New and loads of questions

[Crankin]

Everybody's different, but I am one of those people who can't even ride 5 minutes without bike shorts. I've done it on short errand rides, but why be in pain when you don't have to be? I also tried a Brooks saddle and it was an instrument of torture for me. I know they are super popular, but I guess what I am trying to say is that all of this is really individual preference and depends on our anatomy. Luckily, some nice person on TE bought my Brooks saddle and I am happy with the Terry Falcon on both of my bikes.
Buying bike shorts is a process, and it's easy to forget that a thicker chamois does not necessarily mean better.
Try everything and compare.

[Catrin]

There is good advice here. I am another who will not ride without bike shorts. Period. Not for any distance, why ask for trouble? It is great there are women who have found they can ride without them for some distances, but for me I will not.

Bike short choice (and saddles) is very personal, and there are a lot of options. Our butts like what they like, and what works for one woman may not work for another. Not all bike shorts are tight fitting lycra, and you can also purchase liners that you can wear under other shorts. Terry and Pearl Izumi make these, and I am sure that others do as well. I've a pair of Terry liners that came with my mountain bike shorts and when I need a separate liner I turn to them.

[hebe]

Welcome to TE and enjoy your riding!

I was a brand new rider about 18months ago, and I nowsometimes tow my 3-year old in a trailer, run my errands by bike whenever I can, ride off-road, and can't imagine not riding. Pretty much all of my riding is on my own. I have to say that I didn't worry about my personal safety as much as I did about someone not seeing the trailer with my girl in it - however that was an almost entirely unfounded fear as a large fluorescent yellow trailer complete with flag pole and streamers is more visible than many cars and people can be surprisingly considerate when they think you are towing a child. I think an awful lot of confidence comes down to sensible riding, your LBS owner who is offering you lessons should be able to help on things like the best road position to enusre visibility and safety.

Go for it, you will be setting a great example to your child.

[moderncyclista]

I've only needed bike shorts on super-long rides. For short rides or commuting, I'd skip em'. But maybe I've got lady-business-of-steel, or something.

I ride Brooks on my bikes, cept' the vintage one. A well aged Specialized Lithia saddle does the trick.

Helmet! Helmet is essential! I knew I derped and forgot something. Helmets have saved my life. Always wear one on your bicycle. Even on a path.

Happy Cycling!

[PamNY]

Our butts like what they like

That's my new favorite phrase.

Seriously, the bike shorts/underwear thing is very individual -- experimentation is the only road to truth.

[DebSP]

Welcome to TE. I tend to lurk here, but I learn a lot. I have asked questions and the women here are great! One thing I carry is a whistle. You know a Fox 40 type. Maybe I am just a little paranoid as well. Some one my family knew when I was a teen raped and murdered a couple of women in our town. A third woman escaped alive and he was caught. My sister had gotten a ride home from him one day and so it really freaked us both out when we were teens. Things like that seem to stick. I ride alone on some pretty remote rail trails (I wonder if the cows would come if I use my whistle??). I have gotten used to it and I just stay aware of my surroundings at all times. I love to ride and I hope you get to enjoy it as much as I have!

[kziggy]

thank you all very much! I think I will start out with a buddy at first and then after I feel a little better out riding I will ditch my buddy and ride solo!
Right now the weather is still to cold for me but this weekend is supposed to be in the 40's maybe 50's if we hit upper 40's I am going!

[Dogmama]

Is there a cycling club in your area? Sometimes they will rate their rides and have shorter, easier rides for new people. You may meet people who you can ride with outside of the club.

I personally love to ride alone. Gives me time to think, reflect and generally just rest my brain. Something about the rhythm of the pedals lulls the worrying part of my brain to sleep. I've never really thought about being abducted & I've been riding over 20 years (even before cell phones & when women had to buy men's shoes & shorts ). I suppose if somebody tried to grab me, it would be like the Ransom of Red Chief - they'd be trying to return me & nobody would take me.

[missjean]

that's my new favorite phrase.:d
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