Newbie from Oregon Intro.... :)

[imdeanna]

Thank you ShellyJ for sharing that!

Thanks everybody for their warm welcome!!

I think (I know) I'm going to like it here.....Now if my bike would just show up so I can get out there and get the sore 'getting used to the saddle' part done!!!!

I just learned that my bike (that was supposed to have shipped LAST Wed...was JUST shipped out yesterday) so now I'm hoping it'll be here by this weekend!!

[Bad JuJu]

One cool thing about bike shorts is the compression factor--they squeeze everything together so you can actually look a bit smaller. Also, if you're really self-conscious, you might consider bike capris, at least until it gets really hot. Check out the TE selection here.

[imdeanna]

One cool thing about bike shorts is the compression factor--they squeeze everything together so you can actually look a bit smaller. Also, if you're really self-conscious, you might consider bike capris, at least until it gets really hot. Check out the TE selection here.

Except were the spandex stops...(waist band & leg bands)...then it just plain looks like a POPPED can of bisquits!!! HAHA!

Seriously tho...I got some XL cycling shorts to start with...but I just bought some size L, cuz the xl seem to be a bit to 'loose' in the 'diaper' area...I don't want any extra material during the break in period so I'm going to compress myself into some TIGHT A.. Shorts!

BTW...MY BIKE CAME YESTERDAY!!!! She sure is Pretty!!!!! I'm very happy with the fit!

I took her for a test ride yesterday after getting her all put together....and have to admit...I was a bit scared going down hill! I went pretty slow...slow enough that a girl that was WALKING down the hill said "new bike?" lol... (how could she tell???) LOL was it the shiny new bike? or the white knuckled scared look on my face??

There is still a lot of gravel on the roads from the winter too....

How long did it take you girls to get over the "i'm going to crash" feeling???

[jesvetmed]

Hi IMDEANNA! Welcome to the thread. I've been here less than a year but find everyone to be so motivating and supportive -- you ARE going to love it here! AND congratulations on the new bike and first ride. BIG first step! Don't worry -- just take it easy and stick with comfortable rides at first. You'll become more and more comfortable with time. And later find some groups or even one other person to ride with that can show you some new areas, answer questions, and increase your comfort level. I joined a local bike club and learned quite a bit just listening and watching as we rode. People are usually very helpful and supportive of new riders.

Enjoy! You're just in time for the riding season to really start.. if the snow ever stops!

[Kano]

"DWERPFART" ????

I LOVE that word!

The shorts -- it was hard for me too (the XL was not "baggy" when I bought them) but I credit a couple of guys on our greenbelt for making me feel better about wearing those things.

I don't know who they are, have never seen them again, but when I saw these guys out riding with regular clothes on, their shirts wide open and flapping in the wind, and their huge hairy beer bellies hanging out for the world to see, I said to myself, if THAT is okay to show in public, then I CAN wear these shorts with pride!

And then one day, I told my girls, "see that lady? Someday, that's MY butt in these shorts!"

I just bought a pair of size small shorts for this season, and a pair of size small shindiggers too! (Shebeest) (it took more than riding, but it sure helps!)

Karen in Boise

[KatyLady]

So where is the picture of the new bike?

I will second an earlier suggestion for an odometer. I'm not a competitive rider at all, but the odometer is nice for monitoring my progress in both speed and distance. I have also spent a lot of time on this forum. I rarely post anything . . . but I learn a lot! Maybe someday I'll have enough experience to be more of a contributor rather than an information sponge on the forum.

[Bushranger]

Hi Deanna. I have just joined here too! I felt very self conscious when I joined the gym last November - 30lbs overweight, very red in the face whenever I did anything, and sweating all over the machines. I just kept thinking that at least I was doing *something* - plus Biggest Loser had started on telly, and suddenly its trendy for overweight people to be in the gym!

I have a couple of good friends who are very keen road cyclists, but are kind enought to take me out every Saturday and slow their pace for me, as well as give me advice on my riding.

I have about 15lbs to go, but now its all about how I feel, not how I look. A friend yesterday said I looked "scary" which I took as a huge compliment.

Bushranger

[Wahine]

I got to meet Deanna today. She's a tough cookie...

I may never see her again. She might hate me.

I think this might need it's own thread. To be continued...

[Wahine]

Here it is....

The story as I see it.

imdeanna may differ in her opinion of what happened today, but all I have to say is that I'm impressed.

[imdeanna]

So where is the picture of the new bike?
.

Here's a pic I took the day we put her together.... I need to get another one as she has a new saddle now!

and...as I learned yesterday...I need to give her a name! Any suggestions??

[tulip]

pretty bike! With those colors, I'd be tempted to call it Tyler Hansbrough, but I know that not everyone is as into Carolina basketball as I am .

[imdeanna]

pretty bike! With those colors, I'd be tempted to call it Tyler Hansbrough, but I know that not everyone is as into Carolina basketball as I am .

We just went and watched the Charlotte Bobcats play (and win our) Portland Trail Blazers Saturday night...is Tyler on their team??

[tulip]

We just went and watched the Charlotte Bobcats play (and win our) Portland Trail Blazers Saturday night...is Tyler on their team??

Oh nonononononononononono. I'm talking about NCAA college hoops. Final Four is next weekend, and Carolina is in. My only regret is that Davidson couldn't pull it out at the last second against Kansas.

[Blueberry]

Oh nonononononononononono. I'm talking about NCAA college hoops. Final Four is next weekend, and Carolina is in. My only regret is that Davidson couldn't pull it out at the last second against Kansas.

That was a heartbreaker My team is out (the other color Blue).

[Tri Girl]

DeAnna: welcome to the wonderful world of cycling! So proud of you for getting out there and doing your thing, regardless of what anyone else thinks! At the risk of using a tired old phrase: You go girl!
Your bike is super sexy! Very pretty, and it looks like you'll be having many happy times together. I just read Wahine's report on your first ride. You are an animal. Nice job!
I, too, worry about my weight. I'm up 20#'s from 2 years ago when I started. I look terrible in my spandex and worry about what my tri buddies will think when they see me back out there at it again this year. I feel really terrible about myself right now, but your story (and others) have helped me realize that it's OK that I'm heavier now. I'll get back down one day maybe, and if not- that's OK, too. So long as we enjoy ourselves- it's all that matters.





And now a thread hijack: sorry

Oh nonononononononononono. I'm talking about NCAA college hoops. Final Four is next weekend, and Carolina is in. My only regret is that Davidson couldn't pull it out at the last second against Kansas.

Oh, no. It's a good thing that Davidson lost. They were hot on the threes and UNC has a hard time defending against that. UNC will throw down on Kansas. My gut tells me it's the year for them. BTW: we're both big Carolina fans. In our game room there is a whole wall painted Carolina blue with the logo and everything. Psycho T is our favorite. His crazy eyes say so much...