Falling in love with riding...

Hello to everyone that is reading this, and has posted here.

Today is my first day on this site and I am THRILLED :D to have found this site.

The saying goes that you do not exercise because you have not found an activity that you love.

Well... I think I'm in love!!

I am 5' 4" tall. I weigh 214 lbs today... 14 lbs were gained in the last very stressful 2 months... I know that (the weight gain) had to STOP :eek: but I wasn't sure how it would happen. I live in Florida, and it's TOO HOT for me to go walking, I am NOT going to jog, and I don't know how to rollerblade.... I had done some exercise videos before... but it's hard for me because I have tendonitis in my left elbow and can only do so much exercise without straining it and having that awful pain.

I have short, stocky, POWERFUL legs (under the cellulite :p ) so all of a sudden it hit me that I should try bike riding... plus I live right next to a bike trail... Well imagine my surprise when I went to Kmart and couldn't manage to ride the bike up and down the aisles... I swear I thought I had forgotten how to ride a bike!!!

I ended up going to target and bought two Champion shorts and two racer back tops. Both were made with "wicking technology that transports moisture away from your skin, helping to keep you cool and dry throughout every workout". All I knew was that I was going to sweat in the Florida heat, and the last thing I wanted was diaper rash!!! :eek:

I found out that the park by my house rents bikes so I thought that I would go that route to see if I actually remembered how to ride... I rented the bike and set off on the trail... AND LOVED IT!!! I FELT LIKE A KID AGAIN (DID I SAY I'M GOING TO BE 33 IN JULY? ) I LOVED FEELING THE WIND AGAINST ME, AND I LOVED FEELING POWERFUL ENOUGH TO KEEP MYSELF GOING FOR THE ENTIRE TRAIL... IT'S 10 MILES!!!!

So this week I did give or take, 10 miles day one, 10 miles day 2, I bought a cheap walmart mountain bike and rode from my house to the trail instead of driving to the park, I did about 15 miles day 3 and another 15 miles today, Saturday, June 24th....

I AM SO PSYCHED ABOUT THIS... and then just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I found this website.

I know I am a neophyte, but I swear I am addicted... I want more, more, more!!!

I know that I am only going to end up keeping my wally world bike for 30 days, then go out and upgrade...

There's so much that I don't know, but already I am learning so much, like being a defensive rider and staying to the left of the lane on narrow roads so the cars treat you like a "car" and go all the way to the other lane to pass you.

I don't have a helmet yet, but will get one this week... meanwhile, I appreciate any and all comments, advice, suggestions, etc...

Much love,

Monica aka Ridin'Chil'

Oh yeah, my new job is 2 miles from my house... definetely thinking about the possibility of riding my bike to work!!

Monica,

Thanks for the reminder of how wonderful cycling is. Keep it up! Many happy miles to you!

Great reading you Monica!!

I hope you stay with us for a long, long, long time!

Good for you! You found your sport! There's something very addictive about it, isn't there? You feel strong and free.

My tips are:

Learn to change a flat so you don't face the prospect of getting stranded far from home:eek: , and enjoy your rides!

Yay!!! Someone in Florida, finally!!

Nanci

PS, well, I wouldn't want to live in town, but I would _kill_ to live two miles from work! You are so lucky!!

I'm going to be riding the Orange Something Trail next Saturday for the first time, is that the trail you live by??

Nanci

Hi!!

Welcome to the wonderful world of cycling!! :) Congratulations on finding this wonderful forum!! You will learn so much!!!

I'm thrilled that you found something that you love that DOESN'T FEEL LIKE EXERCISE!!!??? (Imagine that!!)

Please, get yourself a helmet..... before you go on your next ride... You just never know when something awful might happen...
You might be the best cyclist in the world......but, some cars out there aren't paying attention.....

Have a peaceful evening!!

Take Care!

Denise

hi everyone!! thanks for your responses!!

nanci, the trail i ride is the little econ trail... the park is blanchard park... not sure which one you are talking about that you will ride on saturday...

i have a question... when i was a teen and played volleyball, i sprained my ankle pretty bad... well, it's hurting today!!!! what can i do for it besides ice?

also, i'm not sore... muscles i mean (of course my bum is sore!) but i mean my leg muscles... is this "normal"

much love,

monica :)

I'm so glad that you found cycling! it really is a great sport and cyclists are among the nicest people out there.

As to your ankle, I would ice it after you ride, maybe take Ibuprofen as well. My guess is that as you ride more, you'll get stronger, and the ankle will bother you less.

and yeah...like the others said...get that helmet before your next ride. It'll save your life.

Great to hear your enthusiasm for biking!

Quote:

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I don't have a helmet yet, but will get one this week... meanwhile, I appreciate any and all comments, advice, suggestions, etc...

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Please get a helmet before your next ride!


i

Quote:

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have a question... when i was a teen and played volleyball, i sprained my ankle pretty bad... well, it's hurting today!!!! what can i do for it besides ice?

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Ice it first but after that use heat if that feels good also try some muscle rubs like Blue Stuff, Tiger-balm or Ben Gay. Then I would definitely recommend REST, the dirty little four letter word we hate to hear when we just want to ride! It's a must, you must repair and heal, try at least two days off the bike.

Quote:

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also, i'm not sore... muscles i mean (of course my bum is sore!) but i mean my leg muscles... is this "normal"

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You are sore because you've built up lactic acid in you muscles. You've done too much too soon. Again REST!

The biggest most important part of training is to do it gradually and to rest in-between rides. From what it sounds like you went all out pretty fast, 10 miles is pretty far for a first time rider, you should build up to 10 miles over a couple of weeks with rest days in between. If you are riding every day in a 7 day week you should rest two days, five days on the bike total. Three days shorter distances rest day, then two days longer distances, rest day and then add 10% to your distance each ride to build up a base.

Find some good training books or a web site which can tell you more about building a base and going at it gradually. One major reason is because if you love riding this much now and want to keep on riding for years to come you don't want to burn out, slow and steady gets the job done.

Who knew there was so much to know about riding a bike? LOL don't forget to have fun!:)

:) That's a four letter word!!!!!!!:eek:

I was talking to my mom on the phone and I was telling her how I talk to myself on the trail when I see a "hill" coming up.. I tell myself:

"I think I can, I think I can, I think can... " **remember I taught kindergarten for the last 2 years :D **

but then by the time I'm halfway up the hill... alll I can say is:
#@$%#^&

Thanks for the advice... I think I am :( not:( going out on the bike today...

intead I will rest my ankle, and my sore thigh muscles... oh yeah, and my tush as well :p .

And I will go out and buy a helmet...
And go to the bookstore and read through some women and cycling books.

For any of you out there that have tattoos... when you get one you want more and more... same thing with riding a bike... who woulda thunk huh???

Welcome Ridin'Chil'

I know just how you feel. I got my bike two months ago. I thought I would just ride to work now and again, but I fell in love. I'm already planning for an upgrade bike too.

I'm 5'0" and am over 200 pounds. I just finished a 40 mile MS charity ride and loved all but the last ten minutes or so--I really need to get some padded pants.

What they said about taking a break between rides.I like to take a longer ride on the weekend, and then a couple shorter rides during the week, then a new distance the next week to build up my endurance.

ride on

Ellen

Hey RC! Sounds like you're having a ball. Please do get the helmet first thing -- it could save your life. As for the sore legs, I find that taking a walk after a hard ride helps get rid of the lactic acid and the soreness. I know you're in Florida, where it's really hot, but if you could make yourself go out late today or early in the morning, when it's a bit cooler, and just walk a bit, I think your legs would feel better. Of course, that depends on whether or not your ankle feels up to it. If your ankle is okay with the walking, think of it as cross training. Hey, you just became a dual-sport athlete! :D

KB

Trying to remember where I read it lately, and of course, I haven't been brilliant enough to try it, and I don't have any lactic acid to experiment with today, but I seem to recalll reading that elevating the legs can help speed recovery from this stuff -- like, lay on the floor and elevate about 45-degrees, I seem to recall reading. Now, Earl would want sources, and all I could tell him -- and you today! -- is how could I make this stuff up????? Which doesn't mean I can say it will work, but it can't hurt, unless you can't get up after!

One thing I DO like, and learned about a couple of years ago when I was sore from skiing: rolling pin on the thigh muscles. Again, Earl thinks I'm NUTS, but boy, does it feel GOOD! (esspecially when I stop) and it really does help!

Welcome, Ridin' Chil' -- I'm mighty new to this sport too, and I think you've described my body, and reasons for getting into this to a T!

Karen in Boise

:D Welcome Monica! Riding is exciting, isn't it?! I must echo what the others have said, however... please please get a helmet before your next ride!

Welcome to the forums Monica, and great to see another Floridian.

This site is amazing . . . you'll learn, love and enjoy all it has to offer and these gals are simply the best:)

[SIZE="6"]hi all...

i tried to insert a picture in here.. so you all can see my new baby...

but i cant figure out how to do it..

shes a purple hybrid motobecane...

i got the helmet at the same place...

she was just built yesterday... and then yesterday evening she came home with me... how perfect huh?

her name is genesis... due to the new BEGINNING of adventures that

she and i will have together....

NOW... IF THIS *%$#@# RAIN WOULD JUST STOP!!!!
i hear the thunder already and i just got home from work... :(

OKAY...

here is something else that i need to know..

i am supposed to go home to st. louis for 10 days in july... flying southwest airlines... i dont wanna leave my baby behind....

how can i take her with me??

i have read on other posts about people traveling with their bikes...

but since i'm such a newbie... i dont know how to "pack" the bike....

and when you arrive... do they just throw your bike on that thingy that goes round and round for the luggage :eek:

not sure how this all works... BUT I WANT HER TO GO TO ST. LOUIS WITH ME!!!!! SO PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thanks!!!!

oh yeah... you know what???

YA'LL ROCK!!!!!!!

SIZE]

When you are in St. Louis, you should ride part of the Katy Trail. It starts in St. Charles and heads west across the whole state, following a railbed near the Missouri River. The surface is crushed limestone. It would be easier to rent a bike there (lots of rental places in St. Charles) than bring your bike with you. To take your bike with you, you'd either have to invest in an expensive bike crate, or stop at a bike shop and pick up a used cardboard bike box. The bike has to be partly disassembled to pack. This involves removing the front wheel, saddle and seatpost, stem and handlebars, and pedals. It takes some tools and technical savvy to accomplish this yourself, or you could pay a bike shop to pack it and unpack it. Then you have to worry about the airline damaging your precious. I'd suggest renting if you only want to ride a few times. If you really plan to ride every day then it might be worth taking your own bike.

Monica -

I'm getting ready for a trip to NY to see my family (lots of great hills in the Adirondacks!!), and I'm taking my bike with me (honestly, I don't think I could go a week without riding, so it's got to go!!!) The LBS has cases that they rent, so I'll go in two days before my trip, pick up the case, and they kindly offered to teach me how to pack/unpack my bike. They even offered to loan me any tools I don't already have and need. Most of the hard cases are very well made, so I'm not all that concerned about any damage to the bike. You can always purchase some of those pool noodles, cut them down the middle and wrap parts of your bike inside the case as additional protection.

Kathryn

You stole my story! I'm 52, started riding this past spring for the 1st time in over 20 years. My motivation was my dad. He's an avid cyclist and after my mom died in 2005, I thought it would be nice to share in his interests. He had a few of my mom's bikes, so i didn't even need to haul a bike across town.

I, too, fell in love. I had a crummy 6 speed Huffy from Target which I literally rode into the ground (stuff was fallling off it!). Found a good bicycle shop, told them my goals - daily riding, 12 months a year, carrying groceries, bad weather use, etc. For my budget they recommended the Marin Kentfield, & I am very happy with it.

Basically, I no longer get into my car if the trip is under 5 miles. I have dropped 10 lbs in the past 3 months, from 180+. Interestingly, this amount of vigorous exercise seems to have regulated my appetite; I'm no longer a nighttime fresser.

Like you, I have powerful legs - of course most women have better lower body strength. I also have osteoarthritis & fibromyalgia. Other than some morning stiffness the 1st two weeks, I have no pain from riding; it is the only exercise that 1, doesn't bore me, 2, doesn't beat up my joints. My sense of well being is the best it's been in years.

I think cycling for transportation is effective exercise for me, because - well, I have to get home! That's when the work begins. Unlike the gym, you can't just quit. btw. riding an exercise bucycle would be my definition of torture.

OK, I'm up too late & this is a long & disjointed reply. Have fun, keep riding, & keep us posted!

julie

you could rent a bike when out of town. I rented a lovelty Fuji in NYC.

As DebW said, DEFINITELY make time to do a few miles on the Katy Trail! You will fall in love all over again--it's such a beautiful trail.

And now that you've got your helmet and your bike, you'll need some biking shorts, with a chamois built into the seat of them. The longer rides you do, the more you'll appreciate that extra bit of padding. I know among those of us who--ahem--"got back," as the song says, there's a tendency to think that our natural padding is sufficient. Trust me--it isn't. The great thing is that it's fall (though here in Florida it still feels like summer :rolleyes: ), so there are some great sales going on on summer biking gear like shorts. Check your LBS and if they don't have anything that works for you, go online and check out what Team Estrogen has to offer. They're great.

I'd consider renting in St. Louis rather than taking your own bike. I know it's hard to leave her so soon, but it's better for her and easier on you if she just stays home. I'm not from St. Louis, but I've been there to visit, and it seems like there are plenty of bike shops and rental places there, esp. close to the Katy Trail.

Have fun!!!

WOW! Good for you for getting out there and riding! Your health is really going to improve.

Keep riding... and then ride some more... BUT... PLEASE GET A HELMET ASAP! Basically, you really should NOT ride WITHOUT A HELMET!

Point in case: My boyfriend had just gotten his pretty new Trek 1500 (aka: $1,200 road bike)... and he was riding along a bike path. What could go wrong? There aren't any cars... so he should be just fine. YEA! RIGHT?! Basically, he over-corrected missing someone coming head on... and he crashed into this cemet railing for the bridge he was near. He DEMOLISHED his bike. Seriously. It was a month old and nothing could be saved. He separated his shoulder, and had these horrilbe gashes on his HEAD! His helmet was crushed, but his head was intact. His helmet saved him from serious injury. And, then he went and about a $1,500 road bike. GO BUY A HELMET TODAY! *Said with concern and love*

With that said... it won't be long before we will suck you in with your "hybrid", "road", bike talk. You will start to learn all about cycling and then you will be TEMPTED to jump head-first into it... with your credit card close behind. :p

Good luck and keep riding!

Hey, Chil! Welcome!!

It can't be said too many times: PLEASE GET A HELMET IMMEDIATELY!!!

I bought a mountain bike 10 years ago (after my divorce) to ride around the neighborhood with the kiddies. It mostly sat in the shed until two years ago, when I took it on our local trails. I weighed 179 then (5' 3 1/2" tall). I was in horrible shape. I joined Weight Watchers and a gym, and road a little bit on the trails when it was nice out. Once in a while.

The following summer (last year), I was down to about 159, had quit WW, but turned up my gym workouts and took the bike out more often -- still on the trails, mostly by myself. But I was itching to do more, just didn't know how to do it (and hadn't found this site).

This summer, I had gotten down to the 140's -- hooray!! I joined a group of active adult single folks and went on a bike ride with them on THE ROAD -- gasp!!! I was scared of the road!! But ... now I'm riding twice a week (about 50 miles per week) with this fantastic group of people. They have taught me all kinds of stuff about road riding, and I'm no longer afraid. I LOVE IT! And, I just ordered myself a beautiful LeMond road bike!! The groupies laugh and tell me I've become a cycling sicko -- wait til I get that road bike!! Twice a week won't cut it anymore!

And, the best thing of all is, I'm about 139 now and hard as a rock! I am in such better shape now than I was 20 years ago when I was younger and before having kids. So, you just KEEP IT UP!!! It would be great if you found a small group of like-minded people to ride with. You can do what we do -- regular rides followed by a healthy meal and a glass of wine!

This is a great forum. Have fun!

Let's just face it- we're all BERSERK here about riding our bikes....