OK, now I'm the one sitting here all teary eyed. When I'm out on a big group ride I will often look at someone and wonder "now what is their story?". I love this opportunity to hear what other women think. Every year I do the Danskin triathlon because I love seeing so many different women in so many different sizes and shapes---and I know that they all have their own reason to be out there.

I started spinning after 9-11 as a stress reliever. That turned into purchasing my Gary Fisher Nirvana (hybrid) and riding all summer. It made me feel like the girl who saved all of her babysitting money to buy her first Schwinn 10 speed. I'm that girl again, not a 47 year old mom!

The next summer my husband joined me on his old Trek commuter, and this past xmas he surprised me with a Specialized Dolce Elite. He's since purchased the Allez and we have spent hours and hours and hours together riding this season. Its great.

And my self image has soared. I have a bright green leopard print jersey, and I just love it when guys ride past me and growl! This after noticing that after 40 I felt invisible to most men (except the ones REALLY older than me!) Oh, and the feeling when I leave guys eating my dust! PRICELESS!!!!

So for me it beats Paxil for anxiety, I again feel like that 13 year old girl that I once was, it makes me feel young, and strong, and helps me deal with being a parent to two teenagers and a pre-teen. It helps me walk tall!