Off we go!!!

[Cha Cha]

Hi everyone -

Took the plunge this past weekend and got my bike - so I guess this makes me a baby cyclist... I have toyed with the idea for a couple of years (I'm 42) - and the planets all aligned to say "It's time!" So - off we go!

My screen name is Cha Cha, which is actually my bike's name. She's a sweet Schwinn Fastback Comp.

DBF is an experienced and very committed racer, but super patient with me as a newbie, and this is something we're really going to enjoy together. My primary goal for 2007 is to complete the MS Bike Tour (150 miles / 2 days) in September or October. It's a stretch goal, but that's the best kind.

Fortunately, although I"m not very fit, I'm not overweight and fairly compact, so I think the goal is doable. All the other good stuff along the way (fun time with the DBF, getting smaller, more energy) just makes it all that much sweeter!

I'm so glad to be here and look forward to reading some more posts! The warmth and support are so wonderful to see. Happy holidays, everyone!

Amy
Cha Cha

[Thistle]

welcome cha cha :)

[tygab]

Hi Cha Cha,

Welcome! You will be able to do it just fine! I got my bike last March with a goal very similar to yours (do the Pan Mass Challenge, a 2 day fundraising ride), and I was also out of shape. I had to learn everything (except the balancing/go forward part)! At first it was all a challenge, but as the weeks went by, my mileage started to creep up and so did my confidence. I got fitter and happier too. Going into the ride I still wasn't sure, just because I hadn't done it before but as you said, the goals that are a stretch are the best kind. Well, I had a blast on my ride and am already to set new goals for this year which include the charity ride but also I plan to do some triathlons and a century! phew! who would have thought?

Enjoy your new baby, and go for it! And kudos to DBF for being patient. My husband was too (also a new road rider, but he did a lot of MTB). Just remember that once you have a bit more confidence the pace will come up but not quite to his - and staying with the guys may stress you too fast too soon. Hopefully you will find some friends or TE riders to mix up your rides with.

-T

[Bad JuJu]

Welcome to our addiction, Cha Cha! I was nearly 40 when I rode my first metric century. Now I'm 54 and still totally in love with cycling. Have fun and keep us posted on your progress.

[RoadRaven]

As Juju says, welcome to THE addiction... prepare to change priorities and become bike/cycling focused.
Its WONDERFUL!

You seem to have two excellent factors in ensuring your love of this... enthusiasm
a supportive and knowledgable cycling/training partner (even better when this person is your life partner)

Enjoy, and I look forward to seeing you join in the convos round the board!

[Cha Cha]

I appreciate your pointers, warmth and enthusiasm! I feel really official now - went ahead and got a pre-emptive tetanus shot at the dr yesterday, then went home and merrily rode 45 min on the trainer while watching the 2005 TDF... Got a major case of the giggles when I was straining to keep up and realized these guys are all going uphill - like way uphill...

Life is good. :)

DBF and the bikes and I leave Sunday morning for a week lakeside - forecast is for mid 50's all week so should get some good rides in. But taking the trainers too, just in case. Will have a report!

Happy holidays and happy new year everybody!

Cha Cha

[Geonz]

One of the many, many, many nice things a bout bicycling is that the "learning curve" is not too steep. It really *is* feasible for many people to get in shape to go a long distance, fairly quickly. Not necessarily to be the fastest, but to have a good time doing it, too.
Hard part is telling the very new folks that those people knocking off 20 miles without thinking were as new as they were... just a few weeks before!
Welcome aboard!! You'll be hooked in no time...