first longer ride-mixed feelings

[trinena]

What they said!

Another idea: Get him to ride a 50 pound bicycle with fat tires. It's a great equalizer

But don't be embarrassed about being nervous.

I am reasonably sure I don't have the responses to ride fearlessly, though they're better than they were. I do a great "deer in the headlights" thing when I'm overwhelmed, which means I'd crash. Even if I'm wrong, that is MY choice of the risks I choose to take. So, even though after oh, a dozen years (and the luck of big thighs) I've gotten strong enough to seriously embarrass people on indoor time trials, I don't ride on the streets with the people I can out-do on a trainer. Those rides freak me out.

Get stronger and faster on *your* terms.

- Absolutely!

DH said I have the advantage of weighing 60 lbs less than him. Not sure how that works until i get stronger/more fit. His bikes weigh around 16 lbs. However it would great if he were to get a bike trailer for our 96lb dog! Found a couple big ones but too pricey.

http://petstroller.blogspot.com/2006...ailer-now.html
http://www.bicycletrailers.com/Doggy...ke-trailer.pro

[xeney]

That plan didn't work for me. For the first three rides when my husband pulled the trailer, I could keep up. But he still has a lot more time to train than I do, so within a couple of weeks he was pulling the trailer and completely leaving me in the dust, which was demoralizing to say the least.

So now I pull the trailer and tell him to enjoy his ride and we usually get home at the same time.

[vinbek]

I live in San Ramon - sounds like we are pretty close in distance. I have trained new cyclists for years. I led a no drop ride for women only for about 10 years and we met once a month on a Saturday morning. I also sponsored a clinic for couples showing how to equalize riding abilities and enjoy riding together. I only work on Thursdays and Fridays and would be glad to ride with you on a Mon, Tues or Wed. I am an ex-racer and ride with a group of women - about 10 of us - every Saturday. My kids are in school too - 5th and 7th grades. We could go out for short rides. I tell all riders, not just new ones riding with their husbands, cross streets and stop at lights for your own safety. don't try to keep up with faster riders. Safety is your first concern. Bekki

[trinena]

I live in San Ramon - sounds like we are pretty close in distance. I have trained new cyclists for years. I led a no drop ride for women only for about 10 years and we met once a month on a Saturday morning. I also sponsored a clinic for couples showing how to equalize riding abilities and enjoy riding together. I only work on Thursdays and Fridays and would be glad to ride with you on a Mon, Tues or Wed. I am an ex-racer and ride with a group of women - about 10 of us - every Saturday. My kids are in school too - 5th and 7th grades. We could go out for short rides. I tell all riders, not just new ones riding with their husbands, cross streets and stop at lights for your own safety. don't try to keep up with faster riders. Safety is your first concern. Bekki

Hi Vinbek - Thank you for your offer! I think San Ramon is about a half hour from Oakland? I'll pm you this wknd for more details. That clinic for couples was such a great idea. You must have witnessed some interesting dynamics.

[trinena]

Hey there,
Wow! Do I understand where you're coming from. I have only been doing this for about 5 months now but up until last week I was doing it all on a Mountain Bike (who by the way looks exactly like your bike except of course that she's a mountain bike). Anyway, I always ride along because my partner doesn't ride. I am naturally cautious about where I ride and how I ride, but on the new bike it's almost like learning all over again. I can't imagine trying to keep up with others right now until I get comfy. Patience, patience, patience....number one rule. At least for me. You'll get it and probably blow him away a time or two. Good luck and don't quit, you're doing great!
Gray

hee, hee - now i have this fantasy of blowing him away on a climb (he hates climbing). course the triple crank on my bike is an advantage.