hey goddess,

I've been a mechanic for a couple of years now, and it's so much fun! If you need any info or anything, just drop me a line, and I'll try to help. I remember VERY vividly how hard it was for me to break into this aspect of the industry, which is still so male dominated it's not even funny. Any way I can help...

As far as your hands go, try examining your riding postion. Is your seat the correct height? Have you set your fore and aft position? Do you have the right amount os reach?

Then try looking at your riding technique, which is something a lot of people overlook when it comes to aches and pains on the bike. I know I did, and it took a friend looking at how I ride and pointing certain things out to me for me to realize it. First, don't ever lock your elbos when your ridning. Keep them at least a 45 degree angle - they serve as your shock absorbers. If your arms are rigid, the only place for the road shock to go is your wrists and shoulders (ouch!). Then look at your back. This was the reason my hands kept hurting on my steel bike. My fit on the bike was great, but when I rode I would arch my back as opposed to keeping my abs taught and my back straight. (Does that make sense?) The result was all this extra weight on my arms and hands, which became excrutiating after a couple of hours. Sometimes it became difficult to operate my brakes. Since somebody pointed out my bad posture, I've strated paying attention to it while I'm riding, and not only did it help my hands immensly, myu back also doesn't hurt anymore after a long ride.

Hope this helps...

han...yeah, that's what I'm looking for. A group of cool chicks to ride with, inspire each other, and maybe kick some ***. It's just not as easy to get up at 8 am on a Sunday and ride by yourself, you know? I think I'm going to drop the VeloBellas a line... even thought they're in Monteray and kind of far. I just found out that my boss sponsers them!

have a good weekend everyone...