Newbie from Oregon Intro.... :)

Hello all, My bike should be here early this week! (I choose the Trek 1600 WSD) I'm very excited to get started in the world of cycling!!

I have the bad habit of starting things...being all gung-ho at the beginning, putting out all sorts of money, and then quickly loosing interest.....so I hope I fall in LOVE with cycling and don't fall back into that same old routine!

(anyone have any suggestions on how to stay motivated w/out early burn-out?)

I read the thread by polliwog88 “Looking for Newbies with a large amt of weight to lose”.. and boy can I relate with that post!
I have 50# I’d love to loose, and am horrified to put on the shorts in public!! (and the padded shorts sure don’t help one bit in that aspect!) :eek:

BUT I must say…reading others comments in that thread has helped me a lot…..I even copied a couple statements to keep as “Biking Affirmations” #1) .....Screw it, "This is about me." & #2) “if you don't like the view, go around me!"

Everytime I am riding…and I start the negative thinking in my head about how gross I must look to others…I am going to say those and smile…and then peddle that much harder!!! :)

Looking forward to meeting/and making new friends!

Welcome to the forum, Deanna!

Since I've been on this forum I've lost 32 lbs. I won't give the TE gals ALL the credit, but they sure helped!

Karen

Welcome Deanna! You sound like you are going into it with a great attitude. Come here any time you need a little motivation. Reading about people's awesome rides and accomplishments on here always makes me feel like going for a ride.

When your bike comes, make sure to post pictures of it here. We loooooove to see pics of lovely new bikes.

How to get motivated: take a Road I course (check the League of American Bicyclists website to find when courses are being offered in your area).

Now enthusiastic and safer, start incorporating riding into your daily life, letting bike rides take the place of every errand or trip under 1 mile, 2 miles, 5 miles, etc.

Warning: you may find yourself so motivated that you end up bicycling away from your pre-bicycle life, family, work, friends, all of it. ;)

Keep it fun! If you discover a type of riding you don't particularly care for, don't do it, especially to start. Keep it about you, and about what you enjoy, and don't compare yourself to anyone but you!

Welcome!

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Originally Posted by imdeanna

I have the bad habit of starting things...being all gung-ho at the beginning, putting out all sorts of money, and then quickly loosing interest.....so I hope I fall in LOVE with cycling and don't fall back into that same old routine!

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Me too! Except for cycling...which I've been at for 3 years now (and going strong!).

Where in Oregon are you? I just moved to the Portland area a couple of weeks ago. My husband and I both ride, but we've barely had time to squeeze in a couple of rides since we've been here. From what I've seen and read, this state looks like an AMAZING place to see on a bike!

Welcome!!

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Originally Posted by imdeanna

(anyone have any suggestions on how to stay motivated w/out early burn-out?)

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Hanging around here helps. Welcome to the insanity.

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Originally Posted by GLC1968

Where in Oregon are you?

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I live in The Columbia River Gorge! There is a Ride up this way coming up...it's the "Cherry of a Ride" on April 20th.... there are quite a few choices in distance (30 - 100 miles)

I might (might) do it.....not sure If I'll be ready in a months time??


It may be quite a drive for you..but it is a gorgeous area up this way!!! Rolling hills w/very little trees...quite a change of scenery compared to just a few miles the other direction!:) :)

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Originally Posted by imdeanna

Hello all, My bike should be here early this week! (I choose the Trek 1600 WSD) I'm very excited to get started in the world of cycling!!

I have the bad habit of starting things...being all gung-ho at the beginning, putting out all sorts of money, and then quickly loosing interest.....so I hope I fall in LOVE with cycling and don't fall back into that same old routine!

(anyone have any suggestions on how to stay motivated w/out early burn-out?)

I read the thread by polliwog88 “Looking for Newbies with a large amt of weight to lose”.. and boy can I relate with that post!
I have 50# I’d love to loose, and am horrified to put on the shorts in public!! (and the padded shorts sure don’t help one bit in that aspect!) :eek:

BUT I must say…reading others comments in that thread has helped me a lot…..I even copied a couple statements to keep as “Biking Affirmations” #1) .....Screw it, "This is about me." & #2) “if you don't like the view, go around me!"

Everytime I am riding…and I start the negative thinking in my head about how gross I must look to others…I am going to say those and smile…and then peddle that much harder!!! :)

Looking forward to meeting/and making new friends!

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Get an odometer. Your total mileage always goes up :D


If you are the most horrible and grossest thing on earth (which is ridiculous), then hey, the second most horrible and grossest person can be inspired by you and say "if she can do it, so can I!!"

For every negative dwerpfart out there, there are five other people quietly inspired when they see a real human getting out and doing and conquering.

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Originally Posted by Geonz

can be inspired by you and say "if she can do it, so can I!!"

For every negative dwerpfart out there, there are five other people quietly inspired when they see a real human getting out and doing and conquering.

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Thank you for that...THAT is a great thing to remember :)

It's funny how I have never looked at anyone and thought 'ew' when I've seen them doing something healthy, it always has been the opposite effect. like you said, I've been inspired and jealous that they have the "i don't care what you think, this is what I want to do and I'm doing it happily" attitude.

I've just never learned to shut off the low self esteem monster that talks negatively inside my own head.... or to just know that no one else cares what I look like in Spandex.....just like I don't mind others in spandex!

Being physical, and working my body has always helped me with how I feel about myself...so I'm really looking forward to bustling in and working my body again!!! :) :) :)

Imdeanna, welcome!

It takes time, but try to counter the negative thoughts with positive ones. When you catch yourself thinking those thoughts, try taking a deep breath and imagine you're blowing them away on the exhalation. Another one is to shake your head gently and to imagine you're shaking the negative thoughts away. Then think about all the things you're thankful for. It helps to write them down when you're in a good mood since it can be difficult to think of them when you're feeling blue. If you need to, carry the list with you to pull out and read. YOU CAN DO IT! You are the master of your body and of your mind.

~Sg

Welcome to the forums, Deanna!

The key to weight loss, in my experience, is being consistent. Even a little bit every day or every other day will be better than once a week (or less frequent). Also eating an apple a day seems to help me (really!)

I've found Bike Journal to be helpful with motivation. I like to track my mileage and compare by week and month. And later, you can compare years. www.bikejournal.com. Make TE your team if you want to.

If you get low on motivation, I'm sure that TE ladies will be here to help you through the plateau.

and remember that just because somebody *looks* like they don't care what other people think doesn't mean that's what they're thinking... and that works both ways ;)

Welcome! :D I suggest contacting Wahine. She lives there too. Kitsune and I did the Cherry ride last year with her and it was a blast. Don't even think about doing the second 1/2 though. You gotta be a mountain goat to get up there, but at least drive it. It's a fantastic view. We wanted to do it again this year, but have a class that w/e. Just take your time and try to find some people who go at your pace. Good luck!!

imdeanna, i just want to let you know that i was once in your shoes about the spandex thing. i was the last of my friends to buy the shorts just because i looked like an overstuffed sausage in them-i knew they offreed benefits but that look made them less important. as i rode more and more i broke down and bought a pair. i was so self conscious about what i looked like in the padded bike shorts. i would never go inside a public place if everyone else did, and if i saw or met someone other than my riding girls, i was always trying to figure out how to pull my jersey down farther or hide or something. as time went on i bacame more comfortable out in public, and i kinda chuckle to myself when i go to the grocery store in my biking clothes and people just stare..i think i know what they are thinking and they must think i am out there, as they have no idea that i just got thru riding 30-50 miles on a bike. to me, that makes it worth it. i still feel a little awkward at times, but the way i look at it..i will never see these people again so i don't care what they think. as long as i feel good about what mileage i just accomplished, that's all that matters. as far as not sure if you will like biking or not, i gradually worked at it every chance i had, i've been biking now for 4 years or so, and each year i have to complete more miles than the previous year. i love biking. it is my stress releaser and my zen and no one can take that away from me. enjoy!

Thank you ShellyJ for sharing that! :)

Thanks everybody for their warm welcome!! :)

I think (I know) I'm going to like it here.....Now if my bike would just show up so I can get out there and get the sore 'getting used to the saddle' part done!!!! :) :)

I just learned that my bike (that was supposed to have shipped LAST Wed...was JUST shipped out yesterday) :( so now I'm hoping it'll be here by this weekend!!

One cool thing about bike shorts is the compression factor--they squeeze everything together so you can actually look a bit smaller. ;) Also, if you're really self-conscious, you might consider bike capris, at least until it gets really hot. Check out the TE selection here.

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Originally Posted by Bad JuJu

One cool thing about bike shorts is the compression factor--they squeeze everything together so you can actually look a bit smaller. ;) Also, if you're really self-conscious, you might consider bike capris, at least until it gets really hot. Check out the TE selection here.

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Except were the spandex stops...(waist band & leg bands)...then it just plain looks like a POPPED can of bisquits!!! HAHA! :D

Seriously tho...I got some XL cycling shorts to start with...but I just bought some size L, cuz the xl seem to be a bit to 'loose' in the 'diaper' area...I don't want any extra material during the break in period so I'm going to compress myself into some TIGHT A.. Shorts! :o

BTW...MY BIKE CAME YESTERDAY!!!! She sure is Pretty!!!!! I'm very happy with the fit!

I took her for a test ride yesterday after getting her all put together....and have to admit...I was a bit scared going down hill! I went pretty slow...slow enough that a girl that was WALKING down the hill said "new bike?" lol... (how could she tell???) LOL was it the shiny new bike? or the white knuckled scared look on my face?? :D

There is still a lot of gravel on the roads from the winter too....

How long did it take you girls to get over the "i'm going to crash" feeling???

Hi IMDEANNA! Welcome to the thread. I've been here less than a year but find everyone to be so motivating and supportive -- you ARE going to love it here! AND congratulations on the new bike and first ride. BIG first step! Don't worry -- just take it easy and stick with comfortable rides at first. You'll become more and more comfortable with time. And later find some groups or even one other person to ride with that can show you some new areas, answer questions, and increase your comfort level. I joined a local bike club and learned quite a bit just listening and watching as we rode. People are usually very helpful and supportive of new riders.

Enjoy! You're just in time for the riding season to really start.. if the snow ever stops!

"DWERPFART" ????

I LOVE that word!

The shorts -- it was hard for me too (the XL was not "baggy" when I bought them) but I credit a couple of guys on our greenbelt for making me feel better about wearing those things.

I don't know who they are, have never seen them again, but when I saw these guys out riding with regular clothes on, their shirts wide open and flapping in the wind, and their huge hairy beer bellies hanging out for the world to see, I said to myself, if THAT is okay to show in public, then I CAN wear these shorts with pride!

And then one day, I told my girls, "see that lady? Someday, that's MY butt in these shorts!"

I just bought a pair of size small shorts for this season, and a pair of size small shindiggers too! (Shebeest) (it took more than riding, but it sure helps!)

Karen in Boise

So where is the picture of the new bike?

I will second an earlier suggestion for an odometer. I'm not a competitive rider at all, but the odometer is nice for monitoring my progress in both speed and distance. I have also spent a lot of time on this forum. I rarely post anything . . . but I learn a lot! Maybe someday I'll have enough experience to be more of a contributor rather than an information sponge on the forum.

Hi Deanna. I have just joined here too! I felt very self conscious when I joined the gym last November - 30lbs overweight, very red in the face whenever I did anything, and sweating all over the machines. I just kept thinking that at least I was doing *something* - plus Biggest Loser had started on telly, and suddenly its trendy for overweight people to be in the gym!

I have a couple of good friends who are very keen road cyclists, but are kind enought to take me out every Saturday and slow their pace for me, as well as give me advice on my riding.

I have about 15lbs to go, but now its all about how I feel, not how I look. A friend yesterday said I looked "scary" which I took as a huge compliment.

Bushranger

I got to meet Deanna today. She's a tough cookie...

I may never see her again. She might hate me.

I think this might need it's own thread. To be continued...

Here it is....

The story as I see it.

imdeanna may differ in her opinion of what happened today, but all I have to say is that I'm impressed.:D

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Originally Posted by KatyLady

So where is the picture of the new bike?
.

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Here's a pic I took the day we put her together.... I need to get another one as she has a new saddle now!

and...as I learned yesterday...I need to give her a name! Any suggestions?? :D

pretty bike! With those colors, I'd be tempted to call it Tyler Hansbrough, but I know that not everyone is as into Carolina basketball as I am :).

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Originally Posted by tulip

pretty bike! With those colors, I'd be tempted to call it Tyler Hansbrough, but I know that not everyone is as into Carolina basketball as I am :).

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We just went and watched the Charlotte Bobcats play (and win our) Portland Trail Blazers Saturday night...is Tyler on their team??

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Originally Posted by imdeanna

We just went and watched the Charlotte Bobcats play (and win our) Portland Trail Blazers Saturday night...is Tyler on their team??

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Oh nonononononononononono. I'm talking about NCAA college hoops. Final Four is next weekend, and Carolina is in. My only regret is that Davidson couldn't pull it out at the last second against Kansas.

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Originally Posted by tulip

Oh nonononononononononono. I'm talking about NCAA college hoops. Final Four is next weekend, and Carolina is in. My only regret is that Davidson couldn't pull it out at the last second against Kansas.

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That was a heartbreaker:( My team is out (the other color Blue).

DeAnna: welcome to the wonderful world of cycling! So proud of you for getting out there and doing your thing, regardless of what anyone else thinks! At the risk of using a tired old phrase: You go girl! :D
Your bike is super sexy! Very pretty, and it looks like you'll be having many happy times together. I just read Wahine's report on your first ride. You are an animal. Nice job!
I, too, worry about my weight. I'm up 20#'s from 2 years ago when I started. I look terrible in my spandex and worry about what my tri buddies will think when they see me back out there at it again this year. I feel really terrible about myself right now, but your story (and others) have helped me realize that it's OK that I'm heavier now. I'll get back down one day maybe, and if not- that's OK, too. So long as we enjoy ourselves- it's all that matters.





And now a thread hijack: sorry

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Originally Posted by tulip

Oh nonononononononononono. I'm talking about NCAA college hoops. Final Four is next weekend, and Carolina is in. My only regret is that Davidson couldn't pull it out at the last second against Kansas.

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Oh, no. It's a good thing that Davidson lost. They were hot on the threes and UNC has a hard time defending against that. UNC will throw down on Kansas. My gut tells me it's the year for them. BTW: we're both big Carolina fans. In our game room there is a whole wall painted Carolina blue with the logo and everything. Psycho T is our favorite. His crazy eyes say so much...:p

We call him Bambi because he looks like a deer in the headlights :rolleyes: