My revelation.."Do I fit in here?"

[Caprice]

Last night I spent a couple of hours reading many of the posts on this site. It was obvious in my first post written about 24 hours ago, that I was so excited about my new bike and learning to ride. As I read through the forums, I read about really long rides, a few races, etc. As I viewed the pictures I noticed that most of you have these beautiful sleek and slender road bikes! I began thinking,"Oh my gosh, I have my little white pearl hybrid. I won't be entering a race. I doubt that I'll ever make a 25 mile ride. So, maybe I am out of my league on this website." I had planned to post a photo of myself and my little granddaughter on our bikes, but decided not to. I figured that I'd look like a "dork"!! I decided that I could just view posts and the wealth of information that all of you give so generously. In other words, I'd just stay to myself and make no comments or ask any stupid questions! I told my husband about my concerns. He encouraged me to hang in there. He's a serious runner, just ran Boston this past Spring. He told me that experienced runners welcome new people and there is never a stupid question. In my first post, I mentioned that I had gotten a new Hybrid and I also told my age. Still, I received 4 really kind and helpful replies to my question about clothing. A memory suddenly came back to me that speaks to what I am trying to express. I am a musician and taught piano for many years. My husband and daughters became quite familiar with the little 2 and 3 note ditties that my beginners learned in the first weeks of lessons. One day my husband said, "Don't you get tired of hearing Little White Pony?" I said, "Never! I love hearing and feeling their excitement over their accomplishments. They each develop their own style and each time I listen to this little "piece", it is fresh and new!"

That memory has truly spoken to me this morning. Am I a serious rider? "Yes!" I am committed to maintaining fitness and bike riding will add to my program. My husband and I are not only Grandparents but we are also in a parenting role. Our 7 year old granddaughter lives with us. We realized several years ago, that we must do all that we can to stay healthy and fit, so that we can raise this precious little girl. Now, I can ride with her and my husband. This afternoon will be our first outing as a threesome. I think this might be my first 10 miler.

As I read back over this, emotions well up and I think that I'm going to go ahead and post it anyway. I hope there might be someone who will take the time to read it. Perhaps there are others who understand. My role as this special caregiver is daunting. I think that becoming a bike rider will be good for me not only physically but perhaps emotionally, even more. I can do this even if I don't have a road bike! Maybe I'll have the courage to post a picture this evening! Thanks to everyone!

[pfunk12]

Yes, you fit in here, Caprice! I've only been a member of TE since April of this year and I've noticed the wide range of different kinds of cyclists on here. There's so much diversity and that's the great thing about this forum. I don't post a lot on TE because although I ride almost every day and I sometimes do very long rides, I am "technically challenged". :) I honestly don't know a thing about bikes but I come here for a lot of my answers.
And your husband is right - no question is stupid. When I first started cycling, I didn't know how to inflate my tires. I didn't know that I had to clean my bike :o There was so much I didn't know and I am still learning.
And don't feel bad if you don't get a response (or many responses) to a post. As you probably saw when you were searching, it's a pretty active forum so your question might just slip by. Like I said, I've only been on here since April but I have learned a ton from these women and they are a pretty friendly, welcoming crowd. :)

[papaver]

hey, it doesn't matter how fancy or how sleek your bike is. The only thing what's important here, is that you love cycling. So stick around and enjoy our goofy adventures and silly talks. :D

And we don't mind reading your stories too. :D

[Biciclista]

many of the riders here ride hybrids. And many more started on hybrids, me being one of them. The common ground between us all is that we are women who love to ride. welcome to TE and don't worry about dorky, we're all dorky to someone!

[Tri Girl]

Please post a picture of you and your bike! We love to see other people just like us who love to ride their bike.
We welcome EVERYONE here!!! If you ride a bike and love it: you are a serious bike rider. Who cares if you never race? Many here don't. Who cares if you never ride a century? Many here wouldn't consider it- and they are serious riders. I think being a serious cyclist has less to do with the bike you ride (or how many miles) and a lot more to do with how much you love to ride and how it makes you feel.
That being said- I don't ride with the "serious roadies" because they don't have as much fun as I do. I can probably keep up with them, but for me- riding hard and wearing myself out isn't my idea of fun. Riding my bike for miles and miles and still smiling is my idea of fun. Do what makes you happy! And I love that you're doing it for your granddaughter (and for yourself, too). She'll appreciate grandparents that can run circles around her! ;)

[spokewench]

I think that TE is the best forum on the internet for being very inclusive. There are few judgments of people and most have a very accepting nature. If you like bikes, ride bikes or just want to ride bikes; you are welcome!

[tulip]

Hi Caprice, Welcome! I saw your first post, but I'm super busy at work so I didn't reply, although I smiled and though of you and your granddaughter and husband all riding together. There are actually only a few racers here (and they are all very nice). Probably the majority of us go on longer rides, but not everyone. There's room here for you, believe me.

Good for you for being an active family!

[blackhillsbiker]

I'm glad there are people like you on here. I'm 47. I started back on a comfort bike to rehab my spine and get back into shape. I just recently "graduated" to a hybrid since my back is able to accept a more agressive (for me) riding position. I love it! I commute to work because it puts me in a good mood and helps keep me in shape. My husband rides with me when he can. We like to enjoy the exercise and scenery together. We're even thinking about maybe getting mountain bikes in the spring to ride some of the easy trails, just for the fun of it. It's all about how cycling can make your life better, which is different for each person here. I'd love to see a photo of you and your bike. If I get one taken, I'll put one up, too.

Deb

[snapdragen]

We need to see the picture of you and your grand daughter!

[featuretile]

The kind of bike you need is what is appropriate for how you ride. If you live in a flat area and ride with your family, a hybrid is just fine. There is no need to compare yourself to racers.

I'm 57 and I have step grandchildren. I bought a comfort hybrid about 9 months ago and thought it was the greatest bike. But since I did not like riding alone, I joined a beginners class with the local bike club. That class really improved my mileage and my learning of safe biking rules. Since I live in a hilly area, after 3 months I realized that the bike was not good enough for what I wanted to do. I bought a flat-bar road bike/hybrid that was lighter weight. It still was as easy to ride as the other bike, but I could keep up with the others better. It's still not a 'real' road bike, but it's what I need now.

Most of the ladies in the club are in their mid 60's and can ride circles around me. So, improving to that level is not impossible. I went from the 10 miles rides to usually 20 miles, but my longest is 40.

So, you can do that too, if you want to. The age is not the problem. I don't intend to do centuries or race either. I'd like to be able to keep up with the 60 year olds. Have fun on your bike. If you feel like you need to upgrade later, you can do that.

[Pedal Wench]

This is a women's cycling (well, and more!) forum. It's not a "fast, sleek cycling forum." It's not a "young women on bikes" forum. It's for anyone and everyone with a bike. That common bond carries over for all types - the questions remain the same. How to deal with traffic, how to increase fitness, how to dress for the elements, it's all part of the big picture.

Welcome. You fit right in.

[indigoiis]

You are awesome to take in your granddaughter. My mom just took in my sister's seventeen year old, and at age 73, that is a huge deal. I am very proud of her, as you should be of yourself! And everyone here comes from all walks of life, and share especially one thing: our live of everything bicycle.

[malkin]

"Little White Pony" would be a great name for a bike!

Welcome!

I'm a new piano player too!

[uforgot]

Hmmm...you need to take a look at this mixte thread (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=19205)! There are all kinds, shapes and ages of riders here. Welcome!

[Bike Chick]

Welcome to TE! And how wonderful of you to be raising your granddaughter. Anyone who rides a bike belongs here and that now includes you. I've only been on a bike for 6 years and have learned a lot from the ladies in this forum. I started on a used mountain bike then when hubby joined in we both got hybrids. Our first ride was 6 miles and I thought I would never make it home. It wasn't long before we traded those in for road bikes and then for better road bikes. That was many miles ago. I never thought I would be doing the things that I have done or seen what I have seen from the saddle of a bike. You are making many wonderful memories for yourself and your granddaughter. And let us see those pictures!

[GLC1968]

Hi Caprice!

Welcome to TE! Yes, you fit in here. We have all types and not to very long ago, most of us were just starting to ride bikes again (as adults), too.

I've been on TE for a little over 4 years now and my first post was SOOOO different from my more recent ones. We all evolve!

Can I just say that the last bike I had as a child was a 12-speed road bike with foam grips. I was in 4th or 5th grade at the time. I tied a heavy cord around the handlebars and I coud use that cord as a 'bridle' to ride my bike upright and steer as if I was riding a pony. It was a white bike and I called her my little pony. Your story about piano totally just brought that memory back and I thank you for that. :)

[Shara]

I'm 32, overweight, out-of-shape and have a clunky, cheap mountain bike that doesn't suit me or my style of riding lol. But I do love to ride and even though I haven't been here long I like learning (and dreaming) about different bikes, more stamina/endurance/strength, etc. Do I fit in? Probably as much as anyone else :D

[Maxxxie]

Welcome to the forums, Caprice! I can't tell you how much your post made me smile :)

I think the only prerequisite for being a TE member is a love of biking. Doesn't matter what kind of biking, what kind of bike, what sort of distance. It's all good. :D

Max

[Medianox]

As long as you love riding your bike, whatever kind of bike it is, this is the place for you. :)
I have only been lurking around these parts since this spring and have learned a lot so far-everyone is very good about sharing what they know!
Welcome!

[OakLeaf]

Welcome Caprice!

What the others said. We're a pretty exclusive group...you have to ride a bicycle - or want to ride - or used to ride - or just like to talk about bicycles. ;)

Of course you fit in here. And I love your analysis - it's spot-on.

Hope you stick around and that your whole family enjoys cycling as much as you!

[tctrek]

Welcome Caprice. I guess you figured out by now that you do belong. You are a female on a bike... heck we even have some guys that post! This is a safe place where you can ask questions without fear of being ridiculed. And you can read the posts and learn a lot!

Hope you have great fun with your bike!!

[rubywagon]

Heck yes you should post! All the other ladies have said it better than I ever could. Welcome and please stick around!

ETA: I read your post this morning as I was heading out the door for my ride and I smiled when I read it! It is great that you can join your family and do something you love!

[NbyNW]

Welcome! There are some wonderful resources here, and it's a supportive place -- doesn't matter what kind of riding you do.

Hope you had a wonderful ride this afternoon!

[KnottedYet]

I'm over 40.
I'm over 40 pounds over-weight.
I haven't ridden any of my bikes in over 40 days.

Does anyone care? Nope. You love bikes and riding, you're one of the gang!

Feel the Velo Love! :D

[channlluv]

Bahahahahaha! Sorry, I had to laugh.

When I first showed up here I was all excited about finding a woman-friendly forum, having come over from a male-dominated forum that shall remain nameless, but suffice to say they were a less-than-supportive group. I introduced myself here and someone asked what kind of bike I rode. My answer: "Um...purple."

Seriously. I knew NOTHING about cycling other than how to get on and pedal. I've learned a lot here. You will, too. And I daresay your granddaughter will, as well. Lots of us have kids who ride, too.

By the by, my bike then was a Palomar GT mountain bike, which currently hangs in the stable in the garage. The bike I ride now is a little Specialized Ruby Comp I've named Sparrow because she's light, fast, and fierce.

You'll love it here. Welcome.

Roxy

[PamNY]

Caprice, I'm sure you know by now that this is a welcoming group, but I will chime in anyway. I am 59 years old and have a hybrid, and I've gotten lots of help and inspiration from this group.

I find it very motivating to read about other women's adventures. I ride farther that I ever planned to, and I bike through the winter.

I hope you enjoy your new bike, and I would love to see pictures.

Pam

[bambu101]

Welcome from a 55 year old who has Terry Susan B hybrid and a Terry Classic, and hardly rode them at all this past summer due to a lack of motivation, and trying to start an online bag and purse business.

But I still feel perfectly comfortable checking TE every single day, and I am still doing my best to stay healthy and fit. There are topics about bread-baking, losing weight, pets, fitness and yes, bikes.

You'll love it here!

[Trekhawk]

Welcome!
I look forward to seeing some pics soon.:)

[jobob]

Oh Caprice, I have to admit I got a bit of a chuckle from your post. You sound a lot like I did when I first wandered into this forum.

This was from my very first post on TE ...


Hi everyone - I came across this forum a few days ago and I’ve really enjoyed wading through many of the threads, what a nice supportive bunch you are!

My name is Jo, I’m in my early 40’s and live in the San Francisco Bay area. My husband and I took up biking about a year and a half ago. Up until recently my husband was much more into biking than I – he now has 3 bikes to my 1, and he goes out riding nearly every day, while I just tend to plotz around for a few hours on weekends on my hybrid, staying mainly on the bikepaths near our home. Riding with me is a ‘rest’ ride for my husband, LOL!

I wrote that about six years ago. That thread turned into my adventures in getting my first road bike.

Since then, I've met a bunch of women who contribute to this forum, many of whom are my best friends to this day. And since then I've been on some pretty long rides, and I've gotten a couple more bikes. :o

But my point is, none of us started out with spiffy road bikes or entering races or going out on century rides. Many of the women here started out the way I did, well into our adult years toodling around a bit on the bike paths. Some of us caught the cycling bug along the way and have since set our sights on longer or faster rides, while some of us enjoy more leisurely rides with family or friends or on our own. It's all good. :)

So welcome.

[staceysue]

See what I mean? It really IS the best forum on the entire web.

[Kris]

Caprice, I'm way more like you than I am like all those fast-bike-owning racers who post so generously here!

[Juliegoddess]

I am delighted to be here too!! I felt the same way...that I would never "fit in" and never be regarded as a "serious bike rider". I'm 41 years old, 5'10" tall, and 220 pounds, and I don't even really have a proper bike to "seriously ride"!! My bike is a moutain bike with hybrid tires, so the wheels are smaller, and the bike is HEAVY. I mean HEAVY! I can't go for miles and miles. I am very eager to get a lighter weight road bike, but just can't afford it for now. So, my daily 10-mile rides, I think, are probably equal to 15 miles on a road bike. Everything is just more work on a smaller, heavy bike.

But I feel the same way as you all do...I need to stay in shape and stay healthy. Two of my children have autism and Tourette's Syndrome, so i need to be around for a long time to care for them. Biking is my therapy. I can clear my head, not worry so much about the future, and just focus on one mile at a time. Yes, other bikers (if there were any around here!) would fly by me, many times over, but I don't care! There's nothing like biking...nothing in the world!

[Juliegoddess]

Welcome from a 55 year old who has Terry Susan B hybrid and a Terry Classic, and hardly rode them at all this past summer due to a lack of motivation, and trying to start an online bag and purse business.

But I still feel perfectly comfortable checking TE every single day, and I am still doing my best to stay healthy and fit. There are topics about bread-baking, losing weight, pets, fitness and yes, bikes.

You'll love it here!

Ohhh, I wanted that Terry Susan B Hybrid so badly! But now I see they don't make it anymore! I sure wish that had another bike in this price range. I really want a lighter, women-specific bike...

[hoffsquared]

Hi Caprice,

I'm fairly new here too. I'm a 48 year-old new bike commuter and have found TE to be very, very welcoming. I ride an early 90's bike that a friend pretty much gave me. You'll find this a great place to visit.

Melanie

[bambu101]

A bit off the original topic, but if you are looking for a Terry Susan B, Juliegoddess, check out the section on their website for bikes for sale:

http://www.terrybicycles.com/trade/browse/sell

There are a couple of Susan Bs there. Good luck!

[krisl6]

Just wanted to add in my 2 cents about the forum. I've been lurking around here for a year or two looking for various info and finally decided to join up not long ago. I really love the atmosphere here. It's so positive. Many of the other bike forums I've visited are so negative and many of the users are far from friendly, welcoming and willing to help like the users here are. I love that there are women (and some men) from all walks of life and ability levels.

[owlice]

The answer to the question you posted in the title of this thread is yes, but I'll bet you know that now! :)

I ride a hybrid, a Giant Sedona. I've had my bike for six years; bought it when I was 46 because I was buying my then-nine-year-old a bike, and thought I'd best get one so I could keep up with him. Our first rides were on a half-mile (!) trail, which we'd ride a couple or three times, up and back, before calling it a day. When we got to five miles on that trail, I started looking for other places we could ride, and found 'em.

I still ride trails. I rarely ride on the road. The kid is now in college (and needs a new bike, as he's way outgrown the one from six years ago!). I have ridden much more this year than ever before, partly as therapy for myself! And now, I know I will feel much better if I ride, so I do.

Yes, you fit in; welcome!

[katluvr]

What can I say that has not already been said?
I think at "our age" (which is quite broad to encompass all TE members) the most important thing is to: keep moving!
You find not only the physical health benefits...but how it makes you feel inside. How you look at the world. How you look at YOURSELF.
That is what counts. So if you walk, run, bike, row or whatever it is that keeps you moving--do it. No mater how slow or unsteady it may be.
I have many of times wanted to create a cycling jersey with a tortoise on it. I am slow, but steady and I'll get there eventually! And sometimes quicker than those that go fast! (believe it or not!)
Welcome!

[arielmoon]

Hi Caprice! Welcome to TE! I think you will find that there are many different levels in which to enjoy this forum. I hope you stick around!

[Biciclista]

I hope Caprise remembers to come back and check to see what she started!

[Shara]

I think she replied here in the form of a new thread
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=35171

[Caprice]

What an amazing bunch of people! Your posts are perhaps the most affirming words that I have ever heard. "Yes", I have read all of your replies. I find myself feeling anxious to check this site at least a couple of times a day. I am interested not only in what you have to say to me, but I am interested in reading the contributions on other topics: the questions, the victories, the answers and on and on!

I am as new to being a member of a forum as I am new to being a bike rider. I don't know the correct etiquette for posting. For example:How in the heck do I know what I should post as a new thread? Or do I just continue on in this one? Here's an example...I want to mention something about my first ride with my husband and granddaughter this past Saturday. I'd also like to post a picture. Should I start a new thread or should I add it in this string??

[Tri Girl]

just keep on adding to this thread and we'll keep on reading!:p

[Miranda]

:)Welcome to TE & a lot of +1s to what has already been said. Ha... I found this forum after having the awful feeling in bike world "do I fit in anywhere, does anyone really care--ugh:(". Finding this site was like going to bike-advice-heaven.:cool:

[azfiddle]

I've been here since the summer when I started riding more to lose weight and re-discovered a joy in getting out on a bike that I had left behind after high school/college. I really appreciate the supportive, community spirit and the quick responses with helpful advice whenever someone asks. I feel like I'm always getting an education here.

Sharon

[MommyBird]

I am new (and old, 49) too.
My adult life has been spent on bikes but I am only getting serious now.
I understand the desire so many have to keep healthy and enjoy the kids. I have been driven to fitness for the same reason.
I had to give up a 10k running habit when I developed severe plantar fasciitis. I have a problem with scar tissue development and may never fully recover. Biking has gotten me out in the fresh air again.
I also get to spend more time with my husband. He has been an avid cyclist since his 20s and he is enjoying riding road bikes with me again.
Enjoy your rides with your grandchild. We have biked many miles with our boys. First with them in bike seats and then with them on their own bikes. We have many happy biking memories and wish the same for you.

[beccaB]

The guys at the bike store have told me that a sleek new road bike will not increase my speed, but training right will. I ride a hybrid. It has the perfect geometry for me and I have completed 7 century rides on it and about 2500 miles per season. There is nothing wrong with riding a hybrid. The last century I did-most of the other cyclists had them.

[WindingRoad]

OK I have sleek road bikes too I won't lie but this is the practical bike. Ninety-five percent of the time you'll see me on this and I LOVE this bike. It's comfy and fast enough to get me to school, work and the grocery when I need. It is a hybrid and I own it with pride! ;)

[BikingNurse]

Caprice,
Welcome, I just have to say that the ladies, (and some guys) are great!! And guess what? Incase you haven't noticed by now, you belong. Looking to hearing more from you. I am also not sleek and my bike isn't either. but the important this is that it's our time together that keeps me sain. (must be why I go loco in the winter- I'm not woman enough to do winter rides yet) But welcome!!

[Geonz]

Welcome aboard ;)
I've got a blue hybrid, a red hybrid, a red folding bike and a black commuting bike and a black Schwinn 1968 Racer. The fine folks here have been supportive and informative ... just keep hangin' out :) (Oh, and you can log your miles over at bikejournal.com and join the TE "team" -- we usually rank pretty high!)

Get on out there, BikingNurse -- it's a shopping excuse!

[Hub]

Bring it Caprice . . .pics too . . . we even welcome a few well behaved fellows around here

[Wahine]

See what I mean? It really IS the best forum on the entire web.

It really is.

Caprice... I am one of those riders (not recently because I've been to busy) that posts about looooooooong rides, races and other such adventures. I am also a coach. Guess what my favorite group of people to coach is.... beginners, especially women. The reason why I love it is that it warms my heart to hear the stories of the "firsts". The first time you made it up that steep hill, the first time you rode more than 10 miles, the first time you went clipless... I thrive on that stuff.

Welcome to TE and keep posting. We want to hear those stories.