Ok girls - just how many of us are there here?

jeannetteok

Hi,

I'm new to the board too- I'm 31, live in Washington, have two kids (1 & 3) and have finally gotten to the point where I want to be physically active and I love cycling best.

I am getting used to my clipless pedals after I fell twice a couple of weeks ago (doh), once while pulling the yakima trailer with my kids in it. Doh. Now every time we see someone cycling on the road my 3-year old chirps, "Mama, maybe they fall down?"

Nice.

I came across the board looking for tips on training for a century next year, all the links I've found are dead though.

Happy riding, Jeannette

juf2m

LOL! I had a terrible time with the clipless pedals. I fell over just standing in an intersection! I lost my balance with one foot clipped in, and one standing. I was so embarrassed and had a hideously scraped up knee. They still make me nervous, I'm not used to them yet.

keydates

I assume you've done a search. By just typing in century training, you can find some decent advice on how to train (although it is indeed old), or try century.

cdawnreed

yeah, I also am getting used to the clipless pedals. I was slowing down, trying not to stop but the car I was waiting on also slowed,and I came to a complete stop, and fell out in the middle of the street. The person I was riding with, quickly scooped me up, but I was so embarressed! I was scared to death th try again, but I just need more practice!. My knee bleed all night. I can't believe I have gotten to be 32 and am going to start all over scraping up my knees...like I did when I was a child!

jeannetteok

Heheheh... sounds like I'm not the only one with banged up knees. The first time I fell I was just about to go on my first club ride (I joined the local cycling club) and thankfully, got there early. I was also, thankfully, in a parking lot, but I was still mortified and I still feel a little anxiety, even though I have been riding accident-free for about three weeks now.

I rode along on one leg of the Hood to Coast Relay (running) this past weekend, my friend had a bit of a dodgy course in the dark... I rode along Powell Blvd in Portland, OR and snapping in and out of the pedals seems more second nature now. I was so tired when I drove home, though, that every time I hit the brake I kinda twisted my foot on the pedal, like I was kicking out of my bike.

I caught a thread in the Women's Cycling forum where some guy wanted to know why younger women don't go clipless... maybe we're just braver. Or that much closer to senility.

Happy Monday!

skycat

My boyfriend also got me into biking, but since he is an adventure racer I've gone down the mountain bike path. Completely love blasting down the mountain on single track, although I will say 2 hrs up for 10 min of fun down isn't that much fun. Luckly the ski resorts around here will let you take your bike up the chair lift, you know for those lazy days.

Grits

Hi Everyone,

I'm Cindy from South Louisiana, U.S. I'm 47 and live with my husband, who cycles with me, and our cat We are both returning to cycling for fun and recreation after 12 years. I currently own a MTB - Diamondback Sorrento-and I'm expecting delivery of a Giant Cypress SL any day now. I belong to two clubs and I'm traning for my first century! I want to commute on a daily basis to work, but haven't quite worked up to that yet. I live in a rural area with no bike paths and a poorly educated public. Aside from cycling, I enjoy scuba diving, camping, fishing, swimming and gardening, and travel.

__________________
GRITS
(Girl Raised In The South)

Endorphins - the natural high! Gotta luv em!

Knoefler

I don't know how to reply. I'll try this.

My name is Cynthia. I'm trying to reply to - Ok girls - just how many of us are there here? I live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. My hobbies are bicycling, playing piano, singing, reading. I work for a beekeeper, or work in factories.
I am 44 years of age.

Elkoninc

Hi, Cynthia and everyone else: Ellie here from Boise. thought I'd revive the chain of response since the last sept '03 reply. I am 40 this year in '04 (cute huh!). and I adore cycling... gave Spinning a try in 2000 when I was having trouble losing some 'after my second baby weight'. was hooked right away and in 6 months took the orientation to become an instructor. lost the weight, love to teach. set some goals for myself: got a job in a health club teaching Spinning, and in 2002 road some 1600 miles or more that spring and summer and topped it off with a Century ride. '03 I did some hill climb races and a two man time trial race, and liked that so much I decided to do it again this year. each year I keep adding new races I'd like to try to keep getting some different exposure in the world of cycling. love Boise because of all the riding and outdoor opportunities. I'm from Ohio and probably won't go back. So it's pretty much what I do, be a full time Mom, do some part time work out of home, volunteer here and there, and ride to zone out the world and tune in to ME. am a heart rate training geek me and my Polar...better stop here except to say good for you who is asking about the girl riders. I stumbled on this web site in search of info or connections about woman cyclists over 40

madge

Hi Cynthia, Boise sounds like a great place to live. As far as the dates for posts go, I believe you were looking at the previous poster's join date. The dates for the posts themselves are in the dark blue border at the top of each pos (day-month-yr format) Happy riding!

overthere

I've been riding a bike in and around town for 4 years on a hybrid, and just got a 2004 Dolce Elite at the beginning of Sept. FUN! I'm 45, a teacher, and was at that time when my metabolism was slowing down and the winter pounds didn't go away, no matter how much in town riding or tennis I played. So I started biking more/further and next thing I knew, I was a roadie. Darned if I haven't lost a pound, but my torso has slimmed down, and my legs are bulking up. Still just a newbie though, but I'm working on it. I love taking off down a really long, flat country road.

I'll be doing my first 'ride', the Foxy Fall Century, next month, but only the 50k. In March, a coworker and biking friend wants us to do a 100k ride (Female only ride/race). I don't know if I'll ever manage 100 mile ride though!

theresa123

Hi, my name is Theresa and I am from South Africa. Love cycling. Taking part in a cycle challenge in November. But while cycling it just feel as if I really don't have any energy can you perhaps give me some advice.

SadieKate

Just joined this list and saw your post. Go girl! Maybe I've seen you around Davis? I turn 45 in 5 days so I'm with ya. I did a full 100mile century on a tandem about 20 years ago, but have just done tons of metrics since then. Decided last winter that I had to do a full 100 on a single bike and it put me in the best shape in years. It can be done. It doesn't take that much more training. Just pick one that isn't during our lovely hot summers. If you're in good shape for the Cinderella, just keep training and you can do the Wildflower or the Wine Country full centuries a month later in fine form.

Word of advice, get your reg in early for the Cinderella. It will max out in about 4 days. Watch their website! Also watch those cars! Davis' cycling is heaven compared to the east bay. But 2,200 women on the road is a truly fun time to be enjoyed at least once.

anneslam

I am new to this forum too. I have been racing competitively for 12 years and I am easing my way into retirement, except I do not consider it as retirement in the true sense of the word since I am merely moving on into another phase of my life. Quitting the racing scene only opens many more doors I feel.
I really want to give back to the sport that has consumed my life the past decade, specifically helping and passing on my cycling knowledge to women.
I am 36 yrs old.
I am excited to see so much interest by women, and hope to keep tuned into these forums as much as possible.