Anyone else feel this way?

[Bad JuJu]

Holy mackerel, what a story. Hey, have you ever thought about starting a blog, Denise? You're such a writer--I think you'd do a great blog!

That ladybug bag you found is truly cute, but this is the one I was really talking about--they call it the "bug" now, but it was the "ladybug" a few years ago when I got mine.
Arkel Bug

[Denise223]

Hi Ladies!

Mimi, Pooks, Lisa, Jennifer, Karen, Bad JuJu:

Well, let me try to keep this post brief ..... my last post was LONG!!!!

Bad JuJu: Thanks for the idea of a "blog". I started one a long time ago..... but, nothing ever made it out of the "draft" stage -- Go figure ! I will start another one and will let you know when it's up & running.
And, thanks for the info on the Arkel "the bug" backpack. It really looks like something I am VERY interested in. (Thank you for the link ). Oh, BTW, if testimonials count for anything, check out the first one !

Originally posted by Lisa S.H. I feel just the way you do about biking not feeling like exercise at all. Losing weight and getting fit while biking feels sort of like being paid to be an ice cream taster?...(sorry, only example I can think of!)

That's a great example, Lisa !! I'll agree to that one !

As far as "my story" being an inspiration, I really appreciate all of you who said that. I have always said that my life is an "open book".
If sharing what I have gone through in my life can be helpful to someone, I am more than willing to tell all.
I truly believe that every single person "has a story", and through sharing them, we can help one another .

Thank you all for your advice about camelbaks. Perhaps this will be something I'll purchase next season, (or Santa might put one under the tree ).

Because it's getting darker earlier, we just ordered headlights/tail lights for our bikes last night . Now we won't have to cut our rides short because the sun is going down. I'll want to find some other things so that we will extra visible out there... Perhaps some reflective tape for our helmets. If anyone has any other ideas I'd be happy to hear them. Thanks!

Does anyone have these? I just might have to order them.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=13124

I wonder how often the batteries need to be changed?

This past Monday we tried out a new route. We rode through 3 GORGEOUS towns. I've said it before, but.....it really is true.--> It absolutely feels as if we're riding around in Vermont. The scenery is breathtaking. It's so wonderful being able to see acres & acres of land as far as our eyes can see.

There are times that we just stop & get off our bikes to see & enjoy all of the beauty that surrounds us . We'd like to do this route again this weekend, and complete the full 27 miles.
We rode 24 miles on Monday because it was getting darker -- we took a shortcut back to our car. This route was quite hilly - and, I'm happy to say that we are most definitely improving with hills!

We started riding 3 months ago and 24 miles is the furthest we've ridden thus far. We're pretty happy with that.

And today, I went out for my 2nd SOLO RIDE! I rode my bike in the same towns that we did on Monday. I missed my husband A LOT, but, I really did enjoy myself. I know that riding alone isn't a big deal for lots of people, but for me, I've been struggling with it.
So today, instead of dealing with a lot of "mind chatter", I made the decision, got ALL OF MY STUFF together, bike on rack, drove 10 miles out, parked..........And, enjoyed a lovely 16 mile ride !!

Now, I DON'T DO DIETING, but......I do watch what I eat -- VERY healthy stuff, no meat, tofu, lots of veggies/fruits (some days/weeks are better than others!). We have a scale in the house, but I don't use it. Anyhow, my clothes are definitely getting looser.
And, even though my body has extra insulation, I know that I have LESS than when I started riding 3 months ago.....I can feel my thigh muscles getting A LOT STRONGER!!!!! What a BONUS!!!!

If anyone has any ideas as to types of physical activity that can be done during the winter months, so as not to lose everything that was gained when bicycling. We have a trainer, so that's an option. (but, to be honest, I really find riding indoors to be EXTREMELY BBBOOOOORRRRIINNNGGG!!

For those of you who have been riding awhile ---- when you have been away from cycling b/c of the winter, etc., do you LOSE A LOT of the fitness that you gained from cycling the previous season?

I REALLY NEED to build up my upper body strength. I have some upper extremity problems -- TOS, RSDS. Painful conditions, but I do have good days mixed in there .
I am thinking of joining a pool so I can really learn to swim. Probably would be great for my shoulders!

Well, it's early in the morning right now, and I should be in bed sleeping..... So, I'll sign off now & get into bed.

I hope that you & all those that you love are doing well !

Peace & Love,

Denise