Anyone else feel this way?

[spokewench]

Don't ever be embarrassed that you might be slower, a little heavier, whatever. YOU ARE OUT THEIR RIDING! which is a lot better than most!

Riding bikes for me has always been a thing I do for health and fitness. I've done my share of racing, but bottom line, it is for the health benefits and the fact that it is JUST GOOD FUN! I always encourage people to challenge themselves - like go for a ride alone! If we sit around and never do the things we are afraid of, what is life all about?

You've come a long way! Celebrate that! And then celebrate the next stepQ

Keep up the good work - and play!

[mimitabby]

spokewrench,
I ride alone sometimes, but the longest ride alone i've ever done is 19 miles.
the longest ride with DH is 120! (in one day)
I am a lot less apt to try big rides alone.
that's a combination of timidity and LAZINESS.

[wanttoride]

Just think of it as inspiring those of us that are thinking of riding those country roads with hills. Seeing more people of different fitness levels out there would bring me joy. I too am afraid of cars due to no shoulders on the windy roads where I live, but someday I'm going to be like you after I've learned what I need to learn.

[melissam]

Denise,

On the riding alone thing -- there's definitely safety in numbers! I don't blame you for not wanting to tackle some of the rides alone. There's certain roads around here that I've ridden with groups that I absolutely will NOT go on by myself. It mostly has to do with the amount of traffic and the amount of road shoulder.

Don't worry about huffing & puffing up the hills. Heck, I was huffing and puffing up a slight hill when this carload of guys drove by. One of them (Mr. Joe Cool) hung his head out the car window and asked, "What's up?" All I could think of to say back was, "My heart rate!"

On hills, practice usually makes perfect. I'll bet you'll be amazed in a few months when you BLAST up one of the hills that you're currently huffing and puffing on.

Keep up the great work!

Your sister in huffing and puffing,
Melissa

[SouthernBelle]

It did take me a while to enjoy riding on the road as opposed to paths and parks. Now I generally prefer the road as there are no walkers/runners in my way.

I also like to ride by myself. Oh, not all the time. But I have my own thoughts, I stop and have a clifbar on my own schedule, I set my own pace and my own route. I can stop, go, go further, go home, go in a store, stop and take a nap. Very nice!