I am a bad person

[Dogmama]

Lack of money or lack of time, the outcome is the same. We have to make hard choices. Mine is training for a century. Time, along with a nagging shoulder injury, might curtail this year's El Tour de Tucson. I'm manipulating everything I can because I really want to ride, but work and life keep getting in the way...

Jeni - I used to show a Flat Coated Retriever in obedience, agility & confirmation. I sure loved it - it's an addiction.

But back to the thread - don't let your BF's lack of taste dictate your love! It's like the bumper sticker says, "Lead, follow or get the H*ll out of the way!"

[wabisabi]

It's also really hard to feel that you are ignoring a horse, a living thing that is pretty dependent on people for its exercise and general well-being. I often feel bad when I feel that I am ignoring my dogs, or not exercising them enough, because of training or kayaking, even though they are pretty old, still, sometimes I'll devote an afternoon's walk on the beach with them.

I spent a large part of yesterday at an ocean kayaking class, and felt that it affected the organized (100K) ride that I did today; it's amazing that you use thigh muscles to paddle!

[MomOnBike]

We all have various interests that compete for our time and dollars.

I haven't been riding as much because I was playing string bass for a Huge production of Beauty & the Beast. So life was a work, go to rehearsal/show, home, crash, work, etc.

All I can say is that we took some of the numbers at aerobic tempos, so I really got a workout.

And so now I'm out of the biking habit - but I have some cool bass callouses.

On the positive side, I just figured out how to haul my viola on my recumbent, and will ride (VERY uphill) to rehearsal this Thursday.

As for Smurf's bike? Actually, it sounds like you have made your decision. Right now, a road bike might be the best thing for you. And aren't we women allowed to change our minds?

MomOnBike
(trying to decide if she can still remember how to ride a horse...)

[Pax]

I feel for you, we were sitting around the house the other day trying to figure out if we could fit in a bike ride, a motorcycle ride, kayaking, going for a hike, and maaaaaybe fit in an overnight camping trip.

We all just need 5 day weekends and 2 day work weeks.

[Trek420]

Queen suggests "We all just need 5 day weekends and 2 day work weeks. "

there's an idea! or just quit work entirely.

Smurf you're not a bad person! You're a good person! You care for animals, you have varied interests, guys in either type of saddle should be falling all over to get to you.

It's hard to balance different interests, mine include my dog, cycling, and Aikido (a martial art). My Aikido training partners don't understand why I whine when bikes go by. Our dojo is on a popular cycling route. They know without the bike my knees would not be fit to train and I'd have stopped by now. My cycle buddies don't get why I'd train indoors on a sweaty mat on a beautiful day except that it helps when I gracefully fall off the bike. My dog wants every moment with her and as a living thing that trumps all.

I'd probably have a Sandan (3rd degree black belt) by now if not for the two other interests especially the dog, I don't care, my humble 2nd degree black belt is just as black.

My dog would be better trained if not for the other interests, I just try to keep some balance.

And Smurf, just wait'll your 50 because at my age no one I date (so far) gets why I work out this way, as one gal said "I think you've got two screws loose to ride that far"

"check please?" ;-)

You will find the cowboy who likes it that you ride or at least digs the legs, or the biker dude who admires that you can ride a horse like the wind, till then try to keep some balance and ride what feels right to you.

[singletrackmind]

Not being on your bike doesn't make you a bad person, we all know that's not what biking's about. Sometimes the bike has to sit a few out in lieu of the hot cowboy. Hey, the bike has no feelings and will wait however long you need it too, the cowboy maybe not so much. At least you're still excercising (and getting thumbs up from the horse) and sharing one of your passions with someone.

As for trading in your mtb for a road, that's your decision. Remember though, you can ride your mtb on the road but you can't ride a road bike on the trail.

Life is for enjoying, not feeling guilty when you aren't doing anything wrong- especially if it's fun and with a rovin' work of art!

(Awhile ago it was Agility, tracking, obedience, a tiny bit of herding, Belgian Tervuren and Malinut, er, Malinois, my now senior citizens)

[Trekhawk]

We all have various interests that compete for our time and dollars.

I haven't been riding as much because I was playing string bass for a Huge production of Beauty & the Beast. So life was a work, go to rehearsal/show, home, crash, work, etc.

MomonBike - that is so cool. I myself have zip musical talent but I admire anyone who can play a musical instrument. In Aust I have a lovely Piano which even after lessons I still play like a Preschooler .

Good on you for keeping up the music even when time is limited.

[smurfalicious]

Thanks ladies, I think I've made my decision to sell Pony and buy a road bike. It will be hard because she was my first love, but I have to just appreciate all she's done for me. I will be sad because I really wanted to save my first race bike forever, but if she can do for me what she did for someone else than that's cool. I never would have fallen in love for biking if it were not for Pony, and I never would have realized what was important to me were it not for her. She's a great bike, but I've realized that she isn't right for me, women's geometry doesn't work for me because I need a longer crankset, and her lower bottom bracket won't work for me. So I think road biking, which I can do all over the beautiful country roads around here is perfect. I can leave out the front door and still have time for my horse, I can commute and save a ton on gas. Sooo, if anyone needs a sweeeeet well loved hardtail, you know where to find one. There's a pretty two tone blue, '04 Gary Fisher Big Sur GS waiting to be loved. She's upgraded to a Syntace Force 99 stem, Easton EC70 seat post, EC 90 flat bar, and Fizik Vitesse saddle, and matching blue Wipperman chain. To a good home only, of course. And once she sells, I'll be buying a nice cross bike, gotta have the best of both worlds!!!!

I love you gals, thanks for the input!!!

-HillBill

[Trek420]

smurf, what size is pony?

[smurfalicious]

Ponita is 15.5". You can see all her sexiness, right here: http://www.fisherbikes.com/archive/b...bike=BigSur_GS I'll even include her blue pom poms =)