Getting to Know You!

[gnat23]

Real name: Natira

Where do you live? San Francisco, CA

Explanation of your handle: Natira got shortened to Nat which then earned it's silent G sometime when I was 12 years old. The bug theme has since followed me all this time. My handlebar tape even has flies printed all over it.

Explanation of your avatar: Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race down the steep switchbacks of Lombard Street in San Francisco. This was before I covered my body in bruises.

Age (general or specific): 30 and lovin' it!

Occupation: Biotech scientist nerd

Favorite bike: Saving up for something new and spiffy. Probably a Specialized Ruby Expert that I toyed around with one day and made me fly up the hills. I've already named her, so I'm doomed.

What's in your stable? An aluminum Trek 1100 from the good ol' days. "Cheddar".

Fastest speed on a road bike? 42mph just yesterday! *vroom*

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Me and Greg!


What is the biggest lie you've ever told: That I've never told one.

Most memorable moment on my bike: When I was about 13 years old, I rode with my dad for a few days on one of those multi-day camping trips through Wisconsin. It was hot and hilly and my purple girl's ten speed didn't make it up one of the bigger slopes. The next year, I had a new bike (a REAL one), had several hundred miles of training and funny tan lines, and I made it up that darn hill without stopping. Took me forever, and I think I squirted all the contents of my waterbottles onto my head, but by golly, I MADE IT.

Most fun ever had on a bike?

[madscot13]

Real name: Madeline
Where do you live? St. Paul, MN

Explanation of your handle: Madscot is a play on Madeline and everyone calle me Mads (I don't know if that is a play on my temperament?). the Scot comes from our school masccot- the Scot. And the 13 is my lucky number.

Explanation of your avatar: that picture? I used to get really bored at the chemistry stockroom where I worked. Let's just say it became an exercise in finding ways to entertain myself for multiple hours on end. So one day, I found that box and made an angry face by punching holes for eyes, making angry eyebrows, and a squiggly snarl. I became the Box Monster! So I ran around the science building growling and running through labs and lurking outside bathrooms trying to give professors heart attacks. I even showed up at the Halloween and Christmas party as the Box Monster. ps in the senior class picture it is very easy to find me...

the one thing I never did was put dryer vent trunk-like tubing on for arms.


Age (general or specific) 22 on May 13!

Occupation: Unemployed but trying to find a science/health related job I will love

Favorite bike: own a trek 520 so near and dear to this corrugated heart. I don't know much about bikes but I know that my lugged steel has stolen my heart.

What's in your stable? see above

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? 36 mph down the Grand Ave hill(some think it is the Summit Ave hill)

Another picture of yourself or your ride? This is a picture of me after I took an awkward tumble in the snow while snowshoeing. I thrashed quite a bit while I was trying to stand up. My roommate thought I was in writhing agony. I wasn't. I was in sheer joy!

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: I am a compulsive liar and a blatant exaggerist, so they are all big lies!

Most memorable moment on my bike: I am not really sure- I think I will have to get back to you all on that one. Although I really enjoy it when bikers wave at me as they pass, it makes me feel like I am in the cool crowd.

Most fun ever had on a bike? I think waking up for National Bike to Work Day at 6:00 when I am unemployed and following everyone else to their jobs was pretty great. I just got my roommate to go biking with me so I am sure there will be more fun to come!

[mimitabby]

Deja Vu, Carolp, welcome to TE (again, in one case)
Madscot, it's about time you told us about yourself!

I enjoy your posts and hope to 'see' more of you. I'm a Madelaine myself

[bikerchix]

Getting to Know You!

Real name: Jessica
Where do you live? Shiocton, WI (near Green BAy)

Explanation of your handle: I loved the saying!
Explanation of your avatar: Not sure how to do that
Age (general or specific) 41

Occupation: Economic Support Specialist

Favorite bike: only know the ones I have and depends on what I am doing, for comfort my giant hybrid is sooo comfy - still tweeking the road bike, just got it a couple weeks ago, so just started riding.

What's in your stable? I have a tri colored paint and a buckskin...... oh you mean my bikes I have a trek mountain, new giant hybrid, and a used but looks new raliegh sport road bike.

Fastest speed on a road bike? not sure yet, need to get the computer. Been up to 20 on my hybrid on flat road with the wind to my back

Another picture of yourself or your ride? No pictures yet Will have to try to take some soon.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Telling my children there were things like the Easter Bunny, Santa Clause and the Tooth Fairy.

Most memorable moment on my bike: I just really started to ride, I had the mountain bike for a few years but never enjoyed riding because the saddle really irritated my bottom. I didn't know all about the different saddles and such until I purchased by Hybrid last fall. I then took a cycling class at the Y over winter and loved it so wanted to get into road riding. Asked the lady at the cycling shop if they ever got used road bikes and she said no but the guy standing behind me said his wife was selling hers and she hardly ever road it. He was selling if the exact amount I had to spend ( was just meant to be) The bike was perfect size for me - his wife was 5'4" and I am 5'10" - I know why she hardly road it!! I am not sure how she staddled the bar.

So my most memorable moment so far would be today when I went for a ride with my daughter. She road my hybrid and I road my road bike.

Most fun ever had on a bike? Riding down the big hill by my house. The ride up is torture but I look forward to the ride down. Love the feel of speed weeeeeeeee!!!!

[Jiffer]

Real name: Jennifer

Where do you live? Rancho Cucamonga, California (Southern Ca.)

Explanation of your handle: A nickname version of my real name

Explanation of your avatar: Don't have one yet

Age (general or specific) 37 and 11/12ths! (38 next month)

Occupation: Homemaker / Homeschool Mom

Favorite bike: Cannondale Caad 9 with Dura Ace components

What's in your stable? A bay Thoroughbred and the cutest grey pony you ever saw! Oh, you mean my GARAGE?! A Cannondale Cadd 9 with Dura Ace components! (AS SOON AS MY FRAME EVER COMES IN!!! )
Also, a Burely Rivazza tandem.

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? Over 40 down "killer hill" between La Jolla and Carlsbad on a tandem. (Had to go up that hill first though!) Tandems go faster down hill because they have more weight pushing ... but UP hill is another story!

Another picture of yourself or your ride? I have one somewhere of DH and I with the tandem, but I can't find it on the new photo program?

Most memorable moment on my bike: Which one, which one?!! I guess the coastal ride from Carlsbad to La Jolla and back, including "killer hill". 52 miles. My longest so far. Those last 10 miles were KILLER!!!

Most fun ever had on a bike? The group ride we went on yesterday (Memorial Day) down the bike trail to the beach and back (48 miles). There were 7 of us including our Pastor. We go to a very big church and it's the first time DH and I have ever done anything "social" with him, so it was pretty cool. We got to tease him mercilessly about is ancient bike that literally had cobwebs on it! Three of us are worship leaders, including myself, so we sang a couple worship songs in three part harmony. It was sweet.

[Torrilin]

Real name: Emily

Where do you live? Madison, WI

Explanation of your handle: My first AD&D character was named Torrilin. I love the name and use it as a handle for most online forums

Explanation of your avatar: Don't have one yet

Age (general or specific) not quite 30. Can I be 30 now? Please? Now?

Occupation: homemaker. full time atm, will eventually find a paying job and go back to part time

Favorite bike: K2 Zed 1.0 (also only bike)

What's in your stable? See above.

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? Probably around 35 mph down Mt Alem (the mountain designation is overkill, it's a pretty typical hill for central PA). And well, the when is any time I went down it (mostly trips to the library or my HS job). Even on my 45 lb HS clunker, it was not hard to break 30mph on that hill. It rejoiced in a fairly stiff S curve, including one that it wasn't safe to take faster than 35mph in any vehicle going down. Fairly narrow lanes, some memorably bad drainage grates with 6" drops/rises extending just inside the lane. Shoulder only on one side, as the curves were cut into the hill to reduce the grade. Fairly steep ravine on the side with the shoulder. Extensive tree coverage, so after a storm you might have 2-6" diameter branches on the road.

Yes, that means going back *up* was another thing entirely. No wonder I'm fond of mountain bikes for road use *g*.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Don't have a picture of me on my bike. No camera!

Most memorable moment on my bike: Same hill, I have a love/hate relationship with it. There were few rides on it that weren't memorable.

Most fun ever had on a bike? Most rides are pretty fun . I don't think I've ever quite hit the most fun I can imagine... being able to ride up one of the Appalachians with no walking would be awesome. Up til now I think the best I've done is over halfway on a major climb.

Other stuff: I've got some minor and not very visible physical disabilities that make biking and swimming two of the few sports I can do. This means plenty of experience with pain meds and orthotics. I lived in LA for two years car free and loved it. So now I'm trying to keep the happiness going in Madison.

[Jolt]

Real name: Andrea
Where do you live? Worcester, MA

Explanation of your handle: Basically I just thought it sounded cool and was something different from the handle I use on some other forums (which is Angie O'Plasty), and plus it fits because I have a lot of energy!

Explanation of your avatar: Just a picture of my bike after a grocery run.

Age (general or specific) 23

Occupation: Grad student in nursing (nurse practitioner program); just landed a job for the summer/per diem during school as a nursing assistant on a telemetry floor at the local hospital. This is ideal since I am interested in specializing in cardiology.

Favorite bike: Don't really have a favorite.

What's in your stable? Giant Nutra (hybrid), mid '90s (it's in my avatar)

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? According to a guy on last night's AMC group ride, 32.9 going down a long hill in Holden, MA.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Attached is a picture of me in an AMC hiking group on Mt. Jefferson in NH. I'm the one in the shocking pink with the yellow backpack (nice color combo, I know).

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: This is an amusing one: When I was probably about 8 or 9, I accidentally knocked a candle holder off the mantle and broke the candle (don't remember how, probably playing ball or some such shenanigans). I then tried to blame this on my younger sister, who is 6 years younger than I. When my parents asked how she did it, I went into great detail (with demonstrations) about how she supposedly put one of the kid-size chairs up on the raised hearth, climbed onto the chair, stood up and knocked the candle off. Needless to say, my story failed to convince them and I got in trouble--for the lie, not for the breakage.

Most memorable moment on my bike: Going on my first group ride and keeping up with the group without a problem--I thought for sure I'd be the one getting left in the dust. I haven't been riding very long so I haven't come up with any really good memorable moments yet!

Most fun ever had on a bike? Probably just exploring different places.

[Fredwina]

Real name: Jennifer

Where do you live? Rancho Cucamonga, California (Southern Ca.)

Most fun ever had on a bike? The group ride we went on yesterday (Memorial Day) down the bike trail to the beach and back (48 miles). There were 7 of us including our Pastor. We go to a very big church and it's the first time DH and I have ever done anything "social" with him, so it was pretty cool. We got to tease him mercilessly about is ancient bike that literally had cobwebs on it! Three of us are worship leaders, including myself, so we sang a couple worship songs in three part harmony. It was sweet.

Does he ride a Yellow GT mountian bike (I think's it a Zazkar) - I think he may be be showing up on our Saturday rides. I've had the pleasure of leading him on a couple of rides - he is getting better.
Fredwina - also from Sandy Place Ranch (although at work in El Monte )

[Jacki]

Real name: Jacki

Where do you live? Mukwonago, WI

Explanation of your handle: My mom gave it to me.

Explanation of your avatar: Just me

Age (general or specific) 45

Occupation: Starving Artist At this point, it's more like a full time hobby than an occupation

Favorite bike: Trek 1500 WSD - Ice Blue

What's in your stable? Trek 1500 and Trek 820 MountainTrack MTB

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? I live in the kettle moraine in southeast Wisconsin. There are a lot of big hills and valleys. My fastest speed so far is 33 mph down one of the hills on HWY E in Walworth County near Eagle Spring Lake.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Don't have a picture of me on my bike. It's hard to find pictures of me because i do all the picture taking

Most memorable moment on my bike: I was biking in Hilton Head, SC on a really really hot day and it started pouring rain in buckets. I was completely soaked in no time but i just kept riding cuz it was the warmest rain I ever felt. I was purposely riding through every giant puddle and loving it - I felt like i was about 10 years old again! That's the great thing about biking - it always makes you feel younger than you are.

Most fun ever had on a bike? I think the most fun rides i have are the very first ones outside after a long winter of riding in the basement on my trainer staring at the walls. There's nothing more fun than pedaling and actually MOVING!!

[HoosierGiant]

Real name: Liz

Where do you live? Knightstown, Indiana

Explanation of your handle: Hail from the great state of Indiana; love my Giant.

Explanation of your avatar: Calvin & Hobbes can make me laugh even on the worst of days.

Age (general or specific): 46

Occupation: Homeschool mom / editor for writer hubby

Favorite bike: Love the one I've got! (Would hate to ruin the relationship by lusting after anything else.)

What's in your stable? Giant OCR Limited Composite 2005

Fastest speed on a road bike: 38.5 down a hill outside tiny Carthage, Indiana -- yee-ha!!!!

Another picture of yourself or your ride: Hate the whole picture thing. Perhaps the bike will acquiesce someday.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told? "I'm okay." (In response to DH's, "How ya doin'?" -- which he invariably asks after about 20 miles into a grueling headwind.)

Most memorable moment on my bike: Riding in a late-summer hailstorm. OUCH!

Most memorable off-bike moment: Serving as the personal support vehicle for DH as he completed RAIN Ride, a one-day, one-way, 160-mile ride across Indiana. (Looked like so much fun at the time, I vowed to ride this year. What was I thinking?!)

Most fun ever had on a bike: Laughing outloud at the sheer joy and exhilaration that accompanies being on the open road.

[jobob]

Hi everyone !

[rapid cycler]

Real name: Teresa

Where do you live? Los Angeles

Explanation of your handle: I have a bipolar (more popularly known as manic-depressive) mood disorder with rapid-cycling features (meaning that my extremes shift more often than is standard for the illness). Golly, how I wish my handle were in reference to a higher-than-average sustainable cadence! The reason I use it here is not just because it's a neat double entendre but because cycling helps me cope with my volatile gear ratio, lifting me when I'm down and sucking up all that excess energy when I'm pretty certain I can fly.

Explanation of your avatar: I was looking for an image of my first bike, a yellow Sears girls' bicycle with a flowered banana seat, and came across this pic. The joy on the kid's face says everything that needs be said about the heart of cycling.

Age (general or specific): 39 and holding

Occupation: Copy editor

Favorite bike: My new steed, an Orbea Onix TdF

What's in your stable? The aforementioned, plus a Gary Fisher Tassajara hardtail

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? Does downhill count? In which case, 35, whilst descending Stony Peak in Chatsworth, Calif.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? How about both!

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Not sure, but it's undoubtedly something I told myself

Most memorable moment on my bike: Feeling absolutely bonked out on a rest stop on my local MUT when a woman on a Townie came noodling by singing "Here Comes the Sun." I got back on the bike, smiling, and my batteries felt totally recharged. It was a case of sheer emotional drafting.

Most fun ever had on a bike? My test ride of my current bike, when I finally discovered what it feels like to ride a road bike that fits. That's the day I grew wheels.

[IFjane]

Most fun ever had on a bike? My test ride of my current bike, when I finally discovered what it feels like to ride a road bike that fits. That's the day I grew wheels.

I know exactly what you mean! Welcome, Teresa - and everyone else since I last visited. You will love this place - c'mon in and make yourselves at home.

[onimity]

Real name: Anne

Where do you live? Boulder, CO

Explanation of your handle: It's a joke on my first name: Anne O'Nimity

Explanation of your avatar: don't have one

Age (general or specific) 31 (for a couple weeks more)

Occupation: Technical Trainer (Interactive TV)

Favorite bike: They get angry when I choose a favorite

What's in your stable? Giant TCR C2, Kona Fire Mountain

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? Hmmm... I'm too new to road biking to know, but I went 36.8 MPH down the World's Most Dangerous Road (in Bolivia) last December. It was a blast and a half. I usually get up to 35MPH on my daily commute (mountain bike again)

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Don't have one handy.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: I'd have to make up something good and I'm just not that good at it...

Most memorable moment on my bike: Probably the World's Most Dangerous Road. (see www.gravitybolivia.com );that was really a great time. It wasn't *my* bike though.

Most fun ever had on a bike? That's a tough one, I have a lot of fun on my bike regularly. I have a ride that I just love though, I commute every day and a lot of the ride is on a great set of trails so when I get home I am muddy and have completely forgotten that I've just come from work. The first time I did that ride might qualify because it was my first bike commute and such a contrast to the congested freeway I used to drive. Though some of the rest of you have given me ideas for how to have more fun...

[mimitabby]

you went fast down THAT road?