Really proud of myself! (Add yours!)

[GulfCoastAmy]

I have now been riding for one month. When I started I wasn't sure if cycling was something I would stick with. Fast forward to today when I can't imagine NOT riding!

In my first month I have ridden 6 days a week, 411 miles total, with my longest single ride being 33 miles. All of this on my trusty old MTB.

I am so excited and proud of myself and can't wait to see what the next month will bring! And now that I know I'm "serious", I am going to treat myself to some padded shorts and slicks. :D (eventually a new bike, hopefully!)

So, what are you proud of? No matter how big or how small, I want to hear some horn tooting!

[Biciclista]

hey congrats, Amy.
I have done over 80 bike commutes this year.

[pinkbikes]

Fantastic! Keep turning those pedals girls!:)

My proud moment came the night before last. I had a mechanical moment that really rocked. I am a little bit mechanically minded and can fumble my way through most of the basics, and would even say I'm pretty damned good at the really basic things like changing tyres.

But the other night I pulled out the fork of my mountain bike, used the Fox video online and pulled the fork apart and serviced it and put new enduro seals in it. And I actually got it all back together and back on the bike like new! And with all the controls working!:D

The casualty list read:

- one thumbnail (slipped and bent it right back when pressing the seals home)
- one ball bearing (dropped one of those teensy tiny little 2mm bearings ten times and only found it nine times - so had to get a new one for 10cents)

Of course the real kicker came when I went to go out and take it for a ride yesterday and found I'd broken a spoke the day before. So I had another mechanical experience getting a new spoke and nipple, removing the old spoke and replacing it (it had to be on the back wheel of course, so brake disk and cassette had to come off to get it out:p).

I am feeling so mechanical it *hurts*!:D

[Tri Girl]

you are a mechanical stud, pinkbike! ;)

Great job Amy!!! I'm thrilled for you and your new-found love of riding. It's the BEST, isn't it?

It's not 80 commutes like Mimi (wow!), but I've commuted 7 out of the 9 days since school started (it beats the 4 out of 350 days at my last school that was too far away to ride to).
I look forward to getting out of bed and making the very short 15 min. commute to work, and am just as excited to get on my bike at the end of the day. I find I don't want to go for longer rides during the week now, but that's OK with me because I wasn't doing much more than 30 min/day before anyway. :) The kids at school are noticing and have commented on my bike rides. I hope to inspire some of them to ride their bikes to school.

[Wahine]

This thread is fantastic.

Good work Amy, you certainly deserve some shorts and slicks!

Mimi you rock.

PinkBikes - I am always so pleased with myself when I fix something. Well done. And it's good to have some wounds to prove you did it!

TriGirl - no matter what the commute, commuting is a really good thing. Way to go.

I am proud of riding twice today, my mtn bike at lunch and my road bike at tri club workout. AND I am proud of riding so hard at one point in each of these rides to get a little pukey. It sounds sick, but it's what I need to do. Endurance I got, speed and power, not so much.:D:D

[Owlie]

I figured out how to change a flat, and I'm starting to work out the mechanical stuff too! (I'm someone who likes to work with her hands, but is mechanically inept.)

[CyborgQueen]

Within one month, I rode 300 miles...and I'm a new rider. So I'll say that's pretty darn tooting for me!

I need new shorts as well.

I'm impressed with your feat on a mtb...you'll rock it hard when you get the slicks or road bike in the future. I could barely do 5 miles on my mtb! Now, i'm rocking 20 miles a ride.

[Medianox]

Amy-Congrats! Thats fantastic! And, since we are practically bike twins, I know how hard it is to keep going sometimes-but there is something about it that just feels too good to stop!!
Thing I'm most proud of...since mid July I have ridden at least 6 days a week. Three days I commute to work (6 miles total per day on those days), 2 days I ride my 10 mile loop and on the other day I ride as far as I can (18-20+ miles)-then I take a day off. My body loves it but my brain still wants to be out riding!
Thing I am happiest about-going bike shopping this weekend!
High fives to everyone!:)

[GulfCoastAmy]

These are awesome!! Keep 'em coming! :D

[graceomalley]

Oh, I am so impressed Amy! FANTASTIC achievement.

pinkbikes, I am so terribly bowled-over by your fork accomplishment. That has got to feel terrific! :)

Cyborg Queen, 300 miles in one month is fantastic!

While I am packing up a 3400 sq ft house to move and am back in nursing school FT, my mind wanders back to the trails and can't wait for a free hour to get out there on my bicycle and ride!

[momtohanna]

I did my first 20 mile ride this week. I've only been riding a few weeks and even 2 weeks ago I wondered if I would be able to ride 35 miles for my first scheduled organized ride at the end of Sept. Now I have no doubt I can do it, and will do it before the ride for sure!! :)

Congrats everyone on your accomplishments ~ I would like to start tackling the mechanical stuff soon, so far, hubby's done it all.

[staceysue]

I love this thread! It's inspiring to hear about everybody's successes and excitement.

I'm proud of myself because I'm almost 40 and I've never been athletic before. I was never in sports in school, and hated gym, and at my age I've found 2 sports that I love. I've kept up XC skiing every winter for 4 years and this is the second summer I've bicycled, besides just around the campgrounds. The cycling bug bit me hard a couple of weeks ago just like the ski bug did 4 years ago, and I know I'm in it for life now. It makes me proud that I'll be doing something athletic year-round.

It also makes me proud that I'm doing this for the love of it and not because I want to lose weight and look pretty.

[lauraelmore1033]

I used to have this hill that I considered an evil nemisis hill. I always had to dismount about half way up and walk the rest of the way. I'd forgotten about that until yesterday when I encountered the hill (which is a no big deal hill by now) and there was a group of young men huffing and chuffing and walking their bikes up it. it was a good feeling to realize how much I have improved.

[Trek420]

And to dust them :p

[copperlegend]

I've had my bike for just about a month now, and I've ridden it from work (drove there in my subaru, parked the car overnight, rode home) then to work the next day. It's 18 miles, lots of hills, but nothing crazy. Riding home took 1.5 hours, riding to work was just under an hour! Planning on commuting 3 times next week. Added bonus: there's a HUGE sunflower field on the back roads, and they're in bloom right now!!!

Yep, I'm addicted

[lo123]

I got my bike at the end of March, and I'm about to cross over 1500 miles.:D

[lauraelmore1033]

And to dust them :p

That would have been satisfying-- to "chick" some young fellas on a hill--but they were cresting the hill as I approached the bottom. I have improved, but not THAT much!

[nolemom]

I got my first road bike one year ago this 9/11 (my birthday). I can remember how hard the flat rides were as I slowly built the mileage and speed. This last weekend I went 70 miles to our "big hills" here in central Florida. I not only made every hill without using the "granny gear", but as the only female I finished the ride with the front group. I got my new bike Feb. 1 and on that ride I hit the 5000 mile mark. I LOVE RIDING MY BIKE!:D

[Kris]

What a great thread!

I live on top of a hill. It's not a big hill by most standards (I'm in Central Illinois). When I started riding, I could not get up the hill without getting off and walking. Now I can get up it without going anywhere near the lowest gear!
Oh, yeah, I know how to use those gears now too.

[Kano]

This is a silly one, but there's a LONG way to go to get DH to understand some of the important things in cycling (like that his saddle should NOT sag to the rear left, and he should sit "straight" and not "twisted" on it, and that the saddle should be high enough....)

The other day, I got him to add some Nuun to his water after our ride, since he says he's a "waste case" after riding this summer -- and he said "That 'Alka Seltzer stuff'' was pretty good!" -- and actually considered doing things other than sitting all evening after the ride!

This means ONE of the issues may have been solved! (he may actually prefer gatorade or something, but at least he's now a believer) and MAYBE he'll be up to listening to other suggestions I might make?

Karen in Boise

[Trek420]

Can we put non bike related stuff? If so:

I'm taking a class in medical billing and coding, the class is after work two nights a week. 2 more classes and I'm done at least with this class. Next up should be anatomy and medical terminology. Yikes :rolleyes: :eek: ;)

[GulfCoastAmy]

Went my furthest ever today - 39 miles! Ordered my slicks too - can't wait!

[Medianox]

39 miles! Holy Cow!!! That is great! How do you feel? I can't wait to go that far...21 miles has been my record so far!
Congrats! Did you get some shorts too?? :)

[snapdragen]

Did an eight mile training walk today -- dang it was hot! The last 3 miles were a bear, up until about .75 to go, I broke out my MP3 player -- Santana's Soul Sacrifice got me back to the start. I almost salsa danced down Natural Bridges Rd. :D

[Trek420]

I fixed my neighbors kids bike :) She was riding around the condo grounds, then stopped when her chain fell off. Her mom could not get it back on the rear cog. The mutt and I were just back from a walk. I told her I"d be back and fix it. And I did! :cool:

Then we talked about how the bike was way too small. Her kid is ready for a new bike anyway. I recommended a local shop with a good selection of kids bikes.

Think I know a kid who's getting a new bike tomorrow. :)

[SpinSpinSugar]

I fixed an old 3 speed bike I picked up at a garage sale for $5 yesterday. (in really good shape with fenders and a basket) I've never worked on a internally geared bike before. All it needed was a few adjustments to the cable and the shifter lever tightened back up and it was good to go.

As I was walking it down my driveway my next-door neighbor walked by, and I half-way joked "need a bike?" Her eyes got really big like saucers and she said "YES!! I do! My bike is too small and uncomfortable. That looks perfect for me! Can I trade you for it? Give you money?" ..Lol... I told her don't worry about it.. she could have it after I made sure it was safe to ride. So after cleaning it up this afternoon we will be delivering our neighbor her new/old bike. :)

[momtohanna]

Today I did a 16 mile ride 8 miles into the wind, towing my daughter in the trailer behind me. Ended up going a much hillier route than usual so I could go out into the wind instead of on the way back.

First long ride with hubby and he dusted me which was kind of irritating ~ but, what can you do ~ so much for a family ride lol.

But it's the first long ride I've done towing the little monkey. Of course she had to take a pit stop half way ~ which was good because my legs needed the break. :)

[GulfCoastAmy]

I love reading these - so cool! We rock!


39 miles! Holy Cow!!! That is great! How do you feel? I can't wait to go that far...21 miles has been my record so far!
Congrats! Did you get some shorts too??

Honestly, I felt like I was going to die and it took me forever! (4 hours) I was too busy being proud of myself to care too much though. LOL. Haven't gotten the shorts yet. Maybe this coming weekend.

[Medianox]

That is a great achievement! I know how I felt after my first 20 mile ride....I came home, showered, and the next thing I knew it was 2 hours later and I was waking up from a nap! But I felt soooo good....
Its so cool to hear everyone's great moments-I think its the best way to get inspired!

[Crankin]

Well, this proudness is for my son. He rode his bike to work today from his new apartment. Yesterday we helped him move some stuff that a friend was giving him for the place, and this friend lived by his office. Then we drove to his apartment. Some of the worst Boston/Cambridge/Somerville traffic imaginable. I would never ride in that!
But he emailed me to say it took him about the same amount of time as from his old place, which was a couple of miles closer.
I told him he deserves some nice cycling goodies from us!

[newriderinms]

I finally went clipless last week and it wasn't so bad after the first dozen or so falls :)

[BikingNurse]

I've had my bike for just about a month now, and I've ridden it from work (drove there in my subaru, parked the car overnight, rode home) then to work the next day. It's 18 miles, lots of hills, but nothing crazy. Riding home took 1.5 hours, riding to work was just under an hour! Planning on commuting 3 times next week. Added bonus: there's a HUGE sunflower field on the back roads, and they're in bloom right now!!!

Yep, I'm addicted
Copperlegend-
OH. I miss sunflowers. could you take a pic and post it please?

My recent "yippie!" moment was when I was able to change saddles yesterday. I like the new one much better.
And my Biggest this year is concering my "Nemisis hill" I still go super slow but I remind myself that it's way harder to walk the bike up than ride it.

[Geonz]

:Dhttp://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/happy/happy0034.gifhttp://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/happy/happy0034.gifhttp://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/happy/happy0034.gifhttp://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/happy/happy0034.gif

I managed to stay focused enough at the bike coop, between people dropping in, to figure out how to get the new Xtracycle bag around the tubes thingy so now I don't have a hole big enough for a softball to fall through in there.

AND I can almost find the floor in the living room now...

[redrhodie]

I finally have something to add to this thread! I'm proud of myself for not riding today, which was a beautiful, gorgeous, perfect bike-riding day, so that I could spend time with a relative who is in town from CA. Putting my family member first was a big deal for spoiled old me. My mother would be proud of me, too.

[tctrek]

I rode my longest "on the road" ride this weekend - 54 miles with lots of hills. I rode 28 miles on the day before the 54 mile ride -- so thought I might be too tired, but I made it and didn't walk up any of the hills :D:D:D

In the past 90 days I have logged 1,190 miles on my bike!

[Fletchinator]

This is a really fun and encouraging thread! Bravo to all of you ladies! Cycling has made a huge impact on my life and it's so cool to read about other ladies experiencing the same joy and freedom that cycling lends. :)

I started racing this year and set a few goals: win at least 1 race (which is hard to do), ride my first century, and upgrade to Cat 3. I've accomplished all!!! It's an awesome feeling!:D

[momtohanna]

Did my longest ride to date ~ 28 miles yesterday!! I'm totally confident now I will be able to finish my first organized ride which is only going to be 35 miles. In fact, I'm actually thinking about doing the 65 mile option. :)

@TCtrek AWESOME!! congrats, that's a lot of riding. way to go!

[azfiddle]

I'm congratulating myself after this weekend too!

I rode almost 75 miles altogether- all with with the new clipless pedals. Sat and Sunday I rode with my husband for my longest ride yet- 39 miles - on Saturday, a shorter ride on the hilly "loop" drive at Saguaro National Park, and 20 miles by myself on Monday. I averaged almost 14 mph on Saturday on the long ride and 14.9 on Monday, so I'm seeing a lot personal progress since I started riding this summer.

Nice to have this forum to share- and fun to see what everyone is accomplishing.

Sharon

[KathiCville]

I'll chime in by noting that I completed a metric century on Sunday--actually 63.8 miles--the second longest ride of my life. (The first being 77 miles back in June for the local MS150.) I managed to come in with a 13mph average, which is pert darned good for me!

Much of the route was somewhat flat or small rollers, but there were also a bunch of hills that really challenged me. Best part (besides finishing) was that I wasn't as wiped out as I thought I might be. Various parts of my anatomy were aching, but overall I felt pretty fine once I tucked the bike back into my truck and headed home!

Two years ago you would never have convinced me that I'd ever do a ride over about 25 miles. And now I'm getting ready for my first century in three weeks! :):D

[Sadie]

Proudest moment...doing a metric century ride! New to biking this year and I made it a personal goal to do 60 miles because I'll be 60 in a few weeks! I love this forum, I've learned so much from all of you. Thanks for the wisdom...

[NbyNW]

I put new bar tape on my Dahon the other day -- it needed to be done, and I had been putting it off forEVER . . . and this was the first time I had done this for any of my bikes!

[crazycanuck]

Riding in not one but FOUR separate downpours today..when is this silly weather going to stop? :mad: SUmmer better be here soon!

My rain jacket saved me :cool:

Sure hope it's not like this for our mtb event next weekend

[dangpoet]

Thanks for all these stories, gals. It's so nice to know there are kindred spirits out there. It's hard to say these things to folks who don't know what it's like to feel that grit in your teeth an hour after you get off your bike...

This summer I completed two centuries: America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride (http://www.bikethewest.com/AMBBR.html) around Lake Tahoe with Team-in-Training (Go Team!) and the Mid-Valley Covered Bridge Ride (http://www.mvbc.com/event-CBBT.html) out of Albany, OR, and I'm commuting every day in September (14 miles each way) for the Portland commuter bike challenge. These have caught my imagination and given me my fire back (not to mention helped me overcome various physical challenges, not to mention aging).

It's so cool to be this lucky. Thanks for knowing this feeling.
Best,
-Kate

[Owlie]

I conquered my nemesis hill! It's not terribly steep, but it's long, and the pavement is awful. (Ohio's philosophy on road repair is to patch it until it becomes cost-ineffective, then repave it.) On the way up, I think my lungs wanted to remove themselves from my chest cavity and whack me upside the head, but I made it. BF had gone on ahead and was waiting for me at the stop sign at the top. He grinned and said "Well done!" I gave him a quizzical look, for I was too busy guzzling half of my water bottle to talk. Then he pointed to my chain wheels. I was still in the big ring! I seemed to have had a brain fart on the way up. No wonder I wanted to not move for a bit!

Rest of the ride went well, though. :)

[bmcnamee]

I'm a new ride, maybe since April or so ... I ride 2 mornings a week about 20 miles each morning and try to get a longer ride in on the weekends. I usually have one or two of the kiddos in the trailer or in a bike seat. I am working up to doing the 24 Hours of Booty the end of this month which is a 24 hour ride to raise funds for cancer awareness. Totally looking forward to this experience!

[jp4995]

I have two! First is my longest ride to date this past Saturday (my bike was a whole week old!)- 12.5 miles, averaging about 12mph on generally flat terrain.

Second was today- new max speed of 24.3 on flat terrain!!! Yippee!

This biking thing is ridiculously addictive.

[GulfCoastAmy]

Yay! I am happy to see this thread is still going - and with so many awesome accomplishments. Way to go ladies!

My latest and greatest was a 50 mile ride on Sunday and I've finally gotten my average speed up over 13 MPH (I know, still slow to you roadies!). 50 miles, on a mountain bike and I still haven't even gotten my slicks - woo hoo! It was awesome, and I'm starting to wonder why I even want slicks, or a road bike for that matter. I feel a special kind of dorky cool riding long distances on my MTB, lol!

[indigoiis]

Amy, that is great! There is nothing wrong with mountain bikes and distance!

[jessica47201]

Well pinkbike, you made my accomplishment sound kinda sad, but either way congrats on the fork maintanence. I was so excited that I installed my aerobars and handlebar tape. I felt like a queen!!! Also, I don't know if I should get too excited about this possible accomplishment, but I have done 3, 40 mile bike rides and tomorrow I'm going to attempt to do a 64 mile ride!!! I'm a little nervous and apprehensive, but hopefully I'll find the movtivation!!!

[rubywagon]

I love reading all of your accomplishments! :D

I entered my very first cycling race! It is in two weeks. I am terrified, and very excited.

[crazycanuck]

I did the 44km option of the Dwellingup 100 today..One word: HILLY but tons of fun & some sweet sweet singletrack :D

I'll post a ride report with some pics tomorrow.

[skyler]

This thread is incredibly motivating! My proudest moment was 3 weeks ago when I decided to dust off that road bike an ex-boyfriend built for me last year. I had only been on twice before we broke up. I was determined to figure out how this thing worked. I bought some gear, you tubed how to air up my tires and off I went! I have only been out 3 times on flat roads, average 15 mph and ride about 15-17 miles. It's a start, right? Oh, found a new boy to ride with; don't know if he will stick around, but I am committed to riding - with or without a boy! ;)

[featuretile]

I just completed a 40 mile ride with the local cycling club 'B' group. It's the farthest I've ever ridden. Most 'A' rides have been too hard for me. We have BIG hills to climb wherever we go. This ride today was not as difficult as some, but nothing is flat. I am really sore all over.....

Anyway, I am 57 years old and have been riding for about 6 months. So, for me this is quite an accomplishment. I never thought I could do this. Alot of the other women riders are in their 60's and in great shape. It is inspiring. Instead of declining into old age, you get better. Any other older riders on the list?

I have been riding since March and have passed 1000 miles on my computer.

[OakLeaf]

I finished Knox County Bicycle Challenge - the whole thing.

Two years ago I did the 78-mile loop and it just about killed me.

Last year I did the 78-mile loop and it was enough.

This year I did the full 101 and it was fine.

They say if you can do KCBC you can do Columbus Fall Challenge, which I'm signed up to do to next weekend for the first time - and which I've been terrified of. Now, maybe not quite so scared (but we'll see in the morning if I would feel like getting up and doing it all over again....)

[mwilson84]

I love reading all of your accomplishments! :D

I entered my very first cycling race! It is in two weeks. I am terrified, and very excited.

I JUST started riding, so this seems like a goal that will be sooooo far away for me, but I want to...... i am jealous.

[rubywagon]

I JUST started riding, so this seems like a goal that will be sooooo far away for me, but I want to...... i am jealous.

I started road biking 6 weeks ago, so I am guessing I have no idea what I am in store for, but it will be fun either way! You can do it!

[Tropical Scream]

I'm feeling pleased with myself although it's probably for odd reasons.

Today my derailer snapped off and went into my wheel.

I calmly stopped on a dime, unclipped flawlessly and didn't even break a spoke. Bike shop says that it was probably bent from last week's two lay downs in one ride. He showed me what to check next time. I told him not to worry, if I go down I'll fall left.

The only PITA part was the blister I got from walking home. I'm happy, though. It could have been a lot worse.

Now I'm just waiting to find out if they can just replace just the hanger or if more needs to be replaced.

Darilyn

P.S. - My bike shop just called and said that my bike is all fixed, turned up and ready to go for $60. I think I'm in love. :)

[Kris]

I just finished changing my inner tube all by myself! I knew I could do it because I took a class on bicycle maintenance at the community college, but I had never actually done it. It took a while, because I had to read the directions again, and again, but it's done, and done right!

[Owlie]

The day I manage to change the tubes by myself, I will be overjoyed. Or will have replaced my tires. ;) (The tires, even without much air in them, take a bit of cajoling and forcing to get them through the brakes. Hence it requires two people--one to hold the wheel and the other to hold the bike.)

I got out both days this weekend! 3 miles yesterday, 5.5 today. I'm still not feeling 100% in regard to putting a whole lot of physical effort into things, since I had the flu a week or so ago. The muscles are pleasantly stretched. Maybe next week I'll increase my distance (and get up a bit earlier). I also finally figured out how to shift correctly. I don't love the shifting on this bike, but I think we've reached an understanding.

[Kris]

Owlie, do you release the brakes first?

[Owlie]

Owlie, do you release the brakes first?

Yes. That's the odd part. Even released, there's almost no clearance between the brake pads and the tires. :confused:

[246marathon]

Wow, Ladies! You are so inspiring! I haven't been on line in awhile - started a preschool in September with 71 students and right now we are very busy! However, I am still able to fit in some riding and running, hoping to do a duathlon late next spring or early summer. I have to say that I recently bought a Kurt Kinetic trainer (which I absolutely LOVE) so that I can ride at the end of the day or early in the morning indoors since it gets dark so early here. But on Sunday it was 70 degrees and I sent out in shorts and short sleeve shirt and road a 22 mile hilly ride a mile an hour faster than ever and kept the cadence at 90 or higher the whole way! I whole heartedly believe in the indoor trainer (and coach Troy!) for increasing my cadence and strength.

I LOVE the feeling of going out and riding farther than ever and exploring new parts of the country that I haven't seen. It is hard to compare that feeling to anything else - except to maybe add a 6 mile run to the end of the bike ride!!! Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the great work. You ladies Rock!!!

[rubywagon]

While on a ride this evening, I went past a roadside sign that says how fast you are going and I got up to 27 mph. A new personal best!

[Atlas]

I just had to post how proud I am of myself for doing the dreaded hills on the way home from running errands. There are some pretty decent hills where I live (Iowa isn't as flat as you think) and there is one I avoid all the time and I did it today and didn't die. If anything I want to go ride more instead of writing journal reviews for class.

[fatbottomedgurl]

In September I did my first sprint triathlon (500m swim, 15k bike, 5k run) at the ripe young age of 46. Notice how I said "first"?

[owlice]

Owlie, it helps to let some of the air out of the tire before trying to take the wheel off; are you doing that? (For the same reason, don't inflate all the way before putting the wheel back on, but have some air in the new tube when putting it into the tire.)

Signed,

Learned the Hard Way

[zoom-zoom]

I've had my first road bike for about 10 days and finally have had the opportunity to really play with it this weekend. Friday I did 17 easy miles with my DH and MIL and today DH and I went for 30. Originally I had planned on 26.2 in honor of some friends who ran a brutal marathon today (Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon in TN), but I felt so good that the extra few miles were a complete pleasure.

DH (who is a cycling monster, even though he looks more linebacker than cyclist) said I took to the bike like a natural, not making a lot of noobie mistakes that he said are common. He thinks I will be pretty fast with some more consistent miles under my belt. This makes me :D, since fast is not an adjective that would be applied to me when it comes to running.

It's going to be really hard to be away from my bike for this long holiday weekend. :(

[Owlie]

Owlie, it helps to let some of the air out of the tire before trying to take the wheel off; are you doing that? (For the same reason, don't inflate all the way before putting the wheel back on, but have some air in the new tube when putting it into the tire.)

Signed,

Learned the Hard Way

Even if they're mostly flat, it's still a bit of work. I don't know why Giant thought it was a good idea to put those tires on this bike, but they did. Other than that little problem, I like them, though...

[GrassyRidge]

I'm so excited. I spent a couple of months looking for a bike, since I knew I wanted to start riding more. I'm moving to FL next year, out of the city, and have some great places to ride.

So I've started taking my son to the local park here, we can easily get there in about 5 minutes by bike from our house.

So today we went, him on his small child bike, and me on my fancier one. After five miles and 30 minutes on the playground he says "I'm not ready to go home yet." So we kept going up the parkway, and ended up doing 9 miles in all. Keep in mind he is 6, almost 7, riding a one gear bike with a seat that hits me just about six inches above me knee.

I can't believe how well he did and how much fun we had. As long as the weather holds we should have some great times, and I can't wait til next spring!!!!

[Mmm4dmb]

Good job everyone! I have had my bike for about a month as well, I try to ride at least 2-3 days a week with having school and with the weather. During the summer I hope to be doing a lot more. I ride with my friend who is a junior pro, and he took me on a 28 mile route. It has a lot of hills, but one in particular that I can barely get my car up...I never thought Id make it but I did, and it was the best feeling! After that my legs were shot but I just love it so much!

[Grits]

I have doubled my mileage! It took me a full year to ride my first 1500 miles. It has taken me just six months to ride my second 1500 miles!

[papaver]

So Saturday we attended the adoption course, this evening i'm starting photography classes. Next week i'm picking up school again so I can teach at a university (2 year course). Next month were starting classes to become a fosterparent.

:)

[tulip]

So Saturday we attended the adoption course, this evening i'm starting photography classes. Next week i'm picking up school again so I can teach at a university (2 year course). Next month were starting classes to become a fosterparent.

:)

:):):):):)

--------------------
I started playing cello again. Again. It's been a five years since the last time I started playing again. And 10 years since the time before that.

It's fun. Again. No pressure this time. It's just for me.

[OakLeaf]

Yay Tulip! That's wonderful. I haven't quite gotten back to that point with music again... but I'm hopeful.

[Hunter]

Two of us went down in perfect unison this afternoon in a high wind gust and a patch of newly dumped gravel. The other young male rider shouted a very loud, heartfelt curse in front of several spectators and a bunch of kids walking on a field trip.

I shouted "ta da" as someone mentioned on this forum. It lightened up a scary moment and earned me a few style points from two of the men who were walking about six feet from the crash site.

I was wearing a helmet that made a nice, loud sound as it hit the sidewalk. My crash partner wore no helmet and had a messy gash on his head.

My hand is bruised, but not scraped. My crash partner had torn up palms.

The teacher turned to her students and said, "That's why you should always wear a helmet when you ride your bike." A sweet little boy said, "I want those hand things, too."

Thanks to everyone here for the safety reminders and great posts. And thanks to whoever it was who posted about "ta da" after falls. It made me feel cool after my crash.

I think my Sirrus and I may take tomorrow off, but thanks to good safety equipment we'll be rolling again in no time.

Best regards,
Hunter

[Bike Chick]

I hope you are okay and I'm really happy that you had your helmet and gloves on. It's too bad that you had a crash but it sounds like there was a positive side to it. If only one of those children remembers what the very smart teacher pointed out, then it will make a difference.

Be sure to have your helmet checked. Sometimes you need to have them replaced after they have sustained a bounce in a crash.

I'm glad you weren't seriously hurt but I'm sure you are sore today.

[Hunter]

I hope you are okay and I'm really happy that you had your helmet and gloves on.
<snip>
I'm glad you weren't seriously hurt but I'm sure you are sore today.

Thank you very much. I was glad something good came out of the crash, too.

I'm okay. I stalled getting up this morning. Assorted body parts rashed up and bruised, but nothing serious. My bike is fine, too.

I'm sending out healing vibes to the other guy. Maybe he'll think about a helmet.

Thanks again, Bike Chick.

Hunter

P.S. - My helmet does have a little divot, so I'm off to get a new helmet later. Thanks for mentioning it. I -love- my helmet this morning.

[jodz1984]

I think it is awesome whenever anyone starts to ride and they increase there kms they do. When i heard a guy said that he'd ridden 10,000kms on his bike in the 2.5yrs he had it i thought ohh my gosh that is a lot of kms to ride, but in less than 1 year since i have started i have done over 8,500kms.

My proud moment came on the weekend when i competed in my first major track cycling competition. i had to race australian champions (also place 4th at worlds) another lady that was world masters champion and world record holder another lady that competed at national level. in one of my handicap races i heard the commentator saying that the world masters chamption was coming up the outside of me and i managed to kick and hold her off to the line, so i beat the world champion and then in my next race i managed to eliminated both the world champion and the national champion to get 2nd place. i had only been racing track for about 2 and a half months. in the other races they only got away from my in the last half a lap and i only finished about 15 metres behind them. one of the ppl asked how long i had been racing and i told her and she was speechless. All these ppl were riding track bikes that were at least $5 or $6000 worth and i was riding a 20 yr old bike that i have borrowed just to see if i liked to race track. I love track and i ordered a biek but it didn't turn up in time :(

I also got to meet an olympian :)

[sundial]

Jodz, that's quite an accomplishment! :cool:

I rode 30 miles in the rain with really windy conditions just to prove to myself it's not that bad. And it wasn't.

[Bike Chick]

I rode 30 miles in the rain with really windy conditions just to prove to myself it's not that bad. And it wasn't.

Sun, that takes some determination and grit. I don't know what's worse in that situation, the rain, the wind or the argument you have with yourself while in the midst "this is stupid being out here---just stop and call someone--no, it's not much further---I can do this--"

Jodz, great accomplishment! You must really be proud of yourself.

Hunter, that dent in your helmet could've been a dent in your head:eek:

[Ritamarie]

This is a great thread. I enjoyed reading about everyone's proud moments! I find you all inspirational!

I had a goal this year of continuing to ride through the winter which I have never done before. (My last ride in 2008 was November 2, with temps in the 60s.) I have ridden this year in conditions I would never had considered before. On Friday I did a 25 mile road ride with a friend in 17 degree weather, 15 mph winds and had a blast. As I was leaving the house, I was thinking, "this is crazy!" but when we were done, I realized I'd just raised the bar on my perception of what my body could handle.

[crazycanuck]

I know this may sound strange but...training is paying off :rolleyes: (for both me dear n I)

I've noticed a change in my fitness...The horrible hill (Trekhawk-Welshpool road east..) doesn't seem as horrible anymore. Ok, i might be slow going up it but I no longer feel as if i'm about to pop...Same with a few off road sections..Could it be the core work i've been doing is also starting to pay off..hmmm

Now if i could go faster up the hills that would be great..

Interesting..:o

[Owlie]

I went out on Friday for a ride on the bike trail. This is the first ride since I got my computer working again (lots of magnet and sensor-fiddling involved). The stats (I'm a scientist. I like numbers):
Total mileage: 23.9 mi.
Average speed: 13.7 mph, but that's including stops--there are lots of spots where the trail crosses busy roads. It was probably closer to 15 in terms of actual speed. That's a significant improvement for me from the last time I rode with a computer--attached to BF's dad's bike; he was riding behind me.
I also passed the 20mph speed limit! Admittedly, not for long--the bike starts feeling a little unstable above 17.5, I found. But the feeling of that kind of speed is great. :)
I was a little sore immediately after getting off the bike to walk it across some rather nasty railroad tracks, but other than that, nothing. I think I need to up my mileage next time.
I also needed this ride as a morale booster--I fell twice during my last ride due to ice/refrozen snow. Ick.
I'd have done more, but I was punching a clock--good thing too, as there was a very large thunderstorm rolling in.

[Trek420]

Passed my midterm? :confused: while training for a half marathon, working full time and lost weight.

[Slowspoke]

Good for you trek!

I am shooting for small goals. Right after I post this, I am going out to the garage to unearth all my biking gear that was Jammed into the garage when I moved last August. It's cold, windy and rainy today so I have to be happy with small goals. :o

[zoom-zoom]

I just completed my first solo ride...and also my longest -- 33.6 hilly miles. It went great except for dropping my chain 2x. Guess my bike is due for its first tune-up and cable-tightening.

[XMcShiftersonX]

I am so proud of myself today! My husband and I were planning on doing a 45 mile bike ride today with 2000 feet of climbing, this would have been the longest ride I've ever done, but not the most climbing (my max was 2200 feet). I was really excited about that, but while we were out on the ride, I was feeling good and so we decided to extend the route a bit. Anyways, we ended up doing 52.10 miles, with 2215 feet of climbing, and I averaged 13.3mph for the whole ride! I'm so happy with my performance, and I can't believe I did a half century!

-Jessica

[curlieOne]

You sound like me last year. I did the same, started off slow to make sure I can get into cycling. I absolutely love it and am now looking to purchase my first good bike. Keep at it and good luck!

Portia
http://thenewbiker.blogspot.com/

[Trek420]

Good for you trek!

Thank you! :) Got another test on Tuesday :confused: