It’s about time I join this great group of women cyclists. I have been visiting this forum for almost a year and feel so connected on so many topics. Why have I waited so long to join??!! There have been questions I’ve had, or issues (with pedal choices), or sometimes I just check in to see what folks are talking about and find there’s a discussion about something was just going on in my own life. Woolweenies, heart rate monitor choices, even prescription cycling glasses.
Today I read an older post about downhill descents and speed and fear. I can so relate to what many of you say, and it is so comforting to find out that I am not the only one feeling what I feel. And now more than ever I am feeling the need for this camaraderie and support. So here I am.

I did the Chilly Hilly this past Sunday. I went by myself, as my family is not into that type of cycling challenge. Even before the ride started I felt nervous. I didn’t know how I would like cycling in such a big group of people. I felt scared being on my road bike when I have spent most of the winter commuting on my mtn. bike. Even though I have been using clipless pedals since October, successfully too, I felt nervous about that. And making all matters worse was the fact that I did the ride in bifocals that I had only had for three days- I am new to bifocals (and I don’t think they are going to last!) Well, I had a miserable time the whole ride, feeling scared and lonely (among thousands of people). I did finish the ride and I did make it up all but the first hill. There was a big traffic jam of stopped people on the first hill, and one guy fell in front of me that I just stopped and walked the rest of the way up. Uphills are not my problem though- bring ‘em on. I am a downhill weenie. I went slow down all the hills. The rain made it even scarier and so I braked- often. I did manage to go down one hill fast-I think the computer registered 25mph. I should give myself some credit. But most of the time it was slow downhill. One guy passed me and asked me if I was ok, and I replied, yes, just slow. And I am probably the only person in the whole event who walked down the last hill! It was steep with a sharp hairpin turn and the bottom, and cars were coming up it. I just freaked. I was in tears when I got home because I did not have fun and felt so bad for feeling so scared and miserable the whole time. I told my partner that I was giving up my road bike, was just sticking to my mtn. bike, and that I was ready to give up the clipless pedal effort. By Monday afternoon I was feeling pretty proud of myself for doing the event, not feeling sore (because of all the riding I have been doing),and even was thinking I would try the Chilly Hilly again next year- on my mtn. bike.
Today I did my commute on my mtn. bike and in my power grip pedals. But I'm still not sure about the pedal thing- I do like the clipless, just feel scared on them on the down hills. Maybe I’ll continue this, with my questions for you all on a different, new thread.
So, in advance, and for all you have contributed already, thanks everyone!