Just wanted to introduce myself...

[bonnie526]

Hello, ladies! I've been lurking here for a while and I figured it's about time I introduce myself.

My name is Bonnie and I'm 26 years old. I've lost 80 pounds (and maintained the loss) since September 2002. I still have about 20 - 30 more to go and I've recently taken up biking as a means to do that. Who knew I'd love it so much!?!?

I got a Giant OCR3 in mid-June. Isn't it purdy?


I had quite a bit of trouble adjusting in the begining. My saddle was horrible! My sit bones killed constantly, my girly bits had that pins and needles feeling like when you're foot falls asleep (not cool!), one entire leg would just go numb or have shooting pains for no apparent reason and I had constant numb toes. On top of all that discomfort, I was in pretty bad shape and was very easily winded. At first, I really hoped that we could just take the bike back.

Instead, we went to the LBS to find a new saddle. I got a Terry Liberator and it's pretty good. I still have issues from time to time but overall, I'm very comfortable on my bike. And get this...my LBS has a seat swap program where you just pay whatever the difference is. My original saddle was worth a whole $10 to them! No wonder it was killing me!!!

So, from June 16 to today, I've put 190 miles on my bike and I can't wait to break 200 this week. My *usual* rides right now are about 15 miles. I've had a couple 20 milers and hope to make those more of a habit soon.

I knew that sometime in the future I'd go clipless so last weekend I decided to take the plunge. If I'm gonna do it eventually, why wait? So, I got some Eggbeaters (got that idea from lurking around here!) and some sweet silver Sidi shoes. While in my kitchen messing around with the pedals, I had a very unfortunate accident. Haha! Yep, I was just straddling the bike, with one foot clipped in. I jerked hard to get it out and lost my balance. So, my bike battle wounds happened in my kitchen - a giant knot and bruise on each knee and a 5 inch gash on my inner thigh from the frame pump holder scratching as I went down. It's good that I can laugh about it now b/c I was *definitely* not laughing then! Since then, no tumbles though.

Thank you all for the advice that you've given me without even knowing it. If it wasn't for some of the threads around here, I might have taken the bike back after that first horrible week. Instead, I've found something that I truely love and plan to do for the rest of my life.

[mimitabby]

Hi Bonnie, welcome to TE!
you apparently had the 'by fire' type of baptism. I haven't gone clipless. Stories like yours scare me.

Your experiences sound like something we all need to hear, so jump in
and join the fun!
mimi

[Bikingmomof3]

Welcome Bonnie! Congrats on the weight loss and on your new bike. You are very brave, I have yet to go clipless. Again, welcome to TE!

[Cassandra_Cain]

Wow - great story, and perserverance as well, Bonnie

Welcome to the forum - by all means, share your stories and adventures

Nice bike too

[chickwhorips]

welcome bonnie! glad you decided to join in instead of "lurking". its so much more fun joining in on the fun.

congrats on your weightloss and good luck with your goal weight.

sorry to hear about the crash in the kitchen, but look on the bright side, your first fall wasn't infront of a ton of people.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

sorry to hear about the crash in the kitchen, but look on the bright side, your first fall wasn't infront of a ton of people.

Or in front of a truck!

[emily_in_nc]

Instead, we went to the LBS to find a new saddle. I got a Terry Liberator and it's pretty good. I still have issues from time to time but overall, I'm very comfortable on my bike. And get this...my LBS has a seat swap program where you just pay whatever the difference is. My original saddle was worth a whole $10 to them! No wonder it was killing me!!!

Hi Bonnie, welcome to TE and congratulations on your weight loss and riding habit!

Since you mention that you're still having some saddle issues even with the Liberator, I thought I'd point out that I noticed from your bike photo that your saddle is slanted down quite a bit. That would tend to put more pressure on your front girlie bits (and less on the sitbones). It also can cause you to put a disproportionate amount of weight on your arms, which might result in shoulder, neck, or hand pain. Perhaps you're fine with this saddle setup, but I just thought I'd point it out in case you were unaware of it. Might want to get out a level, get that seat nice and flat and give it a whirl!

Enjoy riding, and again, welcome to the Team!

Emily

[Pascale]

Welcome Bonnie - congrats on your weight loss! Post lots of stories and questions, cuz lots of us are new (to biking or to the board) and every question gets answers that help us all!

Ya aren't in MN are ya?

[bonnie526]

Thank you all for the warm welcome!

Pascale: Nope, I'm in OH.

Hi Bonnie, welcome to TE and congratulations on your weight loss and riding habit!

Since you mention that you're still having some saddle issues even with the Liberator, I thought I'd point out that I noticed from your bike photo that your saddle is slanted down quite a bit. That would tend to put more pressure on your front girlie bits (and less on the sitbones). It also can cause you to put a disproportionate amount of weight on your arms, which might result in shoulder, neck, or hand pain. Perhaps you're fine with this saddle setup, but I just thought I'd point it out in case you were unaware of it. Might want to get out a level, get that seat nice and flat and give it a whirl!

Enjoy riding, and again, welcome to the Team!

Emily

Thanks for the advice, Emily. That picture is from only a day or two after I got my bike and yes, I had the saddle tilted waaaaay forward in an attempt to solve my issues. I have my Liberator pretty level and it's okay *most* of the time. I really think it just has to do with how I perch myself. When I'm especially tired, I tend to get lazy and lean forward (and tilt my pelvis forward?) quite a bit and push the nose of the saddle on things it shouldn't press on! When I'm having an especially tough ride is the only time I notice the numbness/pins and needles feeling anymore and it's not nearly as bad as it was with my old saddle.