A warm hello to all!

I am so excited... I simply must share!
Brief background of my experience:

I somehow discover a forum called "Team Estrogen" and am very fascinated by it! I "lurk" for approx. 5-6 weeks.

I witness women motivating and encouraging other women to ride at any level one can! I see people openly sharing their own experiences and their "resources" for info.,for techniques/skills, for problem-solving, and for simply riding in general. Too Great! So cool!

I have been totally medically disabled for 20+ years. I have great difficulty walking, etc. I often use a cane or my service dog for mobility support.
(I am determined to do my very best to not transition into a wheelchair until there is absolutely no other option.) My "competitive" athletic spirit (and I am athletic in "spirit" only due to long-term physical limitations) just will not give up or give in... not yet , anyway!

Through reading this forum, I'd read so much encouragement shared with others, that I, too, had "soaked it all up." This led me to believe it might be time to "suck it up" and get back on the bike! It certainly wouldn't hurt to try it!

So.. out I went... ever so cautiously... trying out bikes and had purchased a "hybrid." The hybrid is a great bike... more built up than many hybrids.
She's a sweetie!

Within four weeks of getting on the hybrid, I am just dying for the feel of a road bike again! (I'd had them when I was younger and prior to physical disability.) I cannot get this craving for a road bike out of my mind for very long, no matter how I try to distract myself from the idea!

I'd been looking at them and doing some research.

I went to a few LBS and tried out a variety of makes/models.

I now have a new member (or two) to my (our) stable!

I was trying out "road bikes," hubby was on the sidelines, saying he would never be into "road biking," as he considers himself a mountain biker only. He is accompanying me on test rides, yet he is insisting upon riding mountain bikes. He becomes a bit intrigued by the fun I seem to be having.

I finally convince him to at least ride a "road designed" bike. OMG! Sold!
He is immediately interested. He is in shock that he likes the feel of a road bike! I assist him through his immediate "crisis" by explaining he can love both styles of riding!

In addition to this new realizaton for himself, I had been entering his name for just a few days in a give-away. He'd immediately won a Polar CS200cad computer! (His name was drawn before I'd taken him to test out some road bikes! Unbelievable!)

After a ride.... he was so "hooked!" So... now the bike purchase was going to "double!"

We'd each decidied to stick with a Trek 1200C. It seems to be quite a bit of bike and sufficient "zip" for the price!

So ladies... I am now on a "road" bike and thrilled! I thought I'd be riding on the road without my husband (which would have been okay). Yet, now he is thrilled with the road, too! (A bonus!)

I feel like I have come a very long way in a short amount of time. I was riding my newest bike last night... sweet!

This is a very big deal for me!

I am forever thankful for the inspiration!

With Sincere Appreciation!

Julie