Getting to Know You!

[iFKA]

hi girls, (or should I say "BOK", cause "dobar dan" is formal way of saying it)

There was recently a question asked on this board about cycling in Croatia and I answered best I could but I'm sure you could do better. How's the cycling scene on your part of the world now? How are the roads doing? And the drivers? Let us know.

I must say it is not so well, because it's rather expensive sport out here, but as my friend often says "the only thing that counts is heart” that means that It doesn’t matter if you’re driving your grandma’s bike or some high-tech miracle, as long as you love it.
It is not so popular in Croatia yet but I can see slow progress in here. Only really bad thing is that very few women drives bicycle longer than half an hour per week. Sadly, but I’m one of the rare ones… I mean there are many women in this sport but on every 15-20 men there comes one woman, so I don’t know any other girl that I could drive with. Perhaps it is cause we don’t have forum like these, and I really don’t like guy’s forum. For me is to boring to talk about bike parts all the time, I enjoy the ride and my boyfriend takes part of other things.

I was in Croatia in 2001 and really LOVED it. I am sorry to say I spent time mostly on the coast from Cvatat to Zadar, and only a a few days at Plitvice and Zagreb.

It’s a pity that you haven’t been hear longer. Croatia is absolute paradise for bikers. In just a 1000 miles (approximately) we have Slavonia – which is flat county with many fields (mainly corn, and sunflowers), than we have Lika – mountain area with several National parks or Nature parks, and Jadran – our beautiful sea (I’ve read that many Tourist agencies in Europe called it top destination for 2006). Everything is so beautiful cause we are not so developed country (which is bad) and we don’t have big towns like you do.

Don't worry about it! That's what's so wonderful about this board and the internet in general. It brings people together that NEVER would have spoken to each other otherwise

your board is great, I’ve discovered it two years ago but I didn’t have my new bike, and haven’t ride the old one so often as now so I felt kind of silly to write about my “experience” But we’ll heard each other more often now

ok enough for now, I must rest my fingers now

[iFKA]

There was recently a question asked on this board about cycling in Croatia and I answered best I could but I'm sure you could do better. How's the cycling scene on your part of the world now? How are the roads doing? And the drivers? Let us know.

I found one page you could visit... it's short, in English... some stories of the foreigners that have driven through Croatia...
have fun
http://www.bicikl.hr/cikloturizam/sue.asp

[BikeMomma]

p.s.I hope you wouln't mind my bad English, after all I haven't been speaking (or writting) it for sooooooo long

Don't worry about it! That's what's so wonderful about this board and the internet in general. It brings people together that NEVER would have spoken to each other otherwise. So WELCOME! Glad to have you here, Ivana.
~BikeMomma

[bluedress]

Real name: Marca

Where do you live? Hillsboro, OR

Explanation of your handle: Marca after mum’s father, Marcus. Lee after mum’s mother, Virlee, and dad’s father, Lee.

Explanation of your avatar: uh…technophobe…can’t figure out how to upload it…

Age (general or specific): 34 in May 2006

Occupation: ACE Personal Trainer *in training* (I test for certification August 5, 2006)

Favorite bike: My TREK Madone 5.5 (2006) with embellishments

What's in your stable? My TREK Madone 5.5 (2006) with embellishments

Fastest speed on a road bike? Where? When? (That I can recall/retell.) 24.5 mi/h, yesterday, descent from Skyline Blvd. down Old German Town Road in Portland, OR. The air was chilly, the road was winding, and the experience was quite gripping—like, I think I need new brake pads now!

Another picture of yourself or your ride? uh…technophobe…can’t figure out how to upload it…

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: to myself, that I did not need many friends; I find that I do.

Most memorable moment on my bike: Completing my first MS150 Houston to Austin ride. I was 20. I did it alone. I loved the whole experience. The 90 miles on the first day. Walking up the hill in Bastrop State Park. Getting my achy legs going for the second day of 70 miles. Collapsing to the ground upon arrival at the finish—legs forgot how to stand—was fine—the broad unmoving ground felt quite nice. It was the first time I think I ever actually amazed myself.

Most fun ever had on a bike? Anytime I get out is a fun time. I love each ride’s challenges—the athletic (the pain), the mental (come on…get out there and ride). It is all good. You know?

[Popoki_Nui]

Here it is ladies! Got this off another bike forum and had great fun! Just copy and paste then change to fit you!



Real name: Sherry
Where do you live? Victoria, BC

Explanation of your handle: Popoki Nui roughly means "Big Cat" ....I'm 'mom' to five rescued cats...and they see me as the big cat!

Age (general or specific): this piratess is looking at 50

Occupation: retired Dispensing Optician

Favorite bike: Gitane Tour de France

What's in your stable? 1975 Gitane Tour de France road bike, 1986 Bianchi Super Grizzly MTB -converted to cross/hybrid, 1985 Bianchi Limited road bike, 1984 Kuwahara Sierra Grande MTB.

Fastest speed on a road bike? No idea. Probably in the 60-70km/h range (downhill, of course!).

Another picture of yourself or your ride? I'll have some updated pix of my bikes on my website very soon.


What is the biggest lie you've ever told: no comment

Most memorable moment on my bike: probably my very first ride on a bike when I was five years old. I still remember that bike (a candy red CCM s/s),the thrill, and the sense of freedom. I feel the same way every time I strap on a bike and go riding.

Most fun ever had on a bike? No one experience stands out. Exploring new trails and discovering new places to ride rate highly on the fun meter.
__________________

[Melody]

Piratess? Ahoy!

Avast ye! Smartly we welcome ye to to these here boards. Grab yer grog and join us in our chanty as we ride the night away...



Mel

[Trek420]

Melody,

But talk like a pirate day is not 'till Sept. 19th

http://www.talklikeapirate.com

Lilikoi, welcome to TE, do I get a toaster yet for recruiting another TE gal?

[Melody]

Melody,

But talk like a pirate day is not 'till Sept. 19th

http://www.talklikeapirate.com

heh. I know. It's exactly a week before my birthday so I always remember each year. But I couldn't resist when I saw piratess.

Mel

[Trek420]

Melody

heh. well, so now we know an easy way to remember your birthday

[marthaadrienne]

Real name: Martha
Where do you live? Sacramento, California

Explanation of your handle: Clueless at this point

Explanation of your avatar: in process

Age (general or specific) 33

Occupation: Executive Assistant

Favorite bike: Cilo - learning about different and newer models

What's in your stable? Cilo 1980 - something. Kept the heavy frame but replaced wheels, seat, general stuff.

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? 28 near American River, Sacto 2 years ago

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Cinderella 2005

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: That I could drive a stick shift at 16 and then got the farm truck stuck in the mud early spring in Massachusetts. Not fun explaining that one. I am a horrible story teller...

Most memorable moment on my bike: High school biking early morning before school just to get some alone time riding through town

Most fun ever had on a bike? Doing pretend ballet on the bike during a long ride.

[crazycanuck]

Hi martha!

NIce to see you here on our funky board.

Are you doing the cinderella ride again??

See ya !!

cheryl

[JoyfullySo]

Real name: Larissa
Where do you live? A teeny, tiny farming town called Bainbridge, Georgia

Explanation of your handle: A close friend of mine reminds me on a regular basis that whatever I do, do it joyfully....
Explanation of your avatar: ummmm...where do you get those, anyway?

Age (general or specific) 35 (soon to be 36 in April)

Occupation: Homeschooling mom to three children, wife, and Ringmaster of the circus..

Favorite bike: my trusty, old Giant Mountain Bike that has recently died..WWAAAAHHHHH!!!!

What's in your stable? Acutally, one is on the way.. A Raliegh Grand Sport..
I wanted to just get a newer version of my Giant, but every bike shop in town keeps telling me that I really don't want to do a tri with a mountain bike...

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? I have no idea... I imagine I will hit a pretty good speed sometime this week
Another picture of yourself or your ride? I will put a pic up when I finsish my tri... promise!!!

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Well, uuummmm.... You guys are great, but some things are best told to a priest, therapist, or a VERY closemouthed, trustworthy friend.

Most memorable moment on my bike:I used to live in Augusta, Georgia. My neighbor and I went on a sixty-mile bike up the Savannah river, into the north end of Columbia county, and then headed back to downtown Augusta, which is where we lived. It was a perfect day, and the ride was easy, with not one single crazy driver. I loved it..

Most fun ever had on a bike? Okay, this may be telling... Last year, I was riding through town. I took a back road to avoid traffic, and this guy saw me, and stood out in the middle of the road, trying to make me stop. Normally , I am very timid and would have just turned around. Instead, I sped up, looked at him dead in the eye, and said," Don't make me run over you." He stepped aside...It was great!!! ( Does that make me warped?)

[Lise]

Welcome, Larissa! You're right, you don't want to do a tri with a mountain bike! (voice of experience here ) Enjoy your new bike, and welcome to the TE boards! When's your tri? Come tell us about it on the triathlon board. Lise

[tamara_69]

I'm new to the board, as well, and have really enjoyed learning from all of you. I have especially enjoyed the crash stories! Thanks for scaring me right off my bike!

Real name: Tamara
Where do you live? Vancouver, WA

Explanation of your handle: Used it on ebay, it's just my name and the year I was born

Explanation of your avatar: avatar??....you mean I could have an avatar??

Age (general or specific) 36

Occupation: SAHM of three (4,2,1)

Favorite bike: I think I'd like to try a Terry Symmetry or Isis

What's in your stable? Fuji Roubaix, Fuji Crosstown Hybrid

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? 35, down a long hill by my home

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Not yet.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Sure, I'd love to watch your kids for you!

Most memorable moment on my bike: My goal last summer was to go all around the lake by my home (about 18 miles) including the big hill with no bike lane up the south side. I did it, without too much pain and without falling off!

Most fun ever had on a bike? Anytime I ride with my sister-in-law and we get to relax and talk a little.

[BikeMomma]

What's in your stable? Fuji Roubaix, Fuji Crosstown Hybrid

Alright! Another Fuji jockey! And you have two! Welcome to the board Tamara...
~BikeMomma