Quote Originally Posted by Tri Girl View Post
When I first started riding, I joined a club ride. They made me feel like an idiot (you don't have this or that???). ...they made me feel like family. Total strangers taught me all I needed to know and listened to my endless questions. I think it's a matter of finding a group that makes you feel comfortable.
This is the main thing that has held me back from attending my first group ride to a club I have a paid membership in. Sad, isn't it? When no one (including the lbs who took my $ for my bike) would help, I stumbled across this board. My first post was to the effect of: (deep breath before typing) I have bleeding abrasions on my labia minora...". I have never felt more supported, have never been made to feel stupid, or the like here on TE. Why can't the whole freakin cycling world be like this? It makes me mad.

Gray... Chin up and keep pedaling it out. Aquiring gear can be a slow going process. Most importantly--you have heart. (((hugs))) Miranda