first longer ride-mixed feelings

[xeney]

After about six years, my husband and I still get frustrated with each other on rides. And I ride better -- more confidently, even faster overall -- when I ride alone. So I recommend you try that.

One way to do that without heading out completely on your own is to set destinations rather than riding together the whole time. My husband and I have landmarks we use: "Meet at the red bench," for instance. Then he might ride on ahead another 20 miles and double back to the red bench, and I just ride to the red bench. We both get better rides that way.

Or like yesterday's ride: I took the car out to a park along our bike trail, and I pulled my daughter in the trailer for an easy (ha, "easy" with 30 mph wind gusts) 13-mile ride, while he rode from home. We passed each other on the trail and traded some text messages, and all got together for a picnic at lunch time. Then I drove home with my bike and the trailer, and he rode home. He got about 50 miles and we each got to ride at our own pace, but if I had gotten into some kind of trouble (with a baby along, even a flat tire is a big pain in the neck) we just would have had to wait for him to get to us.

(We trade off on pulling the trailer, in case I make it sound like he gets all the fun and I do all the towing. He does most of the towing, but she can't take 50 miles yet.)

[trinena]

Thanks alpinerabbit, pamny, indysteel & xeney for the encouragement & good suggestions about riding on my own/riding on a trail/having dif. meetup places. And yes I do have to be more patient with myself. thanks for the promise that it will get better! It helps to know that every strong rider had to begin somewhere and work through/with fears.

[alpinerabbit]

so have you clicked my dragon?????

[SouthernBelle]

so have you clicked my dragon?????

It says your egg is stolen.

[trinena]

so have you clicked my dragon?????

I clicked on it. I'm I supposed to do something else? What happens when people click on it?

[jobob]

It helps to know that every strong rider had to begin somewhere and work through/with fears.

Absolutely!

The year I started riding I was so frustrated that I couldn't keep up with my husband. I broke down in tears on one ride, I was so mad I couldn't manage to keep up.

But over time I got better, and so shall you.

It's great that you're taking the EBBC road skills course.

Which bike club are you riding with?

[trinena]

Absolutely!

The year I started riding I was so frustrated that I couldn't keep up with my husband. I broke down in tears on one ride, I was so mad I couldn't manage to keep up.

But over time I got better, and so shall you.

It's great that you're taking the EBBC road skills course.

Which bike club are you riding with?

Hi jobob- i was thinking of going on Oakland Yellow Jacket rides but it's post-season & I have a swim class when they ride. My DH's club is a racing one but are supportive in spirit. I have gone on a Velogirls beginner ride but it's too far of a drive to get there on a regular basis.