New Kid on the Block

[sygilligan]

Hi,

I'm new to cycling (or should I say re-cycling as I used to ride an old Schwinn road bike 12 years ago). I bought a cheap mtn bike to ride with my son through grass, mud, rain - so fun. I started riding out on the road and it killed me to go up the hills. So.....off to a bike shop I went. I ended up with a Giant OCR2 - and I am having neck pains. So - I will need to figure out what adjustments need to be made - already swapped out the stem for a shorter one.

I'm finding it hard to find other women that want to ride like me - I want to race if I can build my skills, speeds and knowledge. After 2 months on the bike, I am up to 15 - 25 miles per ride averaging 13.5 - 14 mph with max speeds over between 28 - 35 so far (these rides include alot of rolling hills, flat roads are hard to find here). I guess that is a sufficient start. Any suggestions would be appreciated - I did join a local bike club and started riding this past week. Funny story associated with my first two rides. It involves men! Apparently, I created quite a stir with the local experienced riders.

I love the posts about the clothes and the gear and the passion for biking - it's wonderful!

Sharon

[wannaduacentury]

Hi,

I'm new to cycling (or should I say re-cycling as I used to ride an old Schwinn road bike 12 years ago). I bought a cheap mtn bike to ride with my son through grass, mud, rain - so fun. I started riding out on the road and it killed me to go up the hills. So.....off to a bike shop I went. I ended up with a Giant OCR2 - and I am having neck pains. So - I will need to figure out what adjustments need to be made - already swapped out the stem for a shorter one.

I'm finding it hard to find other women that want to ride like me - I want to race if I can build my skills, speeds and knowledge. After 2 months on the bike, I am up to 15 - 25 miles per ride averaging 13.5 - 14 mph with max speeds over between 28 - 35 so far (these rides include alot of rolling hills, flat roads are hard to find here). I guess that is a sufficient start. Any suggestions would be appreciated - I did join a local bike club and started riding this past week. Funny story associated with my first two rides. It involves men! Apparently, I created quite a stir with the local experienced riders.

I love the posts about the clothes and the gear and the passion for biking - it's wonderful!

Sharon

I've got the OCR 2 also Sharon. Good move on swapping the stem, I will soon enough. I love mine Jennifer

[Maureen Valley]

Wow....this is really getting interesting. I'm taking notes on your bikes, ladies.....and saw the 'photos on bikes' thread and was greatly inspired by what I saw.

I'm currently riding a 2005 Trek Multi-Trak 7000 Hybrid....and will be choosing a new bike soon. I'm slowly zeroing in on Gary Fisher's new Mendota....a high performance hybrid with straight handlebars. Has anyone seen one of these guys? The other 2 models in that series are Wingra and Monona. They all look like lots of value for the $$$.

In the meantime, I'm cranking out more miles every day on the Hybrid. It serves my purpose for the time being and all I can think about is riding my new baby in an event. When that happens...I'll post a pic on the thread that depicts all of us on our bikes.

New Question? Have any of you named your bikes? My daughter in law calls her Triathlon bike...Romeo!!!

Best to all:
Maureen in Florida