When I first went into an LBS looking for a bike after 20 years of non-riding, they gave me a big, heavy good quality hybrid which I was beyond after 3 months of riding. My fault or theirs? Now, when I walk in (by myself) and ask about rear cassettes and gear ratios for my nice road bike, they ask me where I am riding, and the whole tone of the conversation changes.

There are many 50-70 year old female cyclists in my community. They don't worry about hair. Most have short grey hair. I'm the only one with long brown hair tied in the back (which I don't worry about).

The fast male riders that are in the club - I don't see them much because they are gone - are very encouraging when we do catch up to them at the lunch stop.

The funniest episode was when a group of older women cyclists were stopped at a deli where there were a group of Harley motorcycle men stopping also. They asked where we came from - about 20 miles away, and went 'right on' and 'thumbs up'. So, not all fast men are arrogant. And bike shops should take women more seriously.