Getting to Know You!

[Trek420]

Patty's "Most memorable moment on my bike: Stopping at a water fountain to refill my water bottle when I notice a large dog standing in front of me. Figuring the dog to be as thirsty as I was, I went to pour some water from the bottle (I had the top off) into my hand so the dog could have a drink. Only to have the dog drink directly from my water bottle. Think big dog tongue in the water bottle. After the dog had drank the entire bottle, I filled it up again and then the dog drank half of that too. I however did not drink any from the bottle. "

I've trained my dog to drink from a sports water bottle, just tip it over her and she drinks as if from a fountain. The doggie mouth doesn't touch the bottle.

But she still has "her" bottle and I don't use it ;-)

[Jen71]

Real name: Jen
Where do you live? South Jordan, Utah

Explanation of your handle: I kept it from my runnersworld.com forum, my first name and DOB. I know not very creative. I am a triathlete in training, mother of 3 children and one dog. Not much time left for creativity.

Explanation of your avatar: I don't have one yet

Age (general or specific) 33

Occupation: Mom, Fitness Instructor

Favorite bike: I just started road cycling in May, so I don't have enough knowledge to know.

What's in your stable? Giant OCR3

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? 40 mph, down a 15% grade at a triathlon clinic, last Saturday.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? I don't have any yet

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: I dented my (then boyfriends/ now husbands) car, and said it happend when I was in the store.

Most memorable moment on my bike: I was riding the 14 mile leg of a triathlon training clinic last Saturday. At first all these athletes were passing me. I have just started to see how competetive I can be. I wasn't pushing all that hard, so I kicked it into a lower gear and took off. I ended up finishing with the three men that whizzed passed me at first. I was exhausted, but it felt great.

Most fun ever had on a bike? I went riding with a friend of mine who has a mountain bike. I borrowed my husbands bike so we could ride at relatively the same pace and we hit this winding country road, going down hill. The shoulder was gravel and rocks, so we were bouncing and sliding all over the place. It was really fun. A little scary, but we had a blast.

[frances]

hi, i'm new to cycling and to the forum!

Real name: Frances

Where do you live? Cupertino, CA

Explanation of your handle: I lack imagination?

Explanation of your avatar: how do you get an avatar?

Age (general or specific) almost 40

Occupation: Stay-at-home Mom

Favorite bike: don't know since I'm so new to this.

What's in your stable? 2005 Specialized Allez Elite

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? Have no idea what the speed was -- still need to buy one of those accessories -- but it was coming downhill on Montebello Road (Cupertino) last Sunday.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Hm, I'm not very hip to this bulletin stuff...

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: The Tooth Fairy forgot to visit my daughter one night. I told her that the Tooth Fairy must've been very, very busy and she would definitely make it tonight but, that she ought to write her a note to make sure she knew there was a tooth waiting for her.

Most memorable moment on my bike: The good one -- reaching the top of Montebello Rd. The bad one -- falling in front of Starbucks, falling in front of my daughter, falling... well you get the picture.

Most fun ever had on a bike? Hard to say since I've only had it for a couple of months. I have fun everytime I ride it. I feel like a kid again! Wheee!

[Musclicious505]

Hi everyone - this is a great place!! Im new to cycling but Im a life time athlete - love the bike - I have a lot of endurance and strength - working on improving my skills and technique. Thanks to everyone for sharing all your fun and information!

Real name: Carol
Where do you live? Albuquerque, New Mexico

Explanation of your handle: I'm a former bodybuilder/figure competitor/muscle girl and the 505 is my area code.

Explanation of your avatar: none yet....

Age (general or specific) chronologic 42 biologic 28

Occupation: Auditor/cpa student

Favorite bike: mine

What's in your stable? LeMond Reno

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? 25ish on a flat stretch of trail here in Albq

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Dont have any yet

Favorite ride - theyre all good so far till I have my first fall...aughh

[DrBadger]

Hello all-
I just got my first road bike about a week and a half ago, and have been lurking on the boards for about 2 weeks. You have all been so helpful already without even knowing it! I took my first "real" road ride today and loved all 22 miles of it, so figured I was a real roadie now, so should introduce myself. I hope to meet and maybe ride with some of you soon.


Real name: Ellen
Where do you live? Palo Alto, CA

Explanation of your handle: PA for Palo Alto, where I live, and Badger because I did my undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin - Madison and will be a Badger for life!

Explanation of your avatar: Don't have one yet

Age (general or specific) 26
Occupation: Graduate student in Geophysics

Favorite bike: My "new to me" Trek 1500 WDS

What's in your stable? Mongoose Rockadile Pro Mountain bike, 2005 Trek 1500 WSD

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? 34 MPH! Today going down a hill on Portola road on my first "real" road ride (ie. not on bike trails)

Another picture of yourself or your ride? not yet... will get one soon

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: I don't lie

Most memorable moment on my bike: first time I road my new road bike. It just went so fast!


Most fun ever had on a bike? going REALLY fast down one of the hills on Portola Road (hit my fastest speed ever or 34 MPH!) I had this huge smile on my face and was alternately thinking "this is SOOO much fun" and "Oh, my God I am going to die!"

[CorsairMac]

ROFL at the "this is so much fun/Oh my God I'm gonna die"! Wait til you start hitting speeds over 40 - you will get Such a rush from that and then go home and think "OMG..what Was I THINKING???!!!"

Welcome to the board Badger! and yet Another CA lady, makes me think I'm just gonna have to move there - live off all my TE friends and just ride!

[doorah]

Real name: Debbie


Real Nickname: Doorah

Where do you live? Muskegon, MI USA

Explanation of your handle: Was a name given to me by our local Cable ISP and after the family lol it ended up sticking! It seems I truly am a doorah!

Explanation of your avatar: avatar??....you mean I could have an avatar??

Age (general or specific) 47 on October 1st, yikes!

Occupation: Employment Seeker

Favorite bike: My only bike~sitting in the box waiting to be assembled

What's in your stable? Marin Alpine Trail HT

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? Been so long, I don't think they had speedometers back then...

Another picture of yourself or your ride? I don't have any...yet!

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: It was to my Mom & she taught me at an early age it's easier to tell the truth or keep my trap shut

Most memorable moment on my bike: I only recently got interested in cycling again. My history is minimal, the proverbial Huffy with child carrier back in the 80's. My best friend & I started walking for health, fitness & weightloss two years ago. I've lost 30 of the 70 lbs I need to loose to be in the healthy BMI range. We chose to add early morning bike rides to our game plan earlier this summer and I have been riding either her Fuji or her Mom's Huffy. Both of them are over 5'10" and I am only 5'1 3/4", so I'm sure you can all imagine my experience so far. Uncomfortable, awkward & short-lived! I only recently discovered this site via my videofitness.com site...and I am afraid to admit this but here goes.....I ordered a bike off the internet without ever having test ridden it or even one produced by this manufacturer! It all started back in 1997 when I received an email about the Marin San Anselmo City Bike. It was love at first sight! Back then it came equipped with fenders & paniers(sp?). I researched and printed everything I could find on Marin Bikes & this bike in particular. At the time I was employed and had big plans of commuting to work the following Spring on my beeeeeeeeeeeeUteeeeeeful new Marin San Anselmo. Well in February the following year I lost my job & have been dreaming of this bike & visualizing myself gleefully cycling all over the area perched upon it! Fast-forward to today. I found this bargain for the Marin Alpine Trail HT Mountain bike at $185.99 ($225.00 with shipping), regular price $380(419.99 with shipping). After debating & researching, I asked my BIL who has been an avid cyclist for the past 2 decades what he thought. He said it's a fabulous bike for the money, that he rides his MTB both on & off road and it would be 'perfect' for my needs. Well, it arrived an hour ago & I'm nervous as all get out since reading all the fabulous advice on this site from you fantastic women.....wish me luck?

Most fun ever had on a bike? Back as a young teen, 6 of us decided to bike to our family campground instead of riding with Mom & Dad...about 30 or so miles....but this involved an extremely steep downhill ride that scared the ****ens out of me! PS: Again, embarrassed that my experience is 30+ years ago!

I am so glad that I did find you ladies & this site, better late than never!

~doorah~

[CorsairMac]

Welcome to the board Doorah!! a new bike!! Me Wuvs new bikes even when they aren't mine! and you get to put it together?? how exciting is that?? I keep wanting to tear mine down just so I can put them back together! LOL and congrats on your weight loss! goodonya and keep up the good work! we'll wanna know what you named your new love, and all about your first ride, and your first 1/2 century, and and and.............

[go get em]

Real name: Jacqueline
Where do you live? San Diego, California

Explanation of your handle: Some of the guys I ride with gave me that nick name cause I'm always chasing riders who pass me.

Explanation of your avatar? Guess 'll have to get one of those.

Age: 39

Occupation: Preschool teacher

Favorite bike: Tarmac(Specialized)

What's in your stable? Scattante, Tarmac and Gary Fischer (hoo kooe koo)mountain bike.

Fastest ride on road bike? Not sure. I'm just glad I'm not in the back of the pack anymore.

Picture of yourself or your ride? I have a great picture of my first ride with a group of guys and while the picture was being taken someone sayed "she's the flower among the thorns." Cute! Don't know how to post it though.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told? That I didn't peek at my present (hamsters cage) when I was little. A few days later after I got my hamster(Charlie) he ran away. So I thought god was punishing me for lieing. When I confessed my hamster came back. Weird! Never lied again.

Most memorable moment on my bike: While on a ride the guys wanted to take an alternate route because the rode we were on was washed out. I said "no way am I going to take the alternate route. It's a dangerous road. I'd rather cross the washed out road."(which was now a creek). So I hopped off my bike, took my shoes off and carrying my bike and shoes I climbed down the embankment and crossed the creek. My shoe fell in the water while crossing and the guys started yelling "your shoe is floating down the river." The picture I have in my mind of that day, though, is of all the guys(15 of them) and their bikes sprawled out on the ground drying their feet.

Most fun ever had on a bike: As one of the other ladies said "every ride is fun."

[doorah]

we'll wanna know what you named your new love, and all about your first ride, and your first 1/2 century, and and and.............

Hi & thanks for the warm welcome

I named her Lucy because I love her~I Love Lucy!

As for my first ride~aside from needing to lower my saddle as I was placing too much weight/pressure on my wrists & hands~I was terrified as I live near an industrial park and I'm not used to having semi's whoosh past me 2 & 3 at a time/in a row lol!

I need to check into a hitch rack since I have a 2" hitch and numerous rail trails & bike paths along the lakeshore to enjoy!

~doorah~who's off to search the threads and glean all the awesome information about hitch racks!

[NorCalGal]

Real name: Karen

Where do you live? Orland, California.

Explanation of your handle: I'm in Northern California. Moved here from the beaches of Ventura in Southern California about 12 years ago and went through about a year of culture shock...but have come to appreciate cowboy butts in Wranglers.

Explanation of your avatar: What's an avatar? Is that some sort of birthmark? Is it something off Star Wars? Me confused. Actually, I just haven't found one yet.

Age (general or specific) A proud 46 on November 14, but I tell people I'm seven and holding.

Occupation: Business owner. My husband and I design cargo management accessories for the automotive/recreation industry, so if you have any ideas for bike bags that would carry all of your gear in your car/SUV/truck, let me know! I also do some personal chef work on the side, and have 42 days of grad school left (but who's counting?), getting my masters degree in leadership.

Favorite bike: Anything that makes me look thin. Too new to this stuff to really know. So I guess my favorite is the one I ride right now, a Trek.

What's in your stable? Aforementioned Trek road bike, also the Trek mtb that I started on, and gosh, I just bought a Trek beach cruiser to ride down our country lane to the mailbox and to the produce stand. You'd think I owned stock in Trek.

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? 25.6 miles per hour, being chased by a couple of really fast dogs on a country road about a year ago.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? No pictures, thank you. Not until I find the bike that makes me look thin.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: That it wan't me who shot the BB through the sliding glass window. I was 8. I blamed it on my brother and our mom believed me for awhile.

Most memorable moment on my bike: It wasn't finishing a century, it wasn't leading a pace line, it was when I decided to practice a track stand in my gravel driveway at the end of a ride and I forgot to click out of my pedals. Lots of blood, but sadly the thing that went through my mind as I fell was that I could break something. It's not that I'm old or anything...but how depressing to begin thinking like that!

Most fun ever had on a bike? A friend convinced me to ride the 17-mile drive with him at Pebble Beach. I wasn't a very good rider and I didn't realize how hilly it was, but I finished it and it felt great!

[CorsairMac]

Welcome to the board NorCal. Yeah - tell me about the owning stock in Trek...and the razzlefrazzle(*&E(&(G& wouldn't even let me win one of them thar LiveStrong bikes during the TdF scratch off game. All I got was a lousy water bottle! Hope to hear more from you and how fun is that to already find someone to ride with!!

[natheless]

Getting to Know You!

Real name: Julia
Where do you live? Providence, RI

Explanation of your handle: It's an archaic version of nevertheless - I've used it many places. (I've always been a word geek.)

Explanation of your avatar: Currently, no avatar. I'm still quite new here.

Age (general or specific) 34

Occupation: Educator/Administrator

Favorite bike: Not sure yet, I've had the same bike for ~20 years...

What's in your stable?
Road: Elderly Peugeot (mixte frame, touring bike, I think) 10 speed
Mountain: nada, for now.

Fastest speed on a road bike? 36, last weekend (downhill, definitely!)

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Not at the moment.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Just the ones I've told myself.

Most memorable moment on my bike: Riding in Ireland last year. I expect finishing my first century will also be pretty memorable

Most fun ever had on a bike? Biking on Martha's Vineyard this summer.

[alpinerabbit]

Real name: Susanne

Where do you live? Switzerland

Explanation of your handle: 's what we call someone who goes up mountains easily. Not what I can do currently, but I am from the alps

Explanation of your avatar: self-explanatory I hope

Age (general or specific) 32 going on 33

Occupation: Biologist working for a company that happens to manufacture EPO

Favorite bike: a Chopper LOL!

What's in your stable? A no-name MTB for riding in the city and a Look 281 carbon (brand new, could you tell?)

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? 42 kph on first ride on a triathlon bike. borrowed, years ago. I'm working on it again.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? not yet... working on it.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Fine, how are you?

Most memorable moment on my bike: Running into a poor tourist in the rain (almost at walking speed, he was fine)... and being fined 100$ for running a stop sign by a campus cop in the States. Oh no. now I know. this is gonna be long:

There's this bike lane where I used to ride home and there's parking places right next to it. Rush hour drivers would slooooowly search for a free spot wile cutting me off on my lane, so I decided for some guerilla tactics: a hard pat on the roof. no damage, huge surprise effect. well did HE get angry. He followed me and I had to zip into a small alley where he wasn't allowed. Phew. Never been home that fast.

Most fun ever had on a bike? If I didn't have fun, I'da stopped a long time ago... but getting real dirty on the MTB was one. And pretending my bike is a horse and I'm Zorro as a kid.

[java]

I've been lurking, time to fess up. Greetings, all...

Real name: Mary

Where do you live? Seattle

Explanation of your handle: It’s all about the bean, eh?

Explanation of your avatar: I thought the colors were kind of cool looking.

Age (general or specific): 51

Occupation: print media manager

Favorite bike: Don’t have a favorite yet, but may buy a road bike later this year. I've owned Fuji and Centurion road bikes, but that’s going back 15 - 20 years.

What's in your stable? 2003 Trek 7500fx and a 1993 Bridgestone XO-4, an oldie but a goodie.

Fastest speed on a road bike? On my hybrid, maybe 32 (downhill). I get equal parts "gogogogogo!!!" and “whatintheheckareyoudoingareyoucrazy???!!!” flashing through my head, though.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Nooooooo….

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: I've never been good at telling tales. So, nothing much comes to mind. Truly.

Most memorable moment on my bike: Oh geez. Back in the summer of 1973, I was blasting down a winding road when I t-boned a big ol’ bloodhound of a dog. I flew over the handlebars, my trusty bike flipping before landing on my back as I skidded along the pavement. The dog went whooping off into the woods. The dog turned out just fine though, and I managed with just a bit of road rash and a few divots in my right elbow. Don’t know how that dog didn’t get his ribs broken. I’ll never forget him looking at me as he continued to cross my path no matter how much I tried to move out of his way.

Most fun ever had on a bike: Every day I ride is the best.