Newbie from Oregon Intro.... :)

[imdeanna]

One cool thing about bike shorts is the compression factor--they squeeze everything together so you can actually look a bit smaller. Also, if you're really self-conscious, you might consider bike capris, at least until it gets really hot. Check out the TE selection here.

Except were the spandex stops...(waist band & leg bands)...then it just plain looks like a POPPED can of bisquits!!! HAHA!

Seriously tho...I got some XL cycling shorts to start with...but I just bought some size L, cuz the xl seem to be a bit to 'loose' in the 'diaper' area...I don't want any extra material during the break in period so I'm going to compress myself into some TIGHT A.. Shorts!

BTW...MY BIKE CAME YESTERDAY!!!! She sure is Pretty!!!!! I'm very happy with the fit!

I took her for a test ride yesterday after getting her all put together....and have to admit...I was a bit scared going down hill! I went pretty slow...slow enough that a girl that was WALKING down the hill said "new bike?" lol... (how could she tell???) LOL was it the shiny new bike? or the white knuckled scared look on my face??

There is still a lot of gravel on the roads from the winter too....

How long did it take you girls to get over the "i'm going to crash" feeling???

[jesvetmed]

Hi IMDEANNA! Welcome to the thread. I've been here less than a year but find everyone to be so motivating and supportive -- you ARE going to love it here! AND congratulations on the new bike and first ride. BIG first step! Don't worry -- just take it easy and stick with comfortable rides at first. You'll become more and more comfortable with time. And later find some groups or even one other person to ride with that can show you some new areas, answer questions, and increase your comfort level. I joined a local bike club and learned quite a bit just listening and watching as we rode. People are usually very helpful and supportive of new riders.

Enjoy! You're just in time for the riding season to really start.. if the snow ever stops!

[Kano]

"DWERPFART" ????

I LOVE that word!

The shorts -- it was hard for me too (the XL was not "baggy" when I bought them) but I credit a couple of guys on our greenbelt for making me feel better about wearing those things.

I don't know who they are, have never seen them again, but when I saw these guys out riding with regular clothes on, their shirts wide open and flapping in the wind, and their huge hairy beer bellies hanging out for the world to see, I said to myself, if THAT is okay to show in public, then I CAN wear these shorts with pride!

And then one day, I told my girls, "see that lady? Someday, that's MY butt in these shorts!"

I just bought a pair of size small shorts for this season, and a pair of size small shindiggers too! (Shebeest) (it took more than riding, but it sure helps!)

Karen in Boise

[KatyLady]

So where is the picture of the new bike?

I will second an earlier suggestion for an odometer. I'm not a competitive rider at all, but the odometer is nice for monitoring my progress in both speed and distance. I have also spent a lot of time on this forum. I rarely post anything . . . but I learn a lot! Maybe someday I'll have enough experience to be more of a contributor rather than an information sponge on the forum.

[Bushranger]

Hi Deanna. I have just joined here too! I felt very self conscious when I joined the gym last November - 30lbs overweight, very red in the face whenever I did anything, and sweating all over the machines. I just kept thinking that at least I was doing *something* - plus Biggest Loser had started on telly, and suddenly its trendy for overweight people to be in the gym!

I have a couple of good friends who are very keen road cyclists, but are kind enought to take me out every Saturday and slow their pace for me, as well as give me advice on my riding.

I have about 15lbs to go, but now its all about how I feel, not how I look. A friend yesterday said I looked "scary" which I took as a huge compliment.

Bushranger

[Wahine]

I got to meet Deanna today. She's a tough cookie...

I may never see her again. She might hate me.

I think this might need it's own thread. To be continued...

[Wahine]

Here it is....

The story as I see it.

imdeanna may differ in her opinion of what happened today, but all I have to say is that I'm impressed.

[imdeanna]

So where is the picture of the new bike?
.

Here's a pic I took the day we put her together.... I need to get another one as she has a new saddle now!

and...as I learned yesterday...I need to give her a name! Any suggestions??

[tulip]

pretty bike! With those colors, I'd be tempted to call it Tyler Hansbrough, but I know that not everyone is as into Carolina basketball as I am .

[imdeanna]

pretty bike! With those colors, I'd be tempted to call it Tyler Hansbrough, but I know that not everyone is as into Carolina basketball as I am .

We just went and watched the Charlotte Bobcats play (and win our) Portland Trail Blazers Saturday night...is Tyler on their team??