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

**Kris** · 11-08-2009, 08:27 AM

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

**Juliegoddess** · 11-08-2009, 12:48 PM

I am delighted to be here too!! I felt the same way...that I would never "fit in" and never be regarded as a "serious bike rider". I'm 41 years old, 5'10" tall, and 220 pounds, and I don't even really have a proper bike to "seriously ride"!! My bike is a moutain bike with hybrid tires, so the wheels are smaller, and the bike is HEAVY. I mean HEAVY! I can't go for miles and miles. I am very eager to get a lighter weight road bike, but just can't afford it for now. So, my daily 10-mile rides, I think, are probably equal to 15 miles on a road bike. Everything is just more work on a smaller, heavy bike.

But I feel the same way as you all do...I need to stay in shape and stay healthy. Two of my children have autism and Tourette's Syndrome, so i need to be around for a long time to care for them. Biking is my therapy. I can clear my head, not worry so much about the future, and just focus on one mile at a time. Yes, other bikers (if there were any around here!) would fly by me, many times over, but I don't care! There's nothing like biking...nothing in the world!

**Juliegoddess** · 11-08-2009, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by 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!

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** · 11-08-2009, 03:16 PM

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** · 11-08-2009, 05:21 PM

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** · 11-09-2009, 03:52 AM

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** · 11-09-2009, 04:54 AM

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** · 11-09-2009, 07:16 AM

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!

**arielmoon** · 11-09-2009, 11:41 AM

Hi Caprice! Welcome to TE! I think you will find that there are many different levels in which to enjoy this forum. I hope you stick around!

**Biciclista** · 11-09-2009, 11:59 AM

I hope Caprise remembers to come back and check to see what she started!

**Shara** · 11-09-2009, 12:15 PM

I think she replied here in the form of a new thread
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=35171

**Caprice** · 11-09-2009, 02:58 PM

What an amazing bunch of people! Your posts are perhaps the most affirming words that I have ever heard. "Yes", I have read all of your replies. I find myself feeling anxious to check this site at least a couple of times a day. I am interested not only in what you have to say to me, but I am interested in reading the contributions on other topics: the questions, the victories, the answers and on and on!

I am as new to being a member of a forum as I am new to being a bike rider. I don't know the correct etiquette for posting. For example:How in the heck do I know what I should post as a new thread? Or do I just continue on in this one? Here's an example...I want to mention something about my first ride with my husband and granddaughter this past Saturday. I'd also like to post a picture. Should I start a new thread or should I add it in this string??

**Tri Girl** · 11-09-2009, 03:19 PM

just keep on adding to this thread and we'll keep on reading!

**Miranda** · 11-09-2009, 04:35 PM

Welcome to TE & a lot of +1s to what has already been said. Ha... I found this forum after having the awful feeling in bike world "do I fit in anywhere, does anyone really care--ugh

". Finding this site was like going to bike-advice-heaven.

**azfiddle** · 11-09-2009, 04:52 PM

I've been here since the summer when I started riding more to lose weight and re-discovered a joy in getting out on a bike that I had left behind after high school/college. I really appreciate the supportive, community spirit and the quick responses with helpful advice whenever someone asks. I feel like I'm always getting an education here.

Sharon

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Wow! An amazing bunch of "bike rider sorts of people"!!!

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