newbie intro and more....

[tigerrose21]

thank you all for your word of encouragement and support.

to answer indysteel first, yes i have talked to them about working as a team. my words had little impact. i was not accusatory, i used the "i" approach instead of "you". i said my peace and need to say no more. i am close to 39 and junior high was a long time ago. life is busy enough for me already. playing games takes too much time and energy.

so i will be just fine and i will make it. there are other clubs to ride with but i still want to do the saturday rides with the whole illnois team in training crew. life lived, lessons learned and yes a beautiful ride to boot!!!

thanks again!!!!

[northstar]

Welcome!

There are a lot of good threads in the Apparel section about shorts. Read up! I would also recommend finding a good LBS and trying on a few things. It's nice to be able to feel the fabric.

Enjoy your ride! I am hoping to do a century at the end of the summer. Let us know how yours goes!

[teigyr]

tigerrose, welcome

Maybe these people are oblivious? Even though you said what you needed to say, some people aren't sensitive to those things. You're better off where you are then and congrats for continuing on with your training!

There is nothing wrong with riding by yourself but maybe there are some group rides around where you are? Check cycling clubs. I often get locked into riding by myself and the downsides are: a) I always go my own pace, b) I always go my own routes so I'm limited by my own concept of where I want to ride, and c) I forget group riding etiquette. I think a mix of both types of training are good.

I second and third what other people have said about Performance shorts. OUCH! I use mine for spinning class or the gym and that's it. Check out the reviews here and also talk to the TE people. I have yet to shop here (soon, next month's budget!) but I've heard wonderful reviews of the customer service. I also like the fact that when you look at things like shorts (yes, I look around because I have an ongoing "wish list"!) you can look at the chamois and there is a detailed description.

Good luck!!! I think you'll do great -

[spokewench]

Just ignore those other gals on your supposed team. You can always thank them for getting you motivated to do something you have always wanted and go on and have fun on a bike for the rest of your life!

If you are training, you will do just fine in Tahoe. It is at altitude, so drink plenty of water once you get there and while you ride. It is really important to be hydrated at altitude and also be careful of the sun it is hotter and will burn easier at altitude.

The ride around the Lake is stupendous. It is one of the most beautiful rides I have ever done so enjoy the views! There are equally good climbs and downhills. I rode a ride around the lake years ago - it was my first 100 miler. It was not an organized ride, but I started with my husband, and a couple of friends of his (men) and I planned and rode it by myself cause hubby thought I could not keep up. I left before them - they never caught up! LOL! (I know my husband would have, but not his friends) Boys will be boys! The hills are fairly long, but just go at your own pace, don't push too hard since you are altitude and you will not be used to it and MOST OF ALL ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE!