thank you

[english rose]

I just wanted to thank everyone for your replies to my thread on my sore fanny.

I have felt a bit shy about talking about riding since I am very new and have a long way to go to get fit. You all have made me feel at home and I am so excited about this wonderful new adventure.

This weekend I am riding on the San Juan Islands, I am hoping to get a 30 to 40 mile ride out of it. Still can't believe it...I mean 7 weeks ago 3 miles was a real stretch!!

Thanks again everyone..

I have a biking page on my web site if anyone wants to check it out.

http://www.freewebs.com/tashatasha/aviewfromtheroad.htm

You'll see that I am a real novice..but I so love it...now for a new bike next year..OH YEAH!!!

PS: If any of my cycling terms are incorrect...please feel free to teach me!!!

[Grasshopper]

I really enjoyed your website! I very jealous of the area you get to ride in!! My BF is from Bend Oregon!!! He moved away 10 years ago and didn't do much outdoors while there - we're wanting to play in the woods there someday soon.

Keep up your riding!! We're all learning - at some level or another!! (oh, and I'm still having fanny/sadle problems :) so don't worry about asking questions !!! :) It sounds like everyone's been there - or will be!

[hibiscus09]

Wow, what an inspiring website. You are doing fantastic!! :) I'm glad you're enjoying cycling so much. I just started myself a few months ago & I love it myself.

[hibiscus09]

I just looked through your site some more -- I love gardening! Your flowers are beautiful! :)

[ridin a giant]

Your site really touched me ! How many times have we beaten ourselves up over things when we should be focusing on what the fight is all about, whether it is weight loss, making it up that hill, keeping the pace with someone ........

and your PICTURES .. a second passion of mine, although I am very much an amater. If I could only hire you as my person tutor, my my how much I would learn !!!

Keep inspired, keep inspiring !!!

Cindy,

Canada

[pedalfaster]

I have to say "great website" too! Nice design/layout and awe-inspiring content.

I loved your post about getting bike-shorts. Over the years I've ridden behind all kinds of women, and you know what? Size 6 or size 16...we ALL have that little spot behind the knees! I think it's just a woman-thing. :D

[Susan126]

English Rose,

I really enjoyed reading your post and I really really enjoyed your web site! The pictures along with the descriptions for each photo were wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing them with us. I see you are in Tacoma! Hello neighbor! I live in Bonney Lake! A few of my friends I ride with live in Tacoma and Puyallup. If you should ever find yourself in my neck of the woods give me a call. I would love to take you out to Victor Falls. Great place for mountain biking. It will close for the the season the end of October. But never fear it reopens January first! When it closes we drive to Lake Sawyer to get our mountain bike fix! LOL. Joe and I also road ride. We love both, mountain and road. We just love riding! It is truly our addiction!

Hubby and I were in Bend, Oregon the week of August 15th through the 22nd. It is such a bike friendly town! We rode the McKenzie River Trail, Deschutes and Denham Falls Trail, and the Newberry Rim Trail that circumnavigates around Paulina and East Lake. We also did a few road rides while in Bend. Our first day in Bend we did an 85 mile loop. We began this ride from the Sunriver Resort where we were staying, to Twin Lakes, the summit and back. Nice ride! We made the mistake on Monday of joining the "regulars" that meet every noon at Hutch's Bicycle Shop in Bend for their lunch hour ride. The temperature was 98 and their pace was fast! Needless to say we were not acclimatized to the heat or the pace. I ran out of water and bonked horribly. But one rider was kind and stayed with us until we returned to the shop. Joe and I had been doing our long rides here in Western WA in the early morning before it gets hot and even so the hottest temperature we had ridden in prior to this one was in the mid 80's. And the heat and sun feel different in central Oregon. I swear! It feels a lot stronger and a lot drier(higher elevation...high plains desert).

Here I go ... on and on. Sorry. I just want to say again, great pictures, great descriptions, and you go girl!!!! Welcome to the world of cycling!

Sue

[emily_in_nc]

English Rose,

Wow.

Your website is simply amazing. The photos, the words, the flowers, the design, the honesty. You have shared so much of yourself, and it is all simply beautiful!

You made my day. :)

Emily

P.S. Keep on cycling!!!! :)

[MightyMitre]

What a beautiful website and what gorgeous countryside! I can't think of a better way to get out there and expereince it than on a bike.

For a lot of people cycling is also about freedom- to experience new places and try out new challenges. Don't ever worry about not knowing the right terms or feel shy about asking a question - we 're here to help an glad you decided to join us.

:)