I opened a basket of worms over on bike forums (www.bikeforums.net) and have over 50 responses arguing with each other. The only other woman on the thread is a bit over the top, so I thought I'd poll the TE ladies! I would really appreciate any and all insights you have!

If you do not race (time trial, road, track, etc), and have no intention of doing so, why? Age, lack of local races, bad experience at a group ride, just don't think you can, too agressive, worried about injuries?

If you don't race, but plan on it, what is the threshold? A certain avg. pace? Staying with a fast group?

For the racers:
1) Why did you descide to start racing?
2) What kind of local support do you have(ie team)?
3) How much of your group riding is with men, do you have female teammates?
4) Did you play agressive sports in HS/college?
5) What do you see as the main obstacles to women racing?

I am thinking about devoting a lot of time and energy to promoting women's racing, and trying to recruit more women for next season, but I don't have a ton of ideas. I'm hopefully going to work at the LBS part time later this fall-which I think is very important. Beginers especially should be able to talk to a woman about saddles, shorts, etc. But other than that I have no ideas. TIA for your answers!!!