50th Birthday Gift

[hebe]

Well done Connie, and many happy miles on your new bike! I'm sure your teenagers will be proud of you, and possibly a little bit jealous too I wish you all the best for 2011 and hope that it is a much much better year for you.

[pinsonp2]

I think you would need a roadbike to conquer some of those hills in SW MO. I am originally from the Joplin area. Welcome to TE and enjoy the ride!

P2

[Catrin]

Welcome and congratulations! I turned 50 in late 2009 and purchased my first bike and learned how to ride for the first time in my life

Times of change are hard, and you are in a difficult period of your life. It will pass however, and I think you will find that your beautiful new bike will really help with that. You deserve your very own bike that YOU picked out and I hope you will be able to spend all of the time on it that you would like.

When you get around to taking a picture of it, we would love to see it

[Bike Chick]

Hey Connie! Happy birthday and welcome to TE! I have a feeling this new bike is the beginning of something great and your life is going to take a positive turn. The bad times are temporary. Hang in there and enjoy riding your new bike. It's good for the soul

[ASammy1]

If you are so inclined, you'll also find that riding a bike is a great way to meet lots of other people (not necessarily for romantic purposes).

Yes!!! I completely agree with this! I have met some wonderful people who I would have never met had I not started riding.

Congrats on your new ride and please post pics so we can all "Ooooh and ahhhh" at it! It's what we do best on this forum

[Jo-n-NY]

Connie,

I think your new bike was the best gift you could have given yourself. I found cycling not only helps physically but as well as mentally. It has helped me over a major hurdle during the last few years, hopefully coming to resolution this year.

Wishing you much enjoyment with your beautiful bike and many happy and safe riding miles!!!

[Chile Pepper]

Happy birthday, Connie! And welcome to TE. As others have said, you deserve a great 2011 after all that. Have fun with your bike.

[ClockworkOrange]

So pleased you posted at long last, now I think you should change your name to Connieishere.

I think many of us could tell a similar story but I will say, now you are riding, things will get better and better, life began at 50 for me.

Whether it’s something good, bad or just for advice, I am sure you will begin to realise what a great site this is.

I know nothing about road bikes, just had a look at a Specialized Dolce Elite, very smart.

Hugs from across the pond and a belated happy 50th birthday too.

[malkin]

Very best wishes for your next half century!

[isconniethere]

Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement. It is nice to know that others have actually lived through this, or something like what I am going through right now. I have tried to place photos in the message, so hopefully you can see my bike. It is in the house today as we have two feet of snow on the ground today, with more snow on the way!
I have read here that many of you have rode your bike indoors, getting use to the seat and the gears of a new bike, and I think that is a great idea. I have to sit differently, different gears and a new seat, so I will try to do that too. My husband left a trainer here that I can use, and my old bike had a gel seat, so I will have to get use to the narrow seat on this bike. I am very excited, and can't wait till spring! Isn't it a beauty! Thanks again everyone!

Connie

[kermit]

Beautiful bike, I REALLY like the green (reminds me of a certain frog). Happy riding and welcome!

[Kerry1976]

Beautiful bike but most wonderful that you are taking what was most certainly an incredibly difficult year and turning it into what will be a new and wonderful time in your life. We look forward to hearing about all your victories on and off the bike.

[Melalvai]

Hi Connie, if you're near Springfield there's active cycling groups there. That's where I did my undergrad, back when it was SMSU. Of your list of things that mark this as a bad year, I think having 2 teenagers at home is great. I know they're a handful but you love them! Have fun with your new bike and your new life!

[emily_in_nc]

Beautiful bike! I love white bikes (my Bike Friday is white), and green is also a fave of mine. Enjoy!

[marni]

good looking bike !