My revelation.."Do I fit in here?"

[bambu101]

Welcome from a 55 year old who has Terry Susan B hybrid and a Terry Classic, and hardly rode them at all this past summer due to a lack of motivation, and trying to start an online bag and purse business.

But I still feel perfectly comfortable checking TE every single day, and I am still doing my best to stay healthy and fit. There are topics about bread-baking, losing weight, pets, fitness and yes, bikes.

You'll love it here!

[Trekhawk]

Welcome!
I look forward to seeing some pics soon.

[jobob]

Oh Caprice, I have to admit I got a bit of a chuckle from your post. You sound a lot like I did when I first wandered into this forum.

This was from my very first post on TE ...

Hi everyone - I came across this forum a few days ago and I’ve really enjoyed wading through many of the threads, what a nice supportive bunch you are!

My name is Jo, I’m in my early 40’s and live in the San Francisco Bay area. My husband and I took up biking about a year and a half ago. Up until recently my husband was much more into biking than I – he now has 3 bikes to my 1, and he goes out riding nearly every day, while I just tend to plotz around for a few hours on weekends on my hybrid, staying mainly on the bikepaths near our home. Riding with me is a ‘rest’ ride for my husband, LOL!

I wrote that about six years ago. That thread turned into my adventures in getting my first road bike.

Since then, I've met a bunch of women who contribute to this forum, many of whom are my best friends to this day. And since then I've been on some pretty long rides, and I've gotten a couple more bikes.

But my point is, none of us started out with spiffy road bikes or entering races or going out on century rides. Many of the women here started out the way I did, well into our adult years toodling around a bit on the bike paths. Some of us caught the cycling bug along the way and have since set our sights on longer or faster rides, while some of us enjoy more leisurely rides with family or friends or on our own. It's all good.

So welcome.

[staceysue]

See what I mean? It really IS the best forum on the entire web.

[Kris]

Caprice, I'm way more like you than I am like all those fast-bike-owning racers who post so generously here!

[Wahine]

See what I mean? It really IS the best forum on the entire web.

It really is.

Caprice... I am one of those riders (not recently because I've been to busy) that posts about looooooooong rides, races and other such adventures. I am also a coach. Guess what my favorite group of people to coach is.... beginners, especially women. The reason why I love it is that it warms my heart to hear the stories of the "firsts". The first time you made it up that steep hill, the first time you rode more than 10 miles, the first time you went clipless... I thrive on that stuff.

Welcome to TE and keep posting. We want to hear those stories.

[Juliegoddess]

Welcome from a 55 year old who has Terry Susan B hybrid and a Terry Classic, and hardly rode them at all this past summer due to a lack of motivation, and trying to start an online bag and purse business.

But I still feel perfectly comfortable checking TE every single day, and I am still doing my best to stay healthy and fit. There are topics about bread-baking, losing weight, pets, fitness and yes, bikes.

You'll love it here!

Ohhh, I wanted that Terry Susan B Hybrid so badly! But now I see they don't make it anymore! I sure wish that had another bike in this price range. I really want a lighter, women-specific bike...

[hoffsquared]

Hi Caprice,

I'm fairly new here too. I'm a 48 year-old new bike commuter and have found TE to be very, very welcoming. I ride an early 90's bike that a friend pretty much gave me. You'll find this a great place to visit.

Melanie

[bambu101]

A bit off the original topic, but if you are looking for a Terry Susan B, Juliegoddess, check out the section on their website for bikes for sale:

http://www.terrybicycles.com/trade/browse/sell

There are a couple of Susan Bs there. Good luck!

[krisl6]

Just wanted to add in my 2 cents about the forum. I've been lurking around here for a year or two looking for various info and finally decided to join up not long ago. I really love the atmosphere here. It's so positive. Many of the other bike forums I've visited are so negative and many of the users are far from friendly, welcoming and willing to help like the users here are. I love that there are women (and some men) from all walks of life and ability levels.

[owlice]

The answer to the question you posted in the title of this thread is yes, but I'll bet you know that now!

I ride a hybrid, a Giant Sedona. I've had my bike for six years; bought it when I was 46 because I was buying my then-nine-year-old a bike, and thought I'd best get one so I could keep up with him. Our first rides were on a half-mile (!) trail, which we'd ride a couple or three times, up and back, before calling it a day. When we got to five miles on that trail, I started looking for other places we could ride, and found 'em.

I still ride trails. I rarely ride on the road. The kid is now in college (and needs a new bike, as he's way outgrown the one from six years ago!). I have ridden much more this year than ever before, partly as therapy for myself! And now, I know I will feel much better if I ride, so I do.

Yes, you fit in; welcome!

[katluvr]

What can I say that has not already been said?
I think at "our age" (which is quite broad to encompass all TE members) the most important thing is to: keep moving!
You find not only the physical health benefits...but how it makes you feel inside. How you look at the world. How you look at YOURSELF.
That is what counts. So if you walk, run, bike, row or whatever it is that keeps you moving--do it. No mater how slow or unsteady it may be.
I have many of times wanted to create a cycling jersey with a tortoise on it. I am slow, but steady and I'll get there eventually! And sometimes quicker than those that go fast! (believe it or not!)
Welcome!