New Plus Sized riders needs pointers

[bikerz]

Hi TahoeChick - welcome!

I have 2 pairs of 4x cycling shorts that need a new home:
baggy cycling shorts and underliner cycling shorts - just wear then under other shorts. The padding is pretty good - they really made a difference for me when I got started. I used them for about 4 months, and I'd love to see them getting some more use - if you'd like them, just PM me.

Another place to look that has good plus-size shorts, at pretty reasonable prices, is Aerotech

Regarding hills, I was totally scared of them for the first few months I was riding, but you do get stronger, and low gears really help - since you have a mountain bike, it sounds like you'll have some good low gears. I find stopping to get my breath then starting again makes the hill not so daunting. And then at the top, even though I had to stop, I know I rode the whole thing.

KSH is so right about the seat adjustment - I went through several miserable rides before I got my seat angle set right.

You're going to have a great time! Enjoy it! And what a beautiful place to ride!
-Ann