You guys are so great for my self-esteem!

Hi there,

I'm a newbie rider (about 3 months) living in Canberra, Australia, and I just wanted to use my first post on this forum to say that if it weren't for you all and your positivity and inclusive attitudes I might have just given up! I struggle constantly with feeling crap about myself, with low self-esteem and this sometimes extends to cycling, particularly around boys. :( But at the same time when I cycle by myself, with no-one watching to see my lack of co-ordination, or when I talk to my girlfriends about it, I often have a sense of freedom and exhilaration!! I know that if I keep at it, I will get more confident, but I just wanted to say that I am so grateful for you all and the way you encourage everyone on here, no matter their lack of experience or knowledge.

Basically, you all rock!! Thankyou!!

:D:D

Howdy from over here in Perth :)

Ya know what, you're out there for your own benefit/reasons & ya don't have to impress everyone. Keep on riding & you'll get it.

I have to keep telling myself when i mtn bike at events, i'm not out there to impress people..I'm out there to impress myself. Look at what you can do rather than what you can't.

Annndddddd..don't forget

SMILE :)

Hey LibraryGirl, you're a nice boost to our self-esteem too by writing a post like that! Welcome aboard and enjoy the ride :) And go ahead - ask all the dumb questions, we all have.

You know, I have found that if you get hooked on biking, you really improve fast. It's great for self esteem. What was hard 2 weeks ago becomes ok, and a few months down the road it's easy! It's even more motivating if you can find some other beginner friend to ride with. So, keep going!

Welcome, Librarygirl! Keep riding, have fun and ask as many questions as you want!

What a nice thing to say! And hi. It will get easier. :)

Posts like yours are the reason I love being here at TE! :) This is the best bunch of ladies (and some gents) around!!!
Glad to have you with us, Librarygirl! :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Librarygirl

Hi there,

I'm a newbie rider (about 3 months) living in Canberra, Australia, and I just wanted to use my first post on this forum to say that if it weren't for you all and your positivity and inclusive attitudes I might have just given up! I struggle constantly with feeling crap about myself, with low self-esteem and this sometimes extends to cycling, particularly around boys. :( But at the same time when I cycle by myself, with no-one watching to see my lack of co-ordination, or when I talk to my girlfriends about it, I often have a sense of freedom and exhilaration!! I know that if I keep at it, I will get more confident, but I just wanted to say that I am so grateful for you all and the way you encourage everyone on here, no matter their lack of experience or knowledge.

Basically, you all rock!! Thankyou!!


:D:D

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You are so right, hon! I feel the same way! I know one of these days i'm going to keel right over at a stoplight or something, and be horribly embarassed, but, who cares?? I know I don't have the typical "bike body"...most likely never, ever will, but as long as I feel good, I could give a crap less. And everyone here is so nice. I wish you lived in Michigan...you and I could go out riding and bumble around together and laugh at oursleves and feel great!! haha!

Thanks so much for all your lovely posts!

Howdy back at you, Crazycanuck - nice to see a fellow Aussie on the board :) You're so right - I must remember that I am doing it for myself, not anyone else.

And cheers to Juliegoddess - yep, I wish I could go riding with you too, it would be refreshing to be total dags (that's Aussie for uncool person) together!

I thought of your kind comments last night when I spoke to the boyfriend on the phone last night (who is also a cyclist) and he said he thought I was being too impulsive buying, or wanting to buy, gear such as jerseys and clipless pedals. It felt like he thought I wasn't 'professional' enough or experienced enough to have that kind of stuff. Oh well....