Twinges- freda cycling inferiority

[RoadRaven]

I had an epiphany while riding today. Like most ephiphanies, it doesn't sound profound, but it felt profound. Who cares if my bike is better than I am? So I'm not an amazing rider. Does that mean I don't benefit from better shifting under load? Does that mean I don't benefit from a better fit?
....
And if someone really does have an attitude about whether I deserve this bike, why should I care? The only reason I would care is because I would share something of that attitude. But I think, as of my epiphany this afternoon, I don't care.
...
Screw that. I just want to ride.

I am at the low end of the club in terms of road racing
I hope to become relatively good in time trials for my age/gender

But I love riding... I enjoy just being on a bike
I truly believe that if you enjoy something, then you should have the gear/equipment that you want
So what if I will never be selected for an internationsl team or represent my country at the Olympics... I deserve good equipment as much as the next person... as much as bounceWhoosh

GREAT epiphany!!!

[Zen]

But I love riding... I enjoy just being on a bike

And that is the crux of the biscuit.
[/QUOTE]

[Zen]

GREAT epiphany!!!

Indeed!

[Tokie]

Besides always dropping $$$ on bicycles and upgrades, clothes and cycling accessories......I also buy very nice comfortable lightweight eyeglasses almost every other year. They are usually expensive too, especially after the progressive bifocals. ( I have a tiny head, and the only Costco glasses that fit are the kiddie ones) When my friends and colleagues comment on this indulgence, I always say "it's cheaper than smoking", which it is. Not that I ever smoked! So I guess you could use that analogy for bike expenses, AND when the money is spent, it's not "up in smoke!". I also remind my (non-cyclist) friends who question my cycling expenditures that I ride over 5,000 miles a year, so that comfort on my bike really is a big deal for me! Enjoy your bike, what ever bike, clothes etc that make you happy! Tokie

[BeeLady]

When I began cycling it was with a group that met at the LBS. Most of the folks were in lycra and jerseys, so I bought the stuff, too. I do appreciate "technical" clothing from my backpacker days and really didn't differentiate the different types of bikes, riders, etc. I began on my 10-year-old hybrid two years ago.

When I got my Volpe I always wore my "cycling clothes" except that I would wear a skirt over my Lycra when I would be grocery shopping and stuff like that.

It was with great relief that I saw in the commuter section that many of the riders ride in street clothes. Now I do also, unless I'm going for 10 miles or more or a group ride or whatever. Fortunately I have some technical (wicking) blouses that are not jersey and look more regular.

Now with my Big Dummy I feel very uncool as the kids (who can afford) and who have these bikes ride them in flip-flops as the ultimate "non-biker" look. So, being a dorky old lady I am riding in shorts and shirts (but technical, not jerseys.) But I have to go clipless as I just need that advantage.

Maybe one day I will have a road bike and then all my lycra will be put to good use.

One idea -- I would not like even ONE person decide they can't/won't ride a bike because they won't wear lycra, can't afford all the fancy gear, the right shoes, etc. I would like to be an advertisement that says "Bikes are the coolest thing ever invented and we all need to be on one!"