Thanks To All of You-I have Come So Far!

I have come so far in such a short amount of time and it is thanks to all of you wonderful, supportive women! A month ago I got on a bike for the first time in my 37 years of life. I was absolutely terrified. I bought a Giant Suede (Mode/Comfort). I did not think I would ever get used to it, let alone really "like" it. I joined TE almost immediately and started getting inspired and gaining a lot of knowledge. Within 3 weeks of ever getting on a bicycle I decided I needed more "power" and the hunt began for a decent LBS. I finally found a bike store I trust and am quite loyal to, they are not local, but well worth the drive. I bought a road bike, 2 days later thanks to the advice on this board and unbelievable patience from Cari, I bought clipless pedals. Today (less than 2 weeks from buying my Trek 1000), I went back to my not so local bike store and picked up my new trainer-ClycleOps Fluid 2 and a new Cateye Cyclocomputer (this one has cadence)-DH gets my "old" one. Did I mention the not so local bike store gave me a very generous store credit for my Giant Suede W (that I road for 3 whole weeks)? I did not even buy it there and they do not carry that brand. I also sent in the paperwork today to join a local Cycling club and plan my first "real" ride at the end of the month.

My point? This list is the reason I have come so far in such little time. You are all wonderful and I learn so much everytime I come to the forum. I cannot thank you all enough for everything you have all done knowingly, and unknowingly for me.

My hope is to some day be able to offer other newbies the support, acceptance, and guidance they may need.

A Mushy Thank You to Everyone Here!

My goodness, Jennifer, you had never ridden at all? Even as a child?

That's progress.

No Susan, I had not once been on a bike. I had always been terrified of them. Now I cannot imagine not being on one. :D

Wow, you have come far in a month's time! I vaguely remember seeing you post something about just getting on a bike for the first time recently, but then I forgot about it because most of your posts sound so knowledgeable. I'm really happy for you that your intro to cycling has been so positive and enjoyable :D

Thanks Kalidurga. I am only this far because of everyone here.

Momma'3, you get to be my hero of the day. Your enthusiasm gave mine a booster shot today. Ride on!

Enthusiasm is contagious. :D Ride well.

Jennifer! You are doing fabulous :)

Getting encouragement and having a support system are both vital parts of accomplishing any goal. At least that's my feeling.

It is really, really great to hear about all the things you've done, are doing, and will do in the future.

Remember, no matter how much encouragement any of us have given you in the forum, you still had to go out, do the rides, put in the effort, find the time, and make the sacrifices. What is nice from this end of it, is seeing it all pay off.

Happy riding :)

Thank you. I agree support and encouragement are very important.

Wow, you rule! That's an amazing amount of progress for a person who had never even ridden a bike before. You have a lot to be proud of:D

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Originally Posted by Bikingmomof3

No Susan, I had not once been on a bike. I had always been terrified of them. Now I cannot imagine not being on one.

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What an amazing and wonderful story, and it's just begun. :D

hmmmm....have you considered triathlons? (I'm always recruiting!) :p Come on down to the tri board some day. We'll have you at least curious! L.

Congratulations bikingmom! I feel the same way - the women on TE are amazingly supportive and helpful. They have made a huge impact on me as well. It's so comforting to have a group of women who understand how you feel about cycling. None of my friends "get" it. Thanks and ((((((hugs)))))) to all of you.

And Bikingmom - imagine where we'll be one year from now?!?!!! Woohooo!!

Wrensmom-Thank You. I am proud, yet at the same time still pushing myself, because I need/want to be able to go farther and faster. :D

Lise- Thanks! No, I have neverr considered a triathlon, yet I would not rule considering them out. I am haviong so much fun pushing myself to see how far I can go-how weird is that?

kelownagirl-I am quite excited to see what direction this next year takes me. I am so glad I have everyone here at TE for support, advice, and who just plain understand.

Jennifer -

Congratulations! And I probably speak for everybody else -- you have been an absolute delight on this board!

This is a great board. It is so supportive and non-judgemental. Maybe because of the gender... do ya think?;)

Thank you Dogmama. :) This is indeed a very special board. So many differing opinions and yet everyone is treated with respect and kindness. That is not often found in large forums. TE rocks and motivates me every day. :D

WOW!!! You have come a long way Jennifer!
Sounds like you are a natural!
That is sooo cool!
I agree this list is the BEST!!!
Have fun and Congrats!

Karen

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Originally Posted by Kalidurga

Wow, you have come far in a month's time! I vaguely remember seeing you post something about just getting on a bike for the first time recently, but then I forgot about it because most of your posts sound so knowledgeable. I'm really happy for you that your intro to cycling has been so positive and enjoyable :D

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Ditto! I totally forgot that you were the same person who posted about her first ride not so long ago! Congrats on so much progress!! :D

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Originally Posted by Dogmama

This is a great board. It is so supportive and non-judgemental. Maybe because of the gender... do ya think?

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I belong to other boards that are all women...and this one is different. We definitely have something special here. Perhaps it's a genuine common love of cycing? :)

Thank You Karen and GLC1968. I am loving every moment on my bike. :)

Gosh, Jennifer, I didn't realize when you posted that first post about your first ride that you meant EVER!

I have to ditto what you say about the group here as being incredibly supportive, inspirational, and encouraging! And very special too, in that it seems to ALWAYS be all those things!

Karen in Boise

Yes Karen, when I posted it was indeed my first time ever on a bike. :D I cannot believe I went 37 years without knowing the joy of biking. I now am making up for lost time. :)

It hadn't been quite that long for me -- but I'm with you in making up for lost time!

It's like, y'know, a day without biking is, well, once upon a time,there was an orange juice commercial, "a day without orange juice is like a day without sunshine" -- something like that, eh?

Karen in Boise

Yes, that is right Karen. :)

Oh my gosh, Jennifer, I can't imagine learning to ride a bike as an adult. You deserve not one but TWO gold stars! You certainly have come a long way, and you're right about this board -- the women here incredibly knowledgeable, generous, and supportive. Keep up the good work!

KB