[QUOTE=effulgent]I'm a very new, very out-of-shape rider. I say out of shape rider, but truth be told I haven't ridden a bike since college, and that was just for commuting around campus. I've never really been in shape, and I'm a pretty big gal.[QUOTE]

Celebrate who you are right at this moment - don't waste time worrying about what other people will think about you when all that counts is what you think. For every person in the world who might snicker at seeing a big gal on a bike there is a woman biker who is thinking ... Hey! A woman working towards a healthier lifestyle enjoying herself on a bike! Biking shorts, bright look-at-me jersey ... you go girl!!

Life is far too short to be spent thinking about body image - you'll miss too many of the day's wonderful gifts. If you change one thing about your eating habits each week - substituting a glass of water for soda or a glass of juice; choosing whole grains over refined grains whenever you can - include at least a half hour of exercise on most days you will go to bed at night feeling empowered that you are taking better care of yourself. It won't be long before you have confidence to try on that hot pink and yellow jersey ... and not give what the rest of the world thinks more than a second thought.

I hope you'll post to the list as ofen as you can - the women on this list have all been an inspiration - I have been moved just reading the postings to this thread. Welcome to the group.