Hi everyone,

I've just joined in. I lurked a little bit for the past 2-3 days and thought it was a nice place for women to chat, without the boost of testosterone I saw on another board I was (which I dropped just as quickly - too many machos there!). You girls (and guys) seem like a good group without all that bashing of who goes the fastest, who is better, blabla. I like that!

I'm from the Montreal (Quebec) area and just about to turn the big 50. Yeah!!!! Closer to retirement and more times for my hobbies.

I am new to road bikes and trying to enjoy it. For me it was much easier with my old hybrid.

I have a 2013 Kuota Karma Glamour road bike. It is pink (with some black and white). Wheels have a lot of pink too. Love my Pink Lady. Of course my kit had to have some pink to it. Not easy to find though! It is a very reactive/nervous bike. Takes some getting used to.

I had a hard time riding with those road handle bars and I ended up in July converting them to flat bar (with some incline to it). I'll spare you the tears and frustrations through it all. Feels much better to me but it lost the "hot" look it had. Maybe one day when confidence is back in, I will have my bike shop put back the real handlebars and those flat ones. For now, it will have to do. Safety first!

I also was injured (knees and left elbow) and in physiotherapy from January to last week. Now I have the real go to cycle...but make sure I really warm up those knees (at least 10km (approx 6 miles) before hitting hills. I listen to PT as I don't want to have to remain on sofa for 2 more seasons! hihi And no more running. Used to love jogging but this is no longer a possibility. Oh well...you can't have it all they say!

Anyway, I'm here to learn/share about cycling experiences. My husband belongs to a bike club (he has a Cervelo R3) and loves to ride fast...I'm not into clubs...and ride slow. hihi But that will change with time and physical endurance is back to normal at some point. He has a ton of patience with me and my cycling "loser" attitude sometimes. We know how PMS can hit us big time! haha But overall, it is fun cycling!

Fall is just around the corner (with winter not that far away) and I will be looking into buying a roller and a trainer. I'll be up and ready for the spring of 2014 for sure!

Will be back later on when I'm not on a work computer (slap on fingers!)

Talk to you soon.

Helene