What would you like to know?

[tulip]

Alot of women have issues with changing flat tires. They say they have tried, it takes too long, they can't figure it out, etc. The secret, and it shouldn't be a secret, is to practice, practice, practice until you can change a tire without a problem. I think the fear of getting a flat keep some women from getting on a bike.

I think it would be great to hold Flat Tire Parties wherever you live. Have women cyclists over, bring their bikes, have some goodies to eat and drink, some tools, and practice changing tubes over and over in a safe, social environment. Of course, someone in the group should be conversant in flat tire fixing to help the others. In a few hours, a bet the participants would be alot less fearful of changing flats.

Who knows, the party might lead to some rides and the birth of a women's cycling group.

[tulip]

Well, I seem to be just full of ideas today...

I loved commuting to work on my bike when I worked in an office. I got a few people in my office to also commute to work, at least from time-to-time.

Most people express dismay about bike commuting--too far, weather woes, traffic fears, dealing with clothes and clean-up, etc.

In DC, there was a program by the local advocacy group to have commuter mentors--someone who you could call to ride to work with you. I tried to be such a mentor, but I never got a response to my inquiries, so I gave up with them. I still think it's a great idea, though.

Do any of you have experience with bike commuter mentor programs? That, too, could be a good way to get women on bikes, and even recreational riders together through commuting.

[Geonz]

Tulip, I got into cycling in Richmond. It was a February and I'd called a fellow for dinner to thank him for helping me teach a guitar class, and his obviously no-longer-ex answered his phone, and I thought "it's time to meet new people!"

That Saturday, I went on the Ashland Breakfast Club ride. I called the leader (they rotate every week - you sign up to lead one Saturday and do the sign-up sheet and help people connect)... showed up Saturday and he looks at my hybrid and looks at me and says "how fast do you go?" and I said "I don't know," and he points at this group of folks and says "they go your speed."

They did! We rode out to Hardee's where everybody literally regroups and decides how far they're *really* going. Our group ended up going 42 miles but at no point was I in the back of the group. If I knew then what I know now, I'd have been amazed because they could have dropped me in a heartbeat. Instead there was lots of talk about cycling and the sights theyh'd seen and the meals they'd had, and the idea taht if cycling was so much fun, why did some people want to get it over with as soon as possible?

Dang it, I just checked the website and *today's* leader is Rickey Davis - one of thsoe guys. Oops, I gotta go send him a late CHristmas card ... http://www.raba.org/ is the club site.

[guruchic]

Velogirl,

Thanks for the opportunity to contribute. This Spring will be my second season in the saddle. I truly love the sport and completed my first century ride after three months training. I am now training in the off season but found it really hard to find a good training routine. I must have visited over 30 sites online only to find they were all so different.

I am riding (indoor) and lifting which has really helped. I was doing the base training and now am progressing into higher intensity work outs. I finally found a program but it took me forever and if it weren't for my search skills on the computer, I might never have found anything.

I do not race but am a very intense non competitive rider. I have given this much thought and would love a program that included guidelines on nutrition, yoga(for stretching and mental strength), weights and cycling periodization for the serious non-competitive woman. Good luck with your presentation.

[Cyclesome]

This is a great thread! I truly enjoyed reading all of the responses.
I especially agreed with Vmax and Salsabike and feel I can readily relate to their ideas. I recently returned back into cycling two years ago and ride on both the trail and roads, last year about 1400 miles.

I would love knowledge of how create a recreational bike club in my county, including organized rides on the trail. This year our trail will connect Pitt to Washington DC. Many opportunities for riding w/o traffic.

I also think there is a great need for bike handling skill clinics.

Thanks for allowing me to respond.

[shootingstar]

You have an outline, velogirl where you could write a book. You need to offer an all-day session based on your outline. Or 3 days.

Or organize a conference and get some of us to do the workshops.

One thing about this split mentality in the cycling world of racing/competitive vs. non-racing/non-competitive.....it seems that anything non-competitive is deemed 'recreational'. Tell that to a randonneur (which I'm not) where alot of them aren't really competing against anyone...except against their own time.

which is no different than some of us who ride non-competitively, but do set general /vague goals to improve during the cycling season. Then there are functional /commuter cyclists who do have to cycle regularily, for transporation because they don't have a car. I know alot of people who just don't have cars. But some of so seasoned under trying weather conditions that they have become strong riders.

The audience to your presentation should be seriously challenged/questioned that this split thinking is way too narrow to get more women on bikes and get them to stay on the bikes for many years to come.

[velogirl]

Hey, ShootingStar, let me preface this by saying that I am "all of the above." I'm a racer, a tourist, a commuter, I ride for errands -- you name it and I've done it on the bike. I don't think these categories are mutually exclusive.

I also don't think using the term "recreational" rather than non-competitive implies any negative connotations. And in keeping with your definition of certain types of recreational riding also being competitive, I would think folks would prefer that term (recreational) over non-competitive.

Those who know me will tell you that I consider every single cyclist on this forum an "athlete," whether or not she races. If you set goals, have structure in your riding, etc, you are an athlete.

Now, keep in mind that the conference at which I'm speaking is sponsored by USA Cycling -- the governing body of racing in the US. Then look @ my outline again and you'll see that I'll spend a good amount of time talking about the "non-racer" in my discussion of how to develop women cyclists.

Obviously, if I thought the world revolved around racers only (which I don't think), I wouldn't be on a forum like this where the majority of women don't race nor do they aspire to. I also wouldn't run a cycling club where 1,400+ women are non-racers and only a couple dozen race.

The split mentality you refer to certainly isn't coming from me.

[RoadRaven]

I didn't get the split coming from you Velo, but it is certainly "out there" in the mindsets of some of those who ride bikes...

Its something you might have to "break down" in the minds of your clients... perhaps an icebreaker/getting to know each other activity??

Perhaps focusing on the intentions and aspirations and sharing those in some way so that those who aspire to race and those who aspire to commute and those who aspire to randonneur all realise that, despite different goals, the dedication and passion for achieving their individuals goals is the same, and every goal carries equivilent value.

Creating a Meaningful Women’s Cycling Program: Fantastic content
Well done. You could probably market it as a programme/course for others to deliver. For example, I am sure that our Health and Sports Science Faculty where I work would be interested in delivering a programme like this.

And I am sorry about your bf... whatever the circumstances, the end of a long-term relationship is always tough.

[tulip]

...That Saturday, I went on the Ashland Breakfast Club ride...

Yep, been meaning to do that ride. Thanks for the push. I rode alot with some DC groups, and I miss those rides.

Velogirl, thanks for all your efforts. And best wishes for a quick rebound from your breakup. You seem very resilient, but I know it's not easy. Let us know how the conference goes.