. I've never changed a tire (or even pumped air into them). I have played around with the height of my seat, though. I'm still trying to figure out gear-shifting, and how it plays into cadence. Pathetic, huh!

5--I have only been consistently riding my bike for a few years, although I have owned it a long time. That's right...I rode my bike now and then when I first got it (nearly 10 years ago), but then it got put in storage for the winter and I never took it back out until a few years ago.

I guess one could say my bike and me have had a bit of a rocky relationship. After all, there is not much love lost when I chose my running shoes over a ride.

I am starting to appreciate what my bike can do for me, though. There's a bike trail (about a mile from my house) that goes out to a state park. It's an approximate 15-mile round trip, and it's very hilly. I have run the route many times, and it's tough. But it's a very different experience doing it on wheels, especially on a windy day. It's a substantial conquest to make it all the way over those hills (and back!) without having to dismount and walk!

Those same tires that stubbornly fight the uphills also thoroughly enjoy the downhills. Also, riding allows for intermittent coasting, which gives the legs (and lungs) some much-earned downtime....as we make our way to the next incline.

It's no secret the Mongoose and I have been spending more time together....I might as well give it a name and make it official. Any suggestions?

Do you cross-train on a bike? Ever done a duathlon? Does your bike have a name?

 I'm linking up with Courtney from Eat Pray Run DC, Mar from Mar on the Run!, and Cynthia from You signed up for WHAT?! for the Friday Five. Head over, check out their blogs and also all the other linked blogs for some great reading!