I know it's crazy but..

[Flybye]

YOU ARE AN AWESOME AND BEAUTIFUL WOMAN

Cheers to you!!! You did it!!!

I know the teary eyes "wow I did it!" because I did it too!!
Cheers to our success!
Wasn't there part of you thinking, now wait, something must be not quite right, did I REALLY do this? It seems so surreal to me today. You too?

Although my woo - ha and my knee remind me that it is very real

Here is a picture from my first ride, too!!
Yeah us!!
Chickens, UNITE and ROCK!!!!!!!!

Congratulations!

I now have an inner-drill sarg, you too?????

[LadyinWhite]

Nicely done! So psyched to hear you finished as well. You are right - we are awesome !

Sorry to hear about the hoo ha pain - I'm happy to report no soreness anywhere at all today. Re: knee pain - I hear ya - I have to be super careful when I ride, as soon as I start to mash even the slightest, I get left knee pain reminding me last years injury. Really slows down the pace when one depends exclusively on spinning for "power" LOL!

RE: inner sargent - YES YES YES - I heard that voice more than once LMAO Once on a hill, no one around anywhere, SO VERY HOT outside and I sound like a freight train climbing - thank goodness for that inner sargent. I suspect I'll be hearing from her again.

PS: LOVE your bike! What kind is it? I really want to get an upgrade at the end of this season - I'm looking at Giants mostly because the LBS that I absolutely love deals them.
Mostly what is surreal is that I signed up for this ride last fall and now it's done. I am having trouble getting used to what that feels like!! I feel confident I could have done the century - but do you think it's wierd not to really WANT to do another super long ride?

[luv'nAustin]

Whoo Hoo for both of you! Have you picked out your next rides?

[Flybye]

Whoo Hoo for both of you! Have you picked out your next rides?

Yes, my next ride will most likely be with a group of Boy Scouts on Huffy Bikes that they purchased at Wal-Mart. They have a 50 miler coming up. I am the "elected" mistress of the road for this one. Now I know that no one will be saying "on your left" during this ride I will be able to say that I kicked you know what on this one!

I am, on a more serious note, not sure what to do about another ride. I do want to do another one, but nothing has captured my attention at this point! Thanks for asking!

[Flybye]

Nicely done! So psyched to hear you finished as well. You are right - we are awesome !

Sorry to hear about the hoo ha pain - I'm happy to report no soreness anywhere at all today. Re: knee pain - I hear ya - I have to be super careful when I ride, as soon as I start to mash even the slightest, I get left knee pain reminding me last years injury. Really slows down the pace when one depends exclusively on spinning for "power" LOL!

I am glad to hear you had no pain!! I feel lots better this evening.

RE: inner sargent - YES YES YES - I heard that voice more than once LMAO Once on a hill, no one around anywhere, SO VERY HOT outside and I sound like a freight train climbing - thank goodness for that inner sargent. I suspect I'll be hearing from her again.

Heehehhheheheh = Me too!!!

PS: LOVE your bike! What kind is it? I really want to get an upgrade at the end of this season - I'm looking at Giants mostly because the LBS that I absolutely love deals them.

My bike is a Giant OCR 2 - it is my first bike (well, okay, there was the one with the banana seat and the flag ) and I really have been happy with it. I don't have a "benchmark" bike to compare it to. I love the geometry of the bike. I rode LOTS of bikes (mostly because I am such a tightwad - I spent all of my Christmas and birthday money from EVERYONE that gave me a gift - I pleaded for money instead of Chia Pets and slippers) and this one was so comfortable. It just felt natural. I love my LBS guys, too. They are so encouraging.

Mostly what is surreal is that I signed up for this ride last fall and now it's done. I am having trouble getting used to what that feels like!! I feel confident I could have done the century - but do you think it's wierd not to really WANT to do another super long ride?

Yeah - It will be weird to ride just because you want to take a ride for the heck of it and not because you have a specific goal in mind, huh?
No, I don't think that it is weird not to have a plan to ride a long ride again, but I suspect that the bug will bite again. Cycling is just so much fun!


Congrats again. Relish it.

[Flybye]

We told ours, now tell us yours................

[Tri Girl]

Congrats ladies on your rides!!! Love the pictures you included and the tales of your adventures!
I, too, was terrified of my first century last summer. Rode 90% of it alone and lonely, but I had the best time! Thank goodness for the wonderful volunteers, eh? They make everything sooooo much fun. I, too, cried the last mile of the ride. Just from sheer elation that I did it.
You two are GREAT!!!! You must tell us of your further riding adventures when they happen!!! And be sure to tell us of the Boy Scout ride, Flybye- that sounds like it'll be a BLAST!

[Jo-n-NY]

Congratulations to two awesome ladies. You both did GREAT!!!!

~ JoAnn

[spokewench]

Great Stories Ladies! We all knew you could do it! Now . . . . the next one!

[CycleChic06]

Ok, reading all your success stories about riding distances you've never ridden before, and reading about how everyone gets so nervous before group rides has made me feel sooo much better about my ride coming up this weekend!

I signed up for a 60 mile Tour de Cure ride that takes place this Sunday. I don't know what I was thinking when I signed up for that distance. Last year I did the 30 mile route and it was no big deal, and the end of last summer when I was riding every weekend, doing 45 miles or so, 100K would have been no problem. But so far this year I haven't done more than 35 miles a couple times. I'm seriously doubting whether I can do this 60 miles.

But after reading all your stories, I feel better about it, I know I can do this. It'll be such a personal accomplishment for me to finish this. But I'm still on the verge of chickening out and doing the 30 mile route...can I do this ride???

[Tri Girl]

Oh you can do it- you MUST!!! If you only do the 30 you'll regret it. Get on out there, do the 60 and have some fun. It's not like you have to do it in 3 hours or anything. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, make a new friend or two and have some fun!!! You'll be glad you did.

[Flybye]

Get an inner drill sarg. if you must, but do it!!!
I want another success story!
If it is a personal accomplishment victory will be even sweeter.
Just remember hydration, food, and pace yourself.
Go baby, Go!!!

[LadyinWhite]

I considered bailing on the 60miler but I think, looking back, I'd be so disappointed with myself if I had. Once you are riding, everything will just fall into place.

I also agree about stopping and enjoying - it's not a race. I stopped at a yard sale and at my friend's apt. Why not? Not to mention the rest stops were amazing. (one was giving out jelly beans! )

You'll do great!

[CycleChic06]

Thanks for all the encouragement. I really need it! I'm wicked nervous, but kinda looking forward to the challenge. I'll let you all know how it goes...

[Flybye]

We haven't forgotten you Cyclechick06 - how'd it go