Quote Originally Posted by oxysback View Post

I just took a peek at the Junonia site....that's one I'll be putting on my favorites!

Ellen, I have two pairs of Junonia shorts you can have. They are quite stretchy and may fit you now. If not, they will fit you by the time you finish your first century. I wore them last spring when I started cycling. My body burned a lot of fat in the first months and I went down a couple of sizes, and the Junonia became too big for me. I switched over to the Terry and haven't regretted it. I've never had a sore seat problem with the Terry shorts, or any kind of problem. If you want these shorts, just say so and they are yours.

The thread drifted towards women riding, their size while being on a bike. I want to make a few comments. Around here, which is Northern Oregon, where I cycle and where I am when I am in my car, I rarely see a female cyclist. In truth, most of the cyclists I see are older men. I've wondered about this oddity because I don't understand it. I get on my bike and I go out and bike. I don't need to be with anyone, therefore I am not dependant upon anyone's schedule other than my own. I just do it. I was larger when I started, and I am less large now, but still large. And I am still biking. I love cycling with a passion. It makes me feel good, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

I don't understand why there are not more women out there cycling like I am, in the area where I live. It can't be the body weight because if you have a bike that supports your weight then use it. And it can't be because women are worried about how they look because who cares what strangers passing by in cars think. I can tell you when I see a female cyclist, big or small, old or young, I think they are awesome, totally incredible people. However the sad reality is I very rarely see a female cyclist, except when I meet up to go riding with Suzie and Ellen, or I am on an event ride.

A few times last summer I saw some female cyclists, and they were either with a spouse or boyfriend, or cycling with a small group. I've never seen a female cyclist biking by herself like I do. I know Suzie does it. I know others on this forum do it. I guess I am just confused as to what keeps most women from getting on a bike and going out and getting some miles in, and doing it regularly. I see male cyclists biking solo every day. So why don't I see female cyclists biking solo?

Darcy