One of the perks...

[Starfish]

I had a little fun in a couple bike shops yesterday. I was a few towns away and wanted to investigate a couple shops I hadn't yet visited.

Now, I am about 30 pounds over, and yesterday I was all dressed for business...probably looking about as far away from sporty as is possible.

So I walk into these shops and start a friendly conversation with the (male) owners...just telling them I'm interested in whatever group rides they might have, and just trying to get to know their shops, the area, etc.

So, at each shop, they politely and intelligently ask me what kind of riding I do, and how often, etc, but without a lot of expression. So without any fanfare, I say, "Well, I guess the most recent thing was 3 weeks ago, the Summit Century down at Shasta. So, I guess that's the kind of training I've been doing, and I sure do recommend that ride to anyone. Great ride!"

Then, the expressions. The follow up questions (and, that was a one-day ride?). One mechanic in the back literally snapped his head up with this stunned expression and just looked at me. Seriously, I would be insulted if it wasn't kinda fun!

Then...the real bike discussions started. Lots of fun.

Anyhow, I got a big kick out of surprising a couple bike guys yesterday.

[Zen]

you evil woman, messing with those boys like that

[Starfish]

Hey, I didn't do it on purpose! I guess I didn't realize what a surprise I was going to be to them!

[sundial]

Aha! The element of surprise!

So many people are guilty of judging a book by its cover.

It really surprises people to learn how many miles I ride a week and the speed I ride. I usually get the look that says, 'You should be stick thin.'
Or, "Are you kidding??"--like I'm over the hill or something. Jeepers!

[KSH]

Aha! The element of surprise!

So many people are guilty of judging a book by its cover.

It really surprises people to learn how many miles I ride a week and the speed I ride. I usually get the look that says, 'You should be stick thin.'
Or, "Are you kidding??"--like I'm over the hill or something. Jeepers!

Try being thin and telling people how slow you ride... they assume I'll be FAST because I look FAST!

Nope, sorry... I just look good going slow...

But yea, I have learned to NOT judge an athlete by his/her cover. Too many people who I sized up before a triathlon... beat my butt on the course. Lesson learned.

[Mr. Bloom]

Now, I am about 30 pounds over,

Yep, I hear muscle weighs a lot more than the other stuff...

[Starfish]

Yep, I hear muscle weighs a lot more than the other stuff...

HA !!!

God bless you, Mr., but no, I really put on a lot of plain ol' fat this year...did an amazing amount of stress eating, unfortunately. However, I am excited to drop some weight and keep working out this winter to see where I am in January. In fact, September 4 through January 19 will be my lose-weight-base-cross-train phase. Then we'll see!!!

Nice sentiment, though!

[Jiffer]

Pretty cool! My husband quit going to the LBS that closest to us because he felt "beneath" them, as if they were all supierior cyclists to him. He just didn't like how he felt when he went in there. And he's a GUY! A thin, athletic type guy who ran marathons more than cycling at the time.

Since then, he's given a TON of business (and I mean a ton) to a farther away LBS that treats every customer with the same respect. From the guy that only speaks spanish and needs the cheapest bike possible to ride to work ... to the guy looking to buy a $5,000 racing bike.

I guess that's a little off topic from your post, but your post reminded me of Dh's experience. Glad you got to have so much fun surprising people with your century riding abilities. Pretty soon I'll be able to do that. Next Saturday is my first.

[Starfish]

I guess that's a little off topic from your post, but your post reminded me of Dh's experience.

O, and I know you didn't imply anything about my bike shops, but I just want to add, for the record, that I have had nothing but nice folks at all the shops out here, including these guys. They were surprised, but they were really nice.

You will get your century done sooner than you think!

And then your goal will change. My super-dang-proud-of-myself for my climbing century is already wearing off...it was August 5th, and the month is almost up...so I guess that's about right! Now all I'm thinking about is next year's goals! LOL