A bit OT - Climbing after a fall.

[solobiker]

I am sorry to hear of your recent change, if you know what I mean. I definately understand how important it was to get out on the bike and hit the hills. It gives you a chance to "clear your mind". I too am very much that way, if I am in a bump in the road of life I usually need to get out for a run or a long ride just to think and become one and get into that zone. Hang in there!!

[singletrackmind]

All I know for sure is that nothing is. Boys come, boys go. Tis never a tragedy but only making space for a new one. If things work, great, if not there's a good reason. Hurt is the scab on the wound, a new man before you are done healing only a band-aid. You own your heart and mind when you have no need for band-aids.

When I was forced to leave a relationship after 9 years I rode and rode and rode. Incredible therapy. I met so many new people and made friendships that are still with me today, 9 years later. Come to think of it, I met my husband while out riding and during my first mtb race season we kept bumping into each other. That led to riding together and realizing how great we fit.
I was SOOOOOOO messed up when I left the other guy but this one is so much more than he ever was. Sure, it was a lot of heartache and a couple years worth of both dud guys and guys who were great but just not for me. I had many great adventures I'd have never had otherwise and am way happier than I could ever have been with guy #1. More importantly I remembered who I am by myself and how strong I am as an individual. Now, in retrospect, I can't even imagine how I didn't know we really weren't right for each other in the first place.

Ride long, ride hard, cry, laugh, socialize, learn something new or pick up something you used to do again, enjoy. Huge hugs and best wishes for your future. There's always a reason.

[Grog]

Oooh, thank you girls for your kind and inspirational words. I too like to think that something finishing is opportunities opening up, but well... on the very moment when things finish, that's not exactly what I think about...

I am glad I started riding because I have been meeting many new people and such great ones recently, including the girls here at TE! Who knows where rides may lead? And even if I don't meet a cyclist, well... my new, remodelled legs can be of some help in seducing NewGuy anyway.

pick up something you used to do again

It's amazing the number of things we loved that we just happen to drop when we start a new relationship, isn't it? There's a couple of things I may go back to... Like reading more and going to more repertoire movies... but only when it rains!!!

[Bustertb]

Sorry to hear about your break-up. I totally understand about the 'going for a ride' thing. There are days...no, weeks, where I say, "if I can't get out of my bike I'm gonna kill someone." I haven't so don't worry I am an outdoor person. I love gardening and being outside. The thing about that is when my neighbor's who don't work in their yard see me they want to talk. When I'm on my bike - A. the other people out there know to smile or wave and then GO ON! and B. The neighbor's who always want to waste my time listening to their endless chatter would never be out there! Love being on my bike. It helps clean out my mind.

[Trek420]

Grog,

<<<<<<hugs>>>>>>

we've all been there and done that. Now, if only there was a t-shirt, and Spazz probably will find one. And, what singletrackmind said.

"even if I don't meet a cyclist, well... my new, remodelled legs can be of some help in seducing NewGuy anyway. "

You did a 950 meters hill twice just to blow off a lil' steam? Your legs are just fine but do those hill repeats girrrl. And if OldGuy sees you blur by, give him a parting glance at what he can't believe he's missing.

"I left THAT? Doh! Idiot"

Living well and looking good doing it are the best revenge

[Grog]

You did a 950 meters hill twice just to blow off a lil' steam?

No! A 250 meters (elevation)! unfortunately... and just a couple of kilometers - the going up part is about 3-5 km (I should check that out) I wish I had a 950 meters hill anywhere close!!! That would blow off LOADS of steam!!!

Just curious though:

I was discussing with a friend that sometimes cyclists can be somewhat intimidating to other people. I remember, when I was only commuting on a very old bike, thinking that those roadies zooming by were from another planet. People riding 3000 km/year + can't be "real", can they? (well they ARE!!) So, on the dating front, has any of you gals ever experienced guys that were intimidated by the cycling thing? (Not that I would refrain from cycling to prevent that, but I am curious because I know it does happen in the professional field - guys do not always have what it takes to appreciate a girl that's more accomplished in her job than they are). Any thoughts on this?

Of course, I'd rather meet someone who's turned on by this and wants to get into cycling too.

[solobiker]

GROG, I myself have never experienced that. Everyone I have ever spent time with liked the fact that I was independent enough to do "my own thing" and didn't need him to guide or direct me. I used to do a lot of mountaineering and tended to be faster then a lot of our male friends, and they actually were quite impressed. Although I do think I had to prove myself initially as on one of the first days we were set out to climb I could tell they were a bit nervous having a "girl" come along as I would slow them down. Well that didn't happen and actually my climbing partner and i had to wait for them. Well anyway, I think most men would invite an independent women in their lives, and if they don't then I would becareful as you don't want to lose who you truely are.

[swlsue]

Sorry to hear about our break-up.
Big hugs to you today.
It's empowering to ride strong - especailly when life seems out of your control. Good for you

[Trek420]

I find that most people, men or women non bikers and casual Sunday-round-the-block-bikers are intimidated by what we do. How many times have you heard something like "you rode WHAT? you rode to WHERE? I can't even ride around the block".

Yep in the wackey wonderfull world of dating it can be an issue. I've heard comments from a date such as "I think you have two screws loose to ride that far". Alrighty then, "check please?"

I think people have two screws loose NOT to bike or at least get some kind of freakin' excersise, hang up the phone, log off and get outside. But maybe that's just me.

I second what solobiker sez "I think most men would invite an independent woman in their lives, and if they don't then I would be careful as you don't want to lose who you truely are." You deserve and *will find* NewGuy who appreciates what you can do and is supportive of that, whether he rides or not. A quality guy would be proud of you whether he waits at the top of the hill for you or (more likely) you wait for him or he's at home fixing the back up bike or cooking the recovery meal.

Meanwhile, get outside and have fun, meet new friends, do things, amaze us all.

Was this an issue with OldGuy?