Getting to Know You!

[chickwhorips]

absolutely wonderful work blue.

[deidre]

Real name: Deidre
Where do you live? Duluth, GA

Explanation of your handle: I don't have a handle (yet).
Explanation of your avatar: no avatar??....okay, I am starting to feel pretty boring. Maybe I need to get myself an avatar.

Age (general or specific) 38

Occupation: Consultant (systems implementations)

Favorite bike: I am such a newbie that I don't have a favorite bike.

What's in your stable? Raleigh c700 2005 (they changed the name: the 2006 is the Route 66), GT Timberline All Terrain 1993 (I don't do alot of off road anymore but I am keeping it just in case)

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? I am starting over as a newbie to biking on the roads. Last time I rode consistently, I was 15 and I have no idea how fast since that was a LONG time ago.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? No pictures yet

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: I am not a good lier so that means I got caught or buckled and told the truth and have blocked it from my memory :)

Most memorable moment on my bike: I am just getting started again on the bike but what I remember most is the sense of freedom I felt being outdoors and using my own energy and power to zip by the world.

Most fun ever had on a bike? Biking with my DH on my mountain bike along the Brandywine River in Delaware.
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[mimitabby]

Real name: Deidre
Where do you live? Duluth, GA

Explanation of your handle: I don't have a handle (yet).
Explanation of your avatar: no avatar??....okay, I am starting to feel pretty boring. Maybe I need to get myself an avatar.

Age (general or specific) 38

Occupation: Consultant (systems implementations)

Favorite bike: I am such a newbie that I don't have a favorite bike.

What's in your stable? Raleigh c700 2005 (they changed the name: the 2006 is the Route 66), GT Timberline All Terrain 1993 (I don't do alot of off road anymore but I am keeping it just in case)

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? I am starting over as a newbie to biking on the roads. Last time I rode consistently, I was 15 and I have no idea how fast since that was a LONG time ago.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? No pictures yet

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: I am not a good lier so that means I got caught or buckled and told the truth and have blocked it from my memory

Most memorable moment on my bike: I am just getting started again on the bike but what I remember most is the sense of freedom I felt being outdoors and using my own energy and power to zip by the world.

Most fun ever had on a bike? Biking with my DH on my mountain bike along the Brandywine River in Delaware.
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Welcome Dierdre, I have a Raleigh C700 as well, great tough bike!

[Dr. Liz]

Real name: Elizabeth, but everyone calls me Liz, so I’ve just accepted it!

Where do you live? Park City, UT

Explanation of your handle: The spousal unit started calling me Dr. Liz when he first realized that I had a few extra letters stuck on after my name (this was long before we got married), and hasn’t ever stopped. As an aside, with my married name, the Dr. ‘Married Name’ makes me sound like a baddie in a James Bond movie….

Age (general or specific): 35 (when did that happen? Last time I looked I was like 23 or something…)

Occupation: Officially I’m a research associate faculty person. In actually, I am the Queen of Tasks That No One Else Wants to Do. In my Real Life, I’m a wanna-be ski racer. I just started racing Masters a couple of years ago and am having a ball. The spouse convinced me that biking would be good off-season training. (And being me, I’m now thinking triathalons might be sort of fun… )

Favorite bike: At the moment, I’ve only got one – my very first bike (well, first since the Schwinn that I had when I was six that had red and white streamers on the handlebars). It’s a Motobecane that the spouse got for me new on eBay for cheap. It’s actually a really good bike, but a little heavy, so I’m looking into something else.

What's in your stable? The Motobecane, and (as I have just been informed) my husband’s compact frame Guru. The LBS guys are certain I will fit perfectly on the bike, and it will be much lighter. And won’t cost me anything, other than the fitting!

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? When? I’m new to this whole bike thing – I just started two and a half months ago, and speed is not exactly my thing. I think my all time fastest is coming down from Deer Valley into Park City, when I topped out at 34.6 mph. And I was scared to death. I’m sure I’ll get used to this speed thing eventually (especially since the spouse cruises down hills at 45+ mph – but then he raced as a teenager, and has been on and off bikes his entire life). I hope.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: The biggest? Erm. I’m not sure. But the most recent was ‘sorry I didn’t respond to your email, I’ve been swamped with work’ (when, in fact, I skipped out to go for a bike ride…the same lie works equally well when ski season rolls around).

Most memorable moment on my bike: The first time I came to an intersection and was able to actually clip out of the pedals confidently, and come to a stop without falling over. Since I had had MANY failed attempts (and luckily very many understanding people in cars who didn’t run over the chick who just ended up on the ground…), it was thrilling!

Most fun ever had on a bike? It’s hard to say. I’ve had a lot of nice rides that go through some really pretty (although really hilly) alpine areas. I live in such a beautiful spot that every ride that doesn’t involve idiots on the road is a fun one!

Oh, and pictures? This was taken on one of our local hill climbs by DH. The clothes are an eBay special, and quite comfortable! The bike is the Motobecane.



BTW, thanks for all your great tips! The DH has been riding forever, and doesn't seem to quite understand some of the 'issues' that the new, female rider experiences. You guys (in the general, gender-neutral sense, of course!) are fantastic!!!! Thanks!!!

(I keep editing this as I update my profile...) The avatar is from a race at Grand Targhee last year. Yes, that is a knee brace on my leg (ACL replacement 2 years ago after going 10 years without an ACL).... And the 'Powered by Rossignol' thing is a tribute to my main ski racing sponsor - Rossignol has been extremely generous to me (mostly because of the efforts of the spouse), and I like to give them credit whenever possible.

[CorsairMac]

Welcome one and all!!!

Deidre: welcome back to the wonderful world of cycling! we - the bikes - missed you!

Dr Liz: ok so I gotta ask: did you get the clothes coz they matched your bike?..(yeah...a girly thing lol) I have a friend here who telemark skies (is that the right way to say that?) and she rides off-season to stay in shape too.

[Dr. Liz]

Welcome one and all!!!
Dr Liz: ok so I gotta ask: did you get the clothes coz they matched your bike?..(yeah...a girly thing lol) I have a friend here who telemark skies (is that the right way to say that?) and she rides off-season to stay in shape too.

Heh. Actually, the color coordination wasn't totally planned, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a consideration! The bummer is that I'll be inheriting my spouse's Guru in about 3 weeks, and it is mostly blue, with a little red and white, so I'm going to have to totally re-coordinate my wardrobe!

Actually, I shouldn't say that getting DH's Guru is a bummer. I just spent 2 hours getting a professional fit (because DH is gettting a custom built Seven, poor man! ), and I'm actually going to have a bike that fits me. Which should make a big difference, I'm hoping!

And yup, telemark skiing is the phrase. I tried it many years ago and discovered that I wasn't coordinated enough to have my heel free. I definitely need my feet locked in!

[gozlin7]

Real name: Patty

Where do you live? Marysville, Michigan

Explanation of your handle: My dog's name and how old she was when I got her (She's 18 now).

Age (general or specific) 46

Occupation: Systems and Database Manager

Favorite bike: Novara Fusion (commuter bike)

What's in your stable? Novara Fusion, Muddy Fox (unknown model)

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? According to my cyclocomputer it 32.6 at a stop light. It sometimes thinks I go very fast while sitting still.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? hmmm (note to self.... must take some pics)

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Yeah, I've been buying a lot of cycling stuff but it was all on clearance plus I had a coupon!

Most memorable moment on my bike: Finding a neighhborhood with lots of small, steep (for here) hills and not having to walk up them. And riding along
the St Clair River with the fog lifting and seeing the freighters emerging like phantoms.

Most fun ever had on a bike? When I was in high school, I got to go on a weeklong supported bicycling trip. Lots of big hills and a bear or two thrown in for a little excitment.

I started riding again 2 months ago and now commute every day to and from work. I've grown to love the "virtuous-I've-ridden-my-bike-to-work-glow" I have when I get there every morning because I'm constantly trying to beat my last time. Logging my time and stats on bikejournal.com has become addictive.

Thank you everyone for all the great stories and suggestions that you post on the forums here.

[Fitmiss]

Real name: Sue

Where do you live? N.New Jersey

Explanation of your handle: I love Fitness, working out, riding my bike.

Age (general or specific) 47

Occupation: Technical Consultant

Favorite bike: Trek Pilot


Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? According to my cyclocomputer it 38+ mph riding down 7 Lakes Drive.


Most memorable moment on my bike: Riding my bike for 2 weeks in Provence, France.

Most fun ever had on a bike? Anytime I go on a ride, stop at a bike store and buy some new Jersey or related item.

[CorsairMac]

Welcome one and all!!

Gozlin: yeah I had one of the cyclocomputers too - one day it told me I was going 75 mph leaning against the wall at a hardware store! (don't think I didn't think - for just a brief moment there - of posting that as my max sp on BJ LOL)....so do you belong to Team Estrogen over on BJ??...we would LOVE to have your miles if you don't!! (wink wink nod nod) and goodonya for the commuting, it's how I got back into cyclinb too....and now I wouldn't give it up for all the cold days in my state!

Play: how old are your girls? I bet it would be exciting watching them finish a race!

Fit: I'll be the ride in France was gorgous. Isn't Provence some of the lavender comes from??

[hurleygirl]

Real name: Sue

Where do you live? near Trenton, NJ

Explanation of your handle: I play Hurling, an Irish field sport.

Explanation of your avatar: Female Troll from World of Warcraft, the MMO which has sucked me in and won't let me go.

Age (general or specific) 35

Occupation: Land preservation

Favorite bike: My current road bike. Love it. Don't want anything else.

What's in your stable? Trek 5200 WSD (2003); GT Tempest mountain bike (circa 1995); an ancient Schwinn Racer with vintage 70's yellow smiley-face stickers all over the frame and fenders

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? I hit 40mph downhill once. I've managed 32mph in pacelines. I've hit 30mph on a hard solo effort. All of the above were either last year or the year before, just on local group rides or my rides with my husband.
My highest average speed (with a group) was 21mph, but I kinda injured myself on that one. That was in 2000, when I showed up for a group ride that was advertised as a B ride - which means 17-18mph average. I was the only girl and was determined to show the boys I could ride. After the first hour, I checked the average speed and realized I wasn't going to be able to finish the ride without a big, ugly breakdown so I turned off on a road I recognized and headed for home. My husband got home a short while after I did, and asked where his truck was. I told him it was back at the park where the ride started, and we had to go retrieve it. I needed physical therapy because I did damage to my hamstring during that ride.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? I'll try to get one uploaded.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: I suck at lying, but mostly I do the "little white lies" or "careful ommissions". Can't say I've ever told a doozie.

Most memorable moment on my bike: My first "hill ride" - I was going so slowly at one point my computer actually read 0mph. I was passed by a runner.

Most fun ever had on a bike? Couple of summers ago, we had some friends over for dinner and then went to the July fireworks show in town, but took our bikes to avoid the traffic gridlock that follows the show. We had some wine with dinner, and then filled the waterbottles on the bikes with wine as well. So after the fireworks were over we were all a little tipsy, but we were moving and everyone in their cars were stuck. My friend had a bell on her old Schwinn, and kept ringing it and ringing it. Probably not the smartest move, but definitely fun!

[LaBiker]

Hi All --

I just joined this discussion forum -- it's WONDERFUL. I noticed that there are some persons in my area who ride the Sammamish and the Burke-Gilman trails, and I'm interested in having someone join me. My schedule is weird and varied so I usually have to plan well ahead.

I'm still riding my old Trek 1100. I also have a Trek 720 that I use mostly for road-working my dogs. It's great for riding all the bike trails built on old railroad beds and powerline access roads in the Cascade foothills.

Thanks!
La Biker
aka Marsha

[Mags...]

Ooops, saw from a post in another thread today that it's proper etiquette to post to this thread, which I haven't yet done. My apologies, hope it doesn't look like I was just barging on in without a hello about myself. So... here goes..

Real name: Wendy

Where do you live? Western Australia

Explanation of your handle: My middle name and my family have always called me that..

Explanation of your avatar: that's my lovely roadbike

Age (general or specific) 45

Occupation: Graphic Designer

Favorite bike: Giant TCRc Zero

What's in your stable? My roadbike and my MTB - a Giant Boulder.

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? 53km/h down our one and only local hill - 3km in length - usually tackle this once a week. Other than that, it's flatland around here.

Most memorable moment on my bike: My first ride ever on a roadbike with clipless pedals - very scary - of course I fell over when I came to a stop as I couldn't unclip. My daughters were watching and thought I was just being silly. Husband had been having an afernoon doze, when he heard I'd fallen off, he chastised me for not waiting for him to wake-up - he was sorry to have missed seeing that....!

Most fun ever had on a bike? Went on a multi-day ride (9 days) - avg 70km per day, camping overnights, riding in all sorts of weather, meeting new people - great experience.

[crazycanuck]

Hey mags,

Are you doing the Perth-Albany-Perth ride this year???

BTW I received an email from the organizers of the bike leg for IMWA....i'm a bit excited!
Will I see you there??

take care

c

[Mags...]

Hi crazy,
The next big ride I'm planning to do is Bicycle Victoria's Tasmanian one next Feb. if I can get myself over there without too much trouble.

I haven't received any emails about the ironman, is that regarding being a volunteer? I'm on their mailing list...

I will definitely be there to either watch or volunteer....we will have to catch up...

[Flatlander]

I'm afraid I'm a bit slow introducing myself, so here goes:

Real name: Susan

Where do you live? West Texas

Explanation of your handle: It's pretty flat here. Some days I like that; some days, not so much...

Explanation of your avatar: Hmmm, haven't picked one out yet.

Age (general or specific) 49

Occupation: College professor

Favorite bike: My road bike right now, though I'm dreaming of a Specialized Ruby someday...Sigh.

What's in your stable? My roadbike (Felt F90) and an old Giant Option hybird

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? I'm pretty new to cycling, and not used to hills (I'm a Flatlander !), so it's hard for me to lay off the brakes when I start flying...

Most memorable moment on my bike: I got caught in some traffic, panicked and stopped, forgot to unclip, fell over and broke some ribs. It wasn't as bad as it sounds, but it was certainly memorable .

Most fun ever had on a bike? Today, when I joined up with a local cycling group and had to ride like a beast to keep up with them!