Wow, climbing is different.

[runnergirl]

Here in the great swamp known as Tidewater Virginia the steepest hill is 1/4 mile long and about 8% grade, there's also a hill about a mile long at a 3% grade. So this weekend I went west in search of hills, and boy did I find them!

I sought the advice of a teamate who recently moved to the Roanoke area, and he sent me to a ride called "the three peaks." The first mountain/hill started out with a mile at 4 or 5%, and then went up-straight up! Three miles of narrow switchbacks at an average of 12%.

It was like nothing I've ever experienced. It took a while to get the idea of how to keep the heart rate down, standing on the worst part of the turn, etc. I stoped 3 times in the first really steep mile, but got the hang of it enough that I only stopped once in the next two miles. When I got to the top after 45 minutes of pain, I almost cried from relief and happiness that I could climb. The decent was AWESOME, in fact, it was so amazing, I decided in the 10 minutes it took to ride down that cycling is life. The next two mountains were a little smaller, but the daily total was 7 miles and 4000 feet of UP.

I had been feeling guilty for spending so much time on cycling, I should be in the peace-corp, or working towards the type of career that I "should" have. But that ride clarified things for me, it's ok to make a life around cycling.

The LBS could use some help, so I'm going to apply there for the winter and spring (if the guys can put up with having me around even more ). Next summer after I've finished my master's I can go to Barnett's Bicylce Insitute. I'd like to work on co-ordinating rides and clinics for all levels of women in the area in the Spring. There's also a regional magazine which purports to be for all mid-atlantic states, but only reports on the DC metro area. I plan on submitting lots of articles about the rest of Virginia as I have time.

Sorry this is so long, but I had to share the epiphany with people who might understand it!

You ladies who live out west and climb that much everyday are amazing, I admire you so much more now that I know how hard it is!

[CorsairMac]

ain't climbing grand?? ya'll come on out here next where ya gotta climb just to Go somewhere!! sounds like you had a great ride and got a chance to work on your climbing mantras! and don't ya just Love those descents???

[nuthatch]

Wow, mountain-top experience! And what a wonderful idea on the women-targeted clinics and rides - it's such a need in so many areas. (Would I love to go to Barnett's, too!)

[littleblue]

I'm not big on climbing. Slower than Christmas and still developing leg strength. What an inspiration!

[wabisabi]

It is amazing to me that climbing is certainly physical, but it is surprising how much of it is also mental/psychological.

[RoadRaven]

Climbing is absolutely psychological...

The first time I stopped on the hill for a rest, then got back on to ride (as opposed to stopping and walking to the top) was a HUGE barrier over come. Best advice my sister-in-law ever gave me...


Runnergirl... you sound truly inspired... good luck with your goals and aspirations, I look forward to hearing about things falling into place like this for you. We certainly need more women out there supporting women. The men in LBS and clubs can be great and enthusiatic for women, but I really think that sometimes they are not quite sure what to do with us...

[runnergirl]

Thanks for the encouragement ladies!

Tonight was the last weeknight ride of the year, and we had dinner after. I mentioned how I'd like to get a women's ride together and the ride leader who is on the board of the LARGE local club asked if I would really be willing to put something together! He asked me to come to the next meeting to advertise etc.

My first concrete step! YAY!

The one issue is that I am 20-40 years younger than the "core" of the club. I'm totally cool with riding with older women, my coach is much older than I am, but I'm worried about how the other women might feel. I was planning on having something social/educational afterwards. How would you feel about learing something mechanical from a youngin? I don't come accross as young as I am most of the time, I've been married for almost 3 years, but I look young (even worse now with braces!).

[Trekhawk]

. How would you feel about learing something mechanical from a youngin? I don't come accross as young as I am most of the time, I've been married for almost 3 years, but I look young (even worse now with braces!).

runnergirl - I have never considered peoples age when it comes to learning something just whether they know their stuff or not. I would like to think that in todays world people would be open to learning something off a strong educated woman no matter what the age.

Good Luck with your endeavour.

Trekhawk

[drplasma64]

I'm totally cool with riding with older women, my coach is much older than I am, but I'm worried about how the other women might feel. I was planning on having something social/educational afterwards. How would you feel about learing something mechanical from a youngin?

I'm 40, and just took a bike maintenance class at the local u. The teacher was a college student (male), who had been working at repairing bikes for at least 5 years during school and over the summer. Our class was 8 people, at least 4 of whom were over 40, I'd guess. None of had problems learning from the "nice young man" as I jokingly put it to my mother! It was clear he had the qualities needed to run the class: (1) the technical knowledge (2) the ability to listen (3) a positive attitude for taking *Us* seriously (4) enthusiasm. I was a little worried about if he'd take me seriously, being 40, overweight and new to biking, but we got into some great conversations. He made me feel comfortable enough to ask questions, and we found lots of common ground. If you can do that, all your students young or older will bless the ground you ride on!