Getting to Know You!

[moonfroggy]

Real name: B
Where do you live? California, west marin

Explanation of your handle: it's my pet frogs name. she is a whites tree frog. i like the name.

Explanation of your avatar: i need to set one up still.

Age (general or specific) in march i will turn 31

Occupation: artist and full time mama to my amazing 2 year old son.

Favorite bike: i am getting a luna orbit soonish i thinkt hat will be my favorite

What's in your stable? marin bear valley wfg 2009

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? i have never owned a road bike and i don't track how fast i go on my mountain bike. probably nothing very impressive though i am a wimp going downhill

Another picture of yourself or your ride? i tend to ride solo and at the moment am feeling to shy to post one of the few pics i have

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: i am a terrible liar so i generally do not lie. also lies are to stressful it is easier to omit truths

Most memorable moment on my bike: going off road after a huge storm on a solo mountain bike ride. i climbed over 7 trees and had to ride through some "puddles" the size of small lakes. it was a big adventure and sort of scary. i had planned to take the road home but a fallen tree made it so that going on the fire trails was the fastest way to get home.

Most fun ever had on a bike? every month when i ride with my local wombats group i have a blast. it is a pretty easy ride but it is so fun to go ona ride with other women.

[moonfroggy]

oh i have an avatar i don't remember setting that up! my avatar is related to my power animal. i once went on a sort of spiritual journey thing to find my power animal and it is a racoon so thats my avatar!

[HillSlugger]

I just wanted to say hi. I have been lurking on this forum for about two years. I took a 15 year hiatus from biking, although I really was never that serious about it. But I have recently decided to start riding again. I've completed 3 centuries... HHH about 15 years ago on a mtn bike, and Seagull Century the last two years on my LHT.
I've learned so much from this forum, including how to make the most yummy bread So thank you!
I'm hoping to do a cycle tour this summer and have some questions I will post in the tour forum.

Carol

Hi Carol,

Welcome to TE! Where in MD are you? Please stop by the Mid-Atlantic section of the Places to Ride forum to meet and meet up with others from the area.

Nicole

[tharley]

Hi ladies. My name is Tanis and I am pretty new to cycling. I got a Raleigh Comfort (Hybrid?) Venture 3.0 last summer, but have only been able to ride it a handful of times so far. I am pretty dang slow and really unsteady, so I am a little hesitant to go more than a mile or so on my own yet. However, I'm anxiously waiting for warm weather and less crazy schedules, so DH and I can go biking together. DH is no expert, but he seems like a pro to me and motivates me to work harder. We have signed up for a 35mi bike tour in a few mo, so hopefully I will be ready by then- fairly steep hills from what I've heard (yikes!). I try to go to spinning classes at the gym weekly, which kicks my butt but is extremely fun. After reading the multiple posts about peddle restraints and being reassured about clipless, I finally purchased some shoes & clips yesterday. Originally I was going to try the toe clips, but due to an awesome deal at my local bike store, I broke down and figured I'd try the clipless. I am excited to try them out at Tuesday's spinning class, and eventually on my little Raleigh (I will need to purchase new peddles first). I've been a member and lurking on this board for about a month now and live vicariously through you all ! Anyways, hello ladies, and thanks for the info, I sure do appreciate it!

[Martha716]

Real name: Marti
Where do you live? England

Explanation of your handle: My real name is Martha and my birthday is July 16th.

Explanation of your avatar: ....if I had an avatar

Age (general or specific) 46

Occupation: writer

Favorite bike: I've had a Trek FX 7.6 (great bike) and just bought a Giant because my Trek was stolen and I thought I'd try a road bike.

What's in your stable? The Giant Avail 2 (don't know what it is called in America -- it's the WSD aluminium bike with a carbon fork and seat post) I also have a very old pink racing bike -- an Apollo Calypso if that means anything to anyone -- that weighs a million pounds and has very squeaky brakes. I use that one if I am going to lock it up in London because my Giant would definitely get stolen no matter what I locked it with and not even the thieves want my old pink bike!

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when?
I have no idea....not fast, however.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told:
Me? Lie? Never!

Most memorable moment on my bike: Cycling in the New Forest with my husband and coming across wild donkeys.

Most fun ever had on a bike? It's always fun....except when it rains.

[stardreamer]

Real name: Dianne

Where do you live? Poplar NC

Explanation of your handle: Love to gaze at the stars and dream

Explanation of your avatar: Who knows...just like it

Age (general or specific) 52

Occupation: unemployed after company was sold....looking for a new job is my job

Favorite bike: Specialized Ruby Comp

What's in your stable? Specialized Ruby Comp, Old Bianchi and Marin Mountain Bike

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? 46---in Atlanta many years ago.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Hate having my picture made

Most memorable moment on my bike: Winning a 100 mile race in Georgia ( many years ago )in the womens division and placing 3rd overall. It was an amateur race...but it felt great...crossing the finish line!!!!

Most fun I've ever had on my bike: I moved to the mountains of NC and had not been on a bike in five years. My husband...got out Bianchi and tuned her up. He surprised me by having the bike on the car...and everything ready for me to ride. He took me to a long flat stretch near a river ( not many flats around here. He followed me in our car, as I rode for the first time in five years. I will never forget the sense of freedom...happiness and gratitude I felt. It was the best ride of my life!

[shawnhc]

Anyone in the group live in southern NJ, Philadelphia Metro area?

[pedalstrike]

hey been lurking for some time and figured i should introduce myself! so here are my deets...

Real name: k

Where do you live? boston, ma

Explanation of your handle: see here.

Explanation of your avatar: my logo!

Age (general or specific): 27 in july

Occupation: law student

Favorite bike: [that i own?] dolan pre cursa. it's fast. and pink.

What's in your stable? bianchi san jose and dolan pre cursa

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? ...i wish i had one?

Most memorable moment on my bike: the first time i bit it. i ended up picking out pieces of skin from the inside of my leggings.

Most fun ever had on a bike? it's always fun

[ColoKate]

Real name: Kate

Where do you live? Denver

Explanation of your handle: been living in CO for 2 years now and loving it

Age: 31

Occupation: marketing

Favorite bike: my new-to-me 2006 Scott Speedster Contessa

What's in your stable? a bright orange Green-Line cruiser and an old Specialized Hardrock I'm going to turn into a commuter

Fastest speed on a road bike? I'm not a big speed demon...not sure!

Most fun ever had on a bike? 1) our summer rides to get ice cream 2) New Belgium's Urban Assault Ride 3) weekly costumed cruiser ride in downtown Denver

[ummbnb]

I may have done this before but I've not posted much for a long, long time so I'll do it again.

Real name: Maria

Where do you live? Denver

Explanation of your handle: It's a play on my kunya, or nickname, from Arabic tradition.

Age: 40

Occupation: HR

Favorite bike: all of them:
commuter - '92 Bridgestone XO-2
latte getter - early 80's Nishiki mixte
road - K2 T9 Twister - A truly fabulous bike that didn't get nearly enough attention. I've logged a few thousand miles on her and she might just be the most comfortable bike I've ever owned.
latte getter 2 - '74 Raleigh Grand Prix mixte

What's in your stable? See above

Fastest speed on a road bike? 38mph I'm not a huge fan of going too fast.

Most fun ever had on a bike?
1) RAGBRAI in '08. My 6th overall, but my first in 13 years. I didn't stop smiling the entire week....of course I'm pretty sure the others were equally as fun.
2) Any ride with my kids. My son is a avid cyclist and is building endurance for longer rides. My daughter is just starting out and I believe will grow to love biking as much as the rest of us.
3) We do lots of small, local organized rides from one-day endurance rides to our weekly neighborhood family ride, charity rides and the weekly massive cruiser ride (occassionally - I enjoy a good drink or two but the drunks on this ride are taking over.)

[Ariadne]

Real name: Anne
Where do you live? Dumfries, Scotland

Explanation of your handle: It's for lifting me up with.

Age (general or specific) The Big Three Oh (the age at which a road bike seems to automatically appear in the garage)

Occupation: Marketing

Favorite bike: The bright yellow BMX that was stolen from me when I was about 10.

What's in your stable? I would love to be ironic and say an Iron Horse... haha but no. 2007 Trek 6500 for mud and rocks, 2009 Trek 1.5 WSD for tarmac. Both bought for pennies off Gumtree and well looked after. I can't stand it when people boast about spending four figures on their bike - grow up and just ride it!

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? I don't know - I don't have a speedo.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? I'm a photographer, so there are never any pictures of me!

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: That I was perfect for the job.

Most memorable moment on my bike: Nailing riding without stablisers aged about 7... looking round to check EVERYONE had seen me, and crashing headfirst into a wall.

Most fun ever had on a bike? Penny farthings at the Wickerman Festival. My friend Rik runs a bike shop and bought two 'modern' penny farthings for hire to customers. I will try to find a picture...

[runningcyclist]

Real name: Sonia
Where do you live? London, UK

Explanation of your handle: N/A

Age (general or specific) 47

Occupation: Administration

Favorite bike: It's my only bike: Specialized Vita Elite

What's in your stable? See above. Hoping to get a roadie later this year though.

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? I don't know - I don't have a speedo.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? I'll put one up later.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Hmm. Let me come back on that one!

Most memorable moment on my bike: Falling into the mud at my local park when I'd just learnt to ride. My niece found it hiliarious.

Most fun ever had on a bike? A night ride through London's streets last Midsummer's Eve. Saw the sunrise whilst on Primrose Hill. Well worth the lack of sleep!

[JennK13]

Real name: Jenn
Where do you live? Centennial, CO

Explanation of your handle: The "K" is the first initial of my last name; the "13" is my softball jersey number

Explanation of your avatar: I don't have an avatar - the bike pictured is my newest and most favorite at this time - Fuji Cross Comp

Age (general or specific): 35 in 2 weeks!

Occupation: Executive Assistant - Local Government

Favorite bike: right now - see above my Cross Comp

What's in your stable? Trek Navigator 2.0; Giant Transcend; Fuji Cross Comp

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? Who knows!!! I only have a computer on the Trek, and that isn't going as fast as my Giant or Fuji. According to the GPS tracking on my Blackberry, I have gone 29 mph on the C470 trail

Another picture of yourself or your ride? I don't know how to put that in here


What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Im not inclined to share that!

Most memorable moment on my bike: I hadn't riden a bike in God knows how long! I had been telling my husband that I wanted one, and was lusting over a K2 bike. He got the Trek for me for Christmas 2008. I suffer from an autoimmune disease and was so ill and out of shape at the time, so even a few miles was difficult for me. Not even 6 months after getting me the bike (and it's Colorado, so I couldn't ride much the first part of the year), I rode in a local charity ride and finished first in my group, a 15 mile ride! With my basket on the front of my Trek It was a great feeling and just keeps getting better.

Most fun ever had on a bike? I always have fun on a bike, though my rides are for different reasons - casual riding with friends or the hubby, riding to picnics, commuting to work, or training rides alone that totally clear my head and focus on my body. Its ALL good!

[sjt71]

Real name: Samantha
Where do you live? Melbourne, Australia

Explanation of your handle: My initials and year of birth...how original!!

Explanation of your avatar: My new bike

Age (general or specific): 39 in 2 weeks!

Occupation: Teacher - Grade 5/6

Favorite bike: My Cannondale Six Fem 3. Have had it for 10 days and I love it.

What's in your stable? Beside my Cannondale, there is also a Giant Cypress commuter, and a Shogun Metro SE for commuting too.

Fastest speed on a road bike? Have just put on my computer, so don't know yet. I know I have done over 30 km/h in the past on my commuter.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Forget it... gotta lose some pounds before I put up a photo!!


What is the biggest lie you've ever told: I love it!

Most memorable moment on my bike: Crashing into the kerb and flipping head-first over the handlebars when I was about 8. Walked away from it...

Most fun ever had on a bike? In the last week, riding with my whole family... I'm loving it.

[samaram]

Hi everyone! I've been lurking for a while and soaking up all your excellent information, so I figured it was about time to get posting. I love this forum, and I'd love to meet other ladies in Austin that are looking for riding partners!

Real name: Samara
Where do you live? Austin, Texas

Explanation of your handle: First name and first initial of my last. Sounds exotic, right?

Explanation of your avatar: One of many bikes

Age (general or specific) 27

Occupation: Student/Salon Administrator

Favorite bike: That's a loaded question... I love both of my bikes, and I don't have anything that I'm lusting over at the moment.

What's in your stable? Mine: Trek 7.5 FX WSD (the workhorse/car), Orbea Onix Dama (the racehorse/"Baby Orbea" because my 650 wheels make it look like DH's Orbea had a little baby), DH's: Kona Dr. Dew, Orbea Onix

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? Don't have a computer, but once my UPS driver friend was tailing me on my commute, he told me it was 25mph.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Just starting out, no pics of me on my bike just yet.


What is the biggest lie you've ever told: My hair color.

Most memorable moment on my bike: Good: My first 25 mile ride, great weather, few cars, and a wonderful sunburn to remember it by. Bad: All in the same day--blowing a tire and subsequently crashing while riding, going back home to get DH's bike so I could make it to school, having his bike stolen while on campus (in my care...), and the battery dying on the car when we were trying to get home.

Most fun ever had on a bike? Almost everyday of my commute!