Thanks for the encouragement! I have tried to get into mountain biking several times now and in the past have gotten to a certain point and then given up - totally frustrated! This time feels very different. The biggest thing is that I lucked into the perfect bike for me. She's not flashy or shiny or new but she's perfect!! I can honestly say I don't have bike envy at all for anyone else's bike! Anyway, the other big difference is that I'm riding in groups now so I see others stuggle over some of the same stuff I struggled and it sort of validates my growth on the bike. Makes me feel much better and like maybe I don't completely SUCK!!
Today I road my first real clipless ride. The pedals went well. I bonked big time!! I only got through 1/2 of the ride. I had to go back to the car. I was dizzy - weak and jelly legged!!! I was actually having trouble WALKING my bike! YIKES! But tomorrow is another day. I'll try again.
OH - my friend that is hunting a bike road the Giant trance yesterday and she really liked it!! She's also in love with a specialized stump jumper. I don't blame her at all - it was a cool bike!!
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Thread: Encouragement for newbies
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09-24-2006, 10:01 AM #1
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09-24-2006, 03:56 PM #2
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Wow, way to go!
I am a 34yo mom of four and am just getting into it. I am so loving it, but frustrated because I'm almost emarrassed to be seen on my sad looking bike. I just don't get enought riding time right now with all of my kids playing soccer. The only riding buddies I have are my dh and his cousin (also a man). I would love to find some other women to ride with. Your story is definately an encouragment!
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09-24-2006, 03:58 PM #3
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BTW, my 15yo dd said you don't look 43 either. I agree, you look way younger! Maybe another benefit of MTB'ing.
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09-24-2006, 04:49 PM #4
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FBG...
Thank you so much for sharing your encouraging story! I've been back on my road bike since March but have not done much mtnbiking....
I did a ride recently w/BCIPam and some of her friends and really want to get back into it! I've been a bit concerned about my lack of skills so your post is very timely for me
I ordered a full suspension mtn bike today so I am very excited to hear how far you've come!!!!
GREAT JOB!!!
Tracy
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09-24-2006, 06:37 PM #5
I want to ride my bicycle
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My girlfriends were amazed at what I would do on my old bike. I swear you could hear my teeth rattling in my head as we rode down rocky technical singletrack. But the hardtail made me a better rider, made me pick my line and stick to it, taught me how to move around and use my body more. The full sus feels like riding a couch compared to my old beater. So no apologies for your sad looking bike. She will teach you a few things.
Originally Posted by Steph
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09-24-2006, 08:59 PM #6
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Is the group you ride with an organized one? I know redhot3368 is near you and her group is pretty heavy into mtn biking... actually, looking at her website and trip pics have done a lot to inspire me to get back on the dirt!
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09-25-2006, 06:39 AM #7
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RedHot
Yeah, that is actually the group I ride with! I haven't met Karen yet, she rides a lot of road lately. I am with the weekday crew and generally lay low on the weekends, but recently rode with the local BOMB group on a saturday (Believers on Mountain Bikes). I'm sure I will meet up with Karen soon. In fact this morning I am riding Space Mountain in her neighborhood!
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09-25-2006, 10:49 AM #8
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I LOVE Karen and Kim (I met Kim at the Three Harbors ride) they are SO great! My goal is to get good enough to crash one of their trips! Karen has been on almost every road ride lately so I guess she's trying to ride both these days... just look for long red hair, tall and thin, basically a really beautiful girl... uh, woman Originally Posted by fatbottomedgurl
I am very envious that you're getting to ride w/them! I am way too far away to be able to do that however, I am looking forward to reading about more of your adventures!!!! Are you planning on going on any of their future trips??? I love the ones in AZ red rock country
t~
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09-25-2006, 10:51 AM #9
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btw... I'm blaming you guys for making my order my new mtn bike.... 'cause I just had no control whatsoever Originally Posted by fatbottomedgurl
hee hee hee
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09-25-2006, 01:14 PM #10
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Yes I have ridden with Kim. On our ride today we said it would be fun to go to Moab... but nothing in the works for now. If you ever come down this way we'll take you on some rides! Today's ride was really challenging. No fire roads, just climb climb climb up fairly technical switchbacks and lots of swoopy fun downhill and testing out my full suspension. Didn't crash but came close a couple times.
Met a guy who rides there every day and said we are the first girls he's ever seen in a year.
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