so happy I found this forum!

[AmbitiousGirl]

hi all!

I am so happy I found this website and forum. I've been reading posts for the last hour and can't believe how much information is on here.

Like Grayson who posted a few days ago, I am also going to attempt the AIDS Ride for the first time (but I'm aiming for 2009). It's a pretty ambitious goal for me (hence the screen name) since when I made the decision to train for the Ride, I had never ridden more than 5 miles consecutively and I carry (a lot of) extra weight.

But I'm a grad student trying to finish her dissertation this year and I figure I need something else to work towards that doesn't involved sitting at a computer.

So, I've been riding the last three weeks (10-18 miles each ride). The intense butt pain has finally subsided, but I'm quickly realizing I have a lot to learn! Who knew there were so many different types of bikes! And I have to admit I'm a little scared of the bike shoes/clips--I know I'm going to fall over!

So thank you all for being here and for sharing your knowledge! Expect lots of questions from me in the upcoming months!

Lizzi

[Red Rock]

Welcome to TE. Glad your here. Also congrats on getting to the point of your dissertation. May cycling help you finish it with a sane mind and body.

Don't be afraid of all of the different types of bikes. Research different bike shops and ask lots of questions both here and there. That is what I have done since I became reaquaninted with my bike. People at work might think I'm nuts, but if I have free time, I am on the computer looking at componetry, apparel and anything else cycling related. So I am a confirmed junkie.

May your fun explorations begin.

Red Rock

[GraysonKelly]

Hi Ambitious! I would love to do 2009, but unfortunately I can't afford it right now and I am planning on moving later in the year so my training will be severely affected. I say "GO YOU!!!" Please keep me posted on what's going on with you and your training. Next year you'll be coaching me on your experiences and maybe if you decide to do it again we can encourage each other. Know that I'm encouraging you all the way for your training for the ride. I'm so excited about doing the ride that I almost can't wait for 2010, but I have to. I'm glad that you're doing it. Keep me posted and good luck. As far as the bike choosing goes, my heavens I've gotten loads of info and am still confused but I'm just trying to ride different stuff and see what feels good. The people on this forum have been awesome and I've only been on here for a little less than a week. Congrats again and good luck!!!

[Blueberry]

Hey Ambitious! Welcome to TE!!

Let me know if you ever need anything - routes, shop advice, etc, etc - I'm in Durham also. Are you at Duke? Which department?

CA

[bikerchic]

Welcome to TE AG! You're going to love it here!

[Zen]

Girl, you have no idea what you've gotten yourself into
I can honestly say TE has changed my life.

[Trek420]

Hi Ambitious! I would love to do 2009, but unfortunately I can't afford it right now and I am planning on moving later in the year so my training will be severely affected. I say "GO YOU!!!"

Grayson, there are certainly expenses to ALC or any charity road ride; shopping for that perfect little red dress, flights to and from the event, equipment .... but technically speaking you don't pay to ride.

As long as you meet your fund raising goals all expenses are covered such as food, tents, even entertainment.

Also what she says:

I also learned that the more I pushed myself, the stronger I was. Day 2 was sucky but Day 3 and onward I felt better and better.

Day 1 is tough, Day 2 a century ride, but the odd thing is if you make it through those two you may find yourself feeling stronger and stronger each day.

[wildhawk]

Awesome goal!! I too have to lose weight, and cycling works out perfect for me in addition to my walking. I too have set a huge goal of the MS150 for next May - a two day, 150 mi. ride. And now that I have discovered TE, I am a bonafide bike junkie!! I have been on here a couple of weeks and love all the great advice and info. Best of luck to you in your training and education endeavors!

[melissam]

Like Grayson who posted a few days ago, I am also going to attempt the AIDS Ride for the first time (but I'm aiming for 2009). It's a pretty ambitious goal for me (hence the screen name) since when I made the decision to train for the Ride, I had never ridden more than 5 miles consecutively and I carry (a lot of) extra weight.

Welcome to TE!

I did the AIDS Ride for the first time this year, and I had the time of my life, so I'm sure you will too!

Have you looked at the aidslifecycle.com site? They have recommendations for training, and it looks like you've already passed their mileage numbers for October. You're on a roll!!

Keep doing what you're doing, ride consistently, increase your mileage gradually, ask lots of questions, and most of all, have fun!

- Melissa

PS Several other TE'ers have done the AIDS/Lifecycle, so there's plenty of experts on here.

[lph]

Welcome! Good for you for getting past the intense pain phase It'll only get better, and biking is a terrific stress reliever for students.

[teigyr]

Welcome

You will learn and you are working toward a wonderful goal.

I did the Calif Aids Ride back in 2001. I just kind of jumped in and figured I'd figure out what to do after I signed up. It worked out perfectly.

Oh yeah, tons of bikes and pedals. You'll fall the requisite amount of once and then life will go on. It's not that bad. Perhaps the lightest bike won't be the best (honestly, I rode my best on this hybrid-type mtn bike) and the most important thing is you will have fun.

You will have a great time on the adventure of riding! I found that the AIDS ride groups are very supportive and will help in both the ride and in training. I also learned that the more I pushed myself, the stronger I was. Day 2 was sucky but Day 3 and onward I felt better and better.

What will your degree be in?

[AmbitiousGirl]

Thank you all for the kind words! I realize that I'm going to need all the support I can get as I do this!

CA...I'm glad to find another person in Durham! I'm in school at UNC in the school of public health, but we live in SW Durham (off 55/54). I've been riding on the American Tobacco Trail, but need to start braving the streets. Route advice would be great!

Grayson...I know what you mean about money! Fund raising aside, I am quickly realizing how much of an investment this will be. But it feels good to spending money on something that is good for me.

[Bike Goddess]

AG- Keep up the good work, and work on your diet as well. As you increase your mileage, you'll probably find that certain foods are more appealing than others. Eat healthy and eat small amounts often!

I started riding in 2003 and by 2004 had lost 25lbs. I've lost another 5lbs since then. How did I do it? I trained hard, easy, and often!

Congrats on your graduate work as well.

ALC- 2005 with TREK and gang!