Progress!

[newbiechick]

Just wanted to share my excitement with people who could appreciate it ...
Just went out for my third ride. I live in southern Indiana where it's very hilly (anyone familiar with the Hilly Hundred?). All three of my rides have included a hill near my home--not too long and not too steep, but tough enough for a beginner. On my second time out I rode the hill twice--and it took most of what I had to make it to the top each time. This evening I made it to top almost easily--with energy and power to spare. It was great!! So maybe I really will be able to make it as a cyclist in this here hill country! I love seeing progress!

(I might should add for other newbies ... I'm primarily a runner--albeit an average one--and I've been doing some great runs lately which I know have added to my strength and endurance. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have seen the same kind of progress on only my 3rd ride otherwise.)

Also want to say how happy I am to have found this forum. I love all the great feedback, suggestions and input from the seasoned veterans ... and the camraderie I feel with the other beginners. TE is really helping to feed my enthusiasm for the sport!

Shelley

[KSH]

Way to go!

Hills are HARD!

Just make sure you keep those pedals spinning up those hills... save your knees... and you will OWN those hills if you are spinning!

[CorsairMac]

wooohoooo newbie!!!.....actually I'm from Indpls originally so not only do I know the Hilly Hundred - I've been in your neck of the woods!! Good on you and what an accomplishment!!........keep it up and pretty soon those hills will look like Flats to you!!

[bikerchick68]

way to go! and every time you climb it will get a little easier... I distinctly remember the first time I conquered a hill that I was scared of... what a great feeling huh? Looking forward to hearing about your continuing progress!

[RoadRaven]

Its such a great feeling isn't it, newbie...

First its "I hope I can... I hope I can..."

Then its "I think I can... I think I can..."

And suddenly its a defiant and glorious "I KNOW I CAN!!!!!"

So cool; hills are not my strength, and despite always being the last up when out with my training partners, I'm always pleased with myself at the top

[CR400]

Good job. Keep it up. Before you know it you will be able to climber bigger and steeper hills.

[julbee]

Hey Newbie Chick!

As a "newbie" myself, I can fully relate to your feeling of excitement and also to the appreciation of the efforts of many forum members as they attempt to assist the "newbies!"

I, too, am glad to have so many biking "mentors!"

Such fun!

Keep on enjoying life!

Julie

[KkAllez]

Hey Shelley, hills are your friend! Wind is your friend! I know how you feel. There are three ways to leave our place and all three of them are uphill, steep and long swooping hills. So, I have to literally start a ride warming up on a hill. It takes me a good ten miles to realize that I am finally warmed up and LIKE riding! We have no flats at all. But what has happened, is that when we ride other places in tours, we outride everyone up the hills. They don't faze us at all.

What I can't figure out, though is why I always have a stiff cross wind or head wind no matter what direction I cycle. I think we must live under a giant wind cyclone. It makes no difference which direction I head out, I turn around thinking I'll have a nice tail wind but the wind changes directions.

I can't complain too much, as that is how Ben makes a living and supports our cycling craze. (wind turbines that generate electricity...if only we could profit from a hill!)

[Lynne]

Good job. Keep it up. Before you know it you will be able to climber bigger and steeper hills.

Oh, is THAT the way it's supposed to work??

Hills are evil, but hey, I'm getting more muscle-more muscle means I need more energy to keep going, more energy needs means more pizza and cheesecake....

[SadieKate]

. . . more energy needs means more pizza and cheesecake....

STOP IT NOW! I got up at the crack of stupid to ride early with friends which means my metabolism is way up and hubby isn't home tonight which means I'll probably head for something really healthy like chocolate chip cookie dough (hey, the cocoa bean is a veggie right?). So, just stop right now! Cheesecake . . . cream cheese = dairy and graham crackers = grains . . .

[lovinlife]

Newbie,
Wow, that Hilly Hundred sounds intense. I'm new also. I live in Middle Tennessee currently and it, too, is one hill after another. I agree with you about finding this forum. What a godsend!

[newbiechick]

lovinlife-

I'm sure the Hilly Hundred is intense, but maybe not as bad as it sounds ... it's a 2-day tour--50 miles each day ... but in VERY hilly terrain. My fiance has ridden it every year for 8 years; he'll miss the first day this year 'cause we'll be on our honeymoon. If he can handle it with the jet lag, he might ride the second day. And if I make AMAZING progress between now and October, maybe I'll attempt that second day, too. But I'm not holding my breath on that one.