You guys are so great for my self-esteem!

[Juliegoddess]

Hi there,

I'm a newbie rider (about 3 months) living in Canberra, Australia, and I just wanted to use my first post on this forum to say that if it weren't for you all and your positivity and inclusive attitudes I might have just given up! I struggle constantly with feeling crap about myself, with low self-esteem and this sometimes extends to cycling, particularly around boys. But at the same time when I cycle by myself, with no-one watching to see my lack of co-ordination, or when I talk to my girlfriends about it, I often have a sense of freedom and exhilaration!! I know that if I keep at it, I will get more confident, but I just wanted to say that I am so grateful for you all and the way you encourage everyone on here, no matter their lack of experience or knowledge.

Basically, you all rock!! Thankyou!!

You are so right, hon! I feel the same way! I know one of these days i'm going to keel right over at a stoplight or something, and be horribly embarassed, but, who cares?? I know I don't have the typical "bike body"...most likely never, ever will, but as long as I feel good, I could give a crap less. And everyone here is so nice. I wish you lived in Michigan...you and I could go out riding and bumble around together and laugh at oursleves and feel great!! haha!

[Librarygirl]

Thanks so much for all your lovely posts!

Howdy back at you, Crazycanuck - nice to see a fellow Aussie on the board You're so right - I must remember that I am doing it for myself, not anyone else.

And cheers to Juliegoddess - yep, I wish I could go riding with you too, it would be refreshing to be total dags (that's Aussie for uncool person) together!

I thought of your kind comments last night when I spoke to the boyfriend on the phone last night (who is also a cyclist) and he said he thought I was being too impulsive buying, or wanting to buy, gear such as jerseys and clipless pedals. It felt like he thought I wasn't 'professional' enough or experienced enough to have that kind of stuff. Oh well....