Another Newbie!

[Pink Diva]

Hi!

I am so glad I found this forum! I was lurking around the MTBR.com forum, but it had a little bit too much testosterone for me over there since there was only one itty bitty section for the gals. I'm not exactly new to cycling, but I hadn't ridden a bike seriously since I was in my early teens...soooo about nineteen years later, and I'm totally falling in love with the sport!

I was mainly a runner, but my knees were starting to really protest on my longer runs so much that I had to start wearing braces even for the shorter runs. I guess I really shouldn't say 'knees' now that I think about it, it's more my IT Band on my left knee that kills me ! I also took quite a few spinning classes that I really enjoyed, so I figured that getting a real bike was a good step to save my knees and get myself out into the fresh air instead of that lovely recycled sweaty gym air !

Anyhoo, after much debate/sizing/riding/obsessing, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my purdy (and PINK!) Orbea Onix Dama! I loved the ride of the men's version that my LBS had me test out (didn't have a women's in stock), so I was totally sold on this baby (last one I test rode...I tried 5 different brands total: Giant, Trek, Scott, Cannondale, and then Orbea, of course).

I am planning on getting a mountain bike in the spring so I can get DIRTY! I have been completely unsuccessful in getting my hubby into the sport...I really thought he would be along for the ride with MTBing, but alas, nope! Oh well, more for me !

I just know I'm going to love cycling because with every test ride I took, I just wanted to keep riding, and that's the only sign I need!

[crazycanuck]

Hey, another mythbusters fan! Jamie is one cute lookin dude!

Welcome to TE May you become addicted & enjoy all the stuff you learn here!

Dirt! May you have many cool rides in the dirt!!! The dark side is way cool

[Pink Diva]

Oh yeah...Mythbusters is the best! I don't think there's a single member of that team I don't like (Jamie's my fav, too).

[Smilie]

Welcome! Congrats on your new bike! And to your new addiction.

[derailed]

Cool, welcome!
Congrats on your new bike, and enjoy!

[Pink Diva]

She's home!!! OMG, she is absolutely gorgeous!!! I'm totally in love already, too. I definitely found a great LBS because they spent two hours with me from fitting the bike for me to explaining about certain ways to shift gears better. Love em, too!

Once I figure out what road shoes I want, my cool little Keo Pedals will be added, and I'll take some pics. Now I just gotta add some accessories...wheeee...shopping for bike bling

[Fujichants]

Welcome and we want to see pictures of your new baby!! Lots and lots of pictures

As for your IT bands, have you tried the massage stick? Have you seen a physical therapist about it? They can use that special kinesiology tape to make the pain go away and they also can recommend certain exercises to make your muscles stronger. My PT says I have weak glutes and that's why I sometimes experience IT band issues.

[cylegoddess]

I love orbeas. I like the pink. Every little girl you pass, will check you out and think your the coolest thing ever .. and they will want to be like you!( its the pink)
I want the women's version of the orbea onyx. My friend has the guys one and its sexy as!

You sound like me. I did running for many years, before I got ill. I love running but have shin splints and standing all day( I work as a visual merchandiser) makes it hard to run at all, so I got into spinning too. My best guy friend got m to buy a cycle and it was all over for me then
Spinning I find is great for those days too hard to ride( too cold to breathe, too hot to move) and also, training up to race( someday! When I can both ride to races( 38 km) ride race and ride home).

[fatbottomedgurl]

Welcome! I just started riding road, and I have a pink mtb!

I have actually been successful at getting my DH to ride mtb with me. He is climbing technical stuff that's hard for me! Not fair! He commutes to work so already has legs. Keep getting your man out there and bring his favorite snacks. Maybe he'll come around.

A great (but painful) way to stretch the IT is to get an 8' foam roll from a PT or sport shop. Lay down on your side with the roll under your IT/upper thigh and then pull your body so the foam rolls under your leg all the way to your knee, then back again several times. The foam roll is also great for stretching your glutes, calves, quads, and your back, but it helps to have someone demonstrate.

[denny]

Congrats on your Orbea Diva. They are gorgeous bikes. I'm personally drooling for an Orca but just swapped out for a Fuji Silhouette 2 months ago.
My LBS friends have gotten used to me looking dreamily at the blue Orca.
I see you are in Fayeteville, GA. Where do you plan to ride? I currently ride Stone Mtn Park and the Silver Comet.

There are a couple of great bicycling clubs in the ATL area that will help you get your cycling legs back. Check out the Southern Bicyle League ride calendar for rides in your area whenever you can.

[Zen]

I love orbeas. I like the pink. Every little girl you pass, will check you out and think your the coolest thing ever .. and they will want to be like you!( its the pink)

Umm, maybe not every little girl
I'm just sayin'

[malkin]

And maybe a few of the little xy guys will look and like too.

[cylegoddess]

LOL zen!
I would have been one of the blue cycle girls.
I actually read that from another woman, who when she was testing bikes, the pink one got quite a response from a certain age group of girlies.

[Pink Diva]

Thanks for the suggestions on the IT band stretching. I've seen those to massage sticks before but never bought one...maybe I should!

Where do you plan to ride? I currently ride Stone Mtn Park and the Silver Comet.

This is where I'm planning on starting! Once the weather gets a little warmer (just looking for 50-60 degree weather is all), I'm going to take the trip up to the Silver Comet around the Coot's Lake area and build up to cycling to the Alabama State Line. I'm also planning on visiting the Dauset Trails once I get my MTB to get my skills sharpened so that I can hopefully head up into the North GA Mountains this summer without killing myself.

There is a really awesome guy that works at my LBS that runs an Audax 200K ride every spring and fall with practice rides of 45 and 65 miles before. It sounded like so much fun, and I already told him to save me a spot cuz I'm gonna be there this spring! Can't wait

Thanks again for the welcomes!!!

[Pedal Wench]

There is a really awesome guy that works at my LBS that runs an Audax 200K ride every spring and fall with practice rides of 45 and 65 miles before. It sounded like so much fun, and I already told him to save me a spot cuz I'm gonna be there this spring! Can't wait

Thanks again for the welcomes!!!

Ahhh, that sounds like Steve. Amazing AND awesome, and a wealth of information.

Be careful on the Comet by yourself. Don't wear headphones because you need to be able to hear your surroundings if alone. Also check out Sorella Cycling - we have some beginner clinics throughout the year, and no-drop rides suited for beginners too.