My first ride w/pics!

[cmantelope]

Hi Everyone,

here I am on my new GT - it was perfect weather today. We only went 20 miles or so, but I think that was just right for my first time out. The chamois in my shorts saved my ***, literally! Tomorrow I will be 46 yo - and my brother-n-law surprised me by buying me new gloves when we stopped at the bike shop! Brought with me some homemade vegan friendly crackers, that were the perfect snack. My brother-n-law very kindly explained biking etiquette as we went along. I learned a ton and had a fantastic time...can't wait until my next day off to do it again...I have to work on my birthday, but will have some very fond memories of being out on the trail today.

Anyway...here are a couple of pics!

[climbergirl]

Congratulations! 20 miles for a first ride is fantastic! And it looks like you're having a great time.

Happy Riding!

[emily_in_nc]

Wonderful! You look great, and your bike is beautiful.

Happy Birthday! :p

[Tri Girl]

Great pictures! Both you and your bike are beautiful (as is the surrounding scenery). Congrats on your first ride. 20 miles your first time out is fantastic! Here's to many more wonderful miles ahead (and happy b-day). Cheers!:)

[Owlie]

You and your bike look awesome, as does the scenery. Congrats on 20 miles, especially on your first ride (took me a few months to get there...). Happy birthday!

[lph]

Nice bike, lovely smile, great gloves! :D

[roo4]

Lovely bicycle! Enjoy!

[lovelygamer]

Very Cool! You and your bike look great. Happy Birthday too. :D Happy Trails!!

[Bike Writer]

Love the photos! Happy Birthday and congrats on your great first ride, wishing you miles of smiles.

[hebe]

Good for you! I'm banging on the door of 46 too, and learning to ride in my 40s is the best thing that I've done after having my daughter. Gorgeous photos! Have a very happy birthday and I hope it's not too long before you're out riding again :D

[AppleTree]

Great photos! Wow! 20 miles... I think my first ride was...uh, five miles. ;)

Enjoy your day and your new bike and gloves. I love bike gear as birthday presents.

[Jo-n-NY]

Congratulations!! and Happy Birthday. I couldn't think of a better way to spend your special day.

[kamikazejane]

Happy birthday!!! 20 miles is awesome for your first ride. Love the picture of you holding the bike over you. That's awesome.

[cmantelope]

Thanks everyone!!

[murielalex]

Great ride, and happy birthday to you! Wishing you many more of both!

[TigerMom]

Congrats!!
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[Miranda]

Oustanding! :cool:

[Jiffer]

:D YAYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!! :D

So excited for you! It's so fun to hear the enthusiasm of someone just joining the sport and having a great first ride experience. And yes, as others have said, 20 miles for your first ride is quite impressive. You must be at least somewhat in shape.

Also great that you have a mentor to teach you right off the bat.

You might want to search out an organized event to train for as a goal. Maybe a half century (50 miles), since you're already almost halfway there. ;)

By the way, I have a pic of me holding my bike over my head. It's my favorite cycling pic. ;)