Getting to Know You!

[butterflysaddle]

Real name: Karen
Where do you live? Columbia, SC

Explanation of your handle: I found this site as a result of trying to solve discomfort-related issues. I've already bought the butterfly saddle. Hence, the name.

Explanation of your avatar: I need to get one!

Age (general or specific) 36

Occupation: Court Reporter

Favorite bike: My Felt Z-70

What's in your stable? Felt Z-70; Giant Boulder Mountain Bike

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? Less than 30 going downhill fearing for my absolute life, earlier this year, 2009

Another picture of yourself or your ride? It's difficult to have someone take my picture while I'm riding. Mom is the photographer, and she doesn't ride.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: I'm married. (If you saw the guy, you would completely understand.)

Most memorable moment on my bike: I had just finished my first 20-mile ride with clipless pedals without falling. I got into the parking lot and said, "I did it. I did it. I didn't fall once!" With that, I couldn't unclip in time and fell right behind my parked car in front of about 20 other riders.

Most fun ever had on a bike? I had just gotten the mountain bike and gone down a hill on the trail for the first time. It was exciting seeing the greenery, the shade overhead, hearing the crunch of the leaves beneath the wheels. Loved it!

[Pan Dulce]

Real name: -

Where do you live? CDA, Idaho

Explanation of your handle: Compound of my names

Explanation of your avatar: I don't have one yet!

Age (general or specific) : 27

Occupation: Law enforcement

Favorite bike: Giant Avail 1

What's in your stable? : Giant Avail 1, Trek Allant, Kona Hahanna

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? : Actually not sure, I don't have a computer yet!

Another picture of yourself or your ride? : I'm not sure I have one.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Hmm, not sure.

Most memorable moment on my bike: I was riding my Trek home from work and forgot to roll up the hem of my right pant leg. Just as I crossed a busy 4 lane highway, I got the leg of my LIGHT KHAKI work pants caught in the chain. Ripped 'em right up and ruined them with grease. I still have them as a testiment to my stupidity.

Most fun ever had on a bike? I like riding with my kids in the trailer. Though they get bored pretty easily, even when I load it up with snacks 'n stuff.

[jenneonthespot]

Real name:
Jenn

Where do you live?
Annapolis, MD

Explanation of your handle: I am a go-to kinda person, and my Ma calls me Jenne.

Explanation of your avatar:
MMMMmmmmm... decadent espresso drinks!!

Age (general or specific)
34

Occupation:
Stay home mom and part time caterer, for now.

Favorite bike:
Still deciding- right now I have Bianchi Eros I am pretty fond of, but I am still new.

What's in your stable?
Um, I don't know how to answer this. Did I answer it above?

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when?
Dunno yet. Need to get myself a 'puter.

Another picture of yourself or your ride?
Will work on sharing this.


What is the biggest lie you've ever told:
Man, you gals go deep fast! I think I will have to work up to that one.

Most memorable moment on my bike:
I have many. Maybe navigating new road routes as a young teenager around my part of town.

Most fun ever had on a bike?
I have been training for an endurance ride, and LOVE the routes our trainer takes us on. Yesterday we went through a bunch of horse farms, and across one of the many tributaries to the Chesapeake on a little podunk bridge. Stopped to pee and hydrate at an ice-cream stand. LOVED it.

Want to add too that I am SOOO glad I found this forum. I don't know any girls who ride, and have some "girly" questions I am not ready to ask my guy trainer yet. Looking forward to "meeting" y'all!

[e.e.cummings]

Real name: Darlene

Where do you live? Montréal, Québec

Explanation of your handle: First when I started joining different bike forums, I noticed how many people would use entirely lower case for their handles. Poet e.e. cumming's name was always written in lower case. I guess I could have chosen k.d. lang too.

Explanation of your avatar: I guess I set my profile up in a hurry.

Age (general or specific) 45

Occupation: Director, Merchandising

Favorite bike: would love a Cervelo

What's in your stable? Giant Avail (shopping for a decent hybrid - opinions, anyone?)

Fastest speed on a road bike? 28 miles an hour, on the Gilles Villneuve race track.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? That's my ride, right there - the green machine.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: That's a good one - I'm sure I probably have some whoppers in my past, I just can't remember. As I get older the truth is so much simple (and more shocking).

Most memorable moment on my bike: My first Tour de l'Ile, the 25th anniversary, in Montréal, with 35,000 other riders. Going through the gates as the Cirque du Soleil stilt walkers were cheering us through, dressed as matadors waving their red blankets (Cirque du Soleil's 25th anniversary was the same year). Going through little neighbourhoods where people were on their doorsteps, playing guitar and violin, and pushing us on.

Most fun ever had on a bike? Going around the island of Montreal for the first time and discovering places I had never seen before.

[ttimes3]

Real Name: Lahnda
Where do you live? DEEEE-Troit!

Explanation of your handle: My 3 three favorite guys (my DH and 2 DS) have first names starting with T

Explanation of your avatar: no avatar yet (newbie!)

Age (general or specific) 31

Occupation: Customer Service for large Health Insurer

Favorite bike: Just got my first "real" road bike a month ago...Trek 1.2 WSD

What's in your stable? Ummm....see above (newbie)

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? Sheesh, I feel slow compared to the others...about 28 (no hill, Detroit is not very hilly)

Another picture of yourself or your ride? gotta stop being lazy and post one...

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: I don't like lying because its too hard to keep track of...


Most memorable moment on my bike: Falling over on my first ride clipless...was on a side street with no traffic, but there was a guy walking by and he laughed (so did I)

Most fun ever had on a bike? when me and my DH were kids (about 14) we snuck out in the middle of the night and rode about 10 miles to Belle Isle (an island park) and on the way back my tire busted and the rim got so bad we had to ditch the bike (it was a trashy bike anyway). I had to ride home on his handlebars...not so comfy when you're rushing to get home before daybreak!

[Biciclista]

welcome all you refreshing new TE members!
jump in and join the fun. Ask us anything you want.

[HappyTexasMom]

I've already introduced myself to a certain extent in some of my posts, but thought I'd go ahead and do it officially

Real Name: Lisa
Where do you live? Tempe, AZ

Explanation of your handle: Well, I'm a mom, I'm originally from Texas (and my heart will always be there), and, well, I *try* to be happy, although it's a bit of a struggle recently

Explanation of your avatar: no avatar yet

Age (general or specific) 36

Occupation: Software Engineer for a small startup company

Favorite bike: Would love it if I knew, I'm riding "Rocky", my 10+ year old Sam's club special MTB

What's in your stable? See above

Fastest speed on a road bike? Today my top speed was 20 mph. I only just today figured out how to capture top speed on my GPS.

Another picture of yourself or your ride?
Here's my ride:

And here's me (with my oldest son):

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: I can't remember, probably something about where I was going to my mom. I don't tend to lie, really, anymore. The truth is so much simpler.


Most memorable moment on my bike: When I was a kid and *raced* down this biiiiiiig hill so that I'd have enough momentum to make it back up the next hill. Well, I had plenty of momentum...made it back up and then promptly crashed. Tried to hide it from my mom because I knew I was being stupid, but my bike was trashed and my chin wouldn't stop bleeding. Ended up needing stitches...I still have the scar.

Most fun ever had on a bike? When I was a young teen at summer camp and we did some road cycling. I think it was about 30 miles. That is what really awakened my love of cycling, even though I let it go back to sleep for (far too) many years.

[Lavender]

Real name: Tina

Where do you live? San Diego, CA

Explanation of your handle: My favorite color

Explanation of your avatar: I don't have one right now

Age (general or specific) 21

Occupation: Student at UCSD

Favorite bike: I only have one bike

What's in your stable? Trek 820 (heavy steel frame -_-)

Fastest speed on a road bike? I don't own a road bike but I plan to get one soon.

Another picture of yourself or your ride?


Most memorable moment on my bike: Falling into a pile of rocks on my first mountain biking trip when my laces got stuck in my pedal. I now remember to tuck in my laces whenever I ride.

Most fun ever had on a bike? Cruising down this big hill from the way back from work.

[blackhillsbiker]

Real name: Deb
Where do you live? Rapid City, SD

Explanation of your handle: I'm loving biking in the Black Hills. I adore the Mickelson Trail, as well as just enjoying all the bike paths here in Rapid.

Explanation of your avatar: It'll probably be Kermit the Frog, when I get it uploaded. Kermit makes me happy.

Age (general or specific) 47 on June 2

Occupation: Graphic Design/Prepress at a small print shop.

Favorite bike: My Cannondale 400. It just fits me. I have back and neck issues and am no longer able to ride a mountain or road bike. This one doesn't scream "weenie comfort bike." The only thing that is still stock is the frame.

What's in your stable? See above

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? About 20 going down Spearfish Canyon last summer.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? I'll have to dig one up.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Usually only when I don't want to talk on the phone.

Most memorable moment on my bike: We decided to kick off the season with a 44 mile bike ride (MDH and I). I was trying out a new saddle. Big mistake. It was a gorgeous day, but boy were we whipped at the end of the ride. The last uphill went on forever!

Most fun ever had on a bike? The first time on the Mickelson, or the last time we biked Spearfish Canyon and ended up at the Bayleaf Cafe for lunch afterward. Good friends, beautiful day, what more could I want?!

Deb

[jessharris]

Real name: Jessica
Where do you live? Marion, MA

Explanation of your handle: its my name
Explanation of your avatar:a what?
Age (general or specific) 42 on Dec 13th!

Occupation: teacher

Favorite bike: something light and fast
What's in your stable? an old steel schwinn road bike that I got at a yard sale
Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? not sure - bought a cheap computer that I can't get to work.

Most memorable moment on my bike: The family went for a 23 mile bike ride today (both kids on trailer bikes) and then I ran a mile with my 5 year old son - it was each of our first brick.

[omachine]

Real name: Oktavia (and no I am not the eighth child)

Where do you live? Philadelphia

Explanation of your handle: My old email address.

Explanation of your avatar: I don’t have one

Age: Gen x-er

Occupation: Drone

Favorite bike: I’m partial to my old AMF

What's in your stable? Trek 1.2 and AMF

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? It hasn’t happen yet.

Another picture of yourself or your ride: I’ll add one later.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: I told my best friend she was a good cook.

Most memorable moment on my bike: One morning, around 5:30am I was biking the West River Drive and I looked up and saw this huge bear digging in a trash can. I, of course, screamed like Jamie Lee Curtis in a horror film, which startled the bear. It looked up and I realized it was tall homeless man draped in a huge brown quilt. What can I say? When I’m out in nature I tend to think that every thing is out to get me.

Most fun ever had on a bike? It’s always fun. Every time I get on my bike my heart races with excitement, it’s that simple.

[SpinSpinSugar]

Real name: Sugar
Where do you live? Minnesota

Explanation of your handle: that's what I tell myself on those long uphill grinds.. "C'mon.. Spin Spin Sugar!" [insert puffing and blowing noises here]

Explanation of your avatar: It's what my bike says to me every time I crash..haha

Age (general or specific) 35 in September - eek!

Occupation: Massage Therapist

Favorite bike: Oooh I'd love a Rivendell Rambouillet but they are out of smaller sizes. A Terry VALKYRIE TOUR looks really nice though...

What's in your stable? a Raleigh GRUV (best in town bike ever!), 1976 Raleigh Grand Prix Mixte, and a RAWLAND SOGN that I'm selling because it's too big

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? 38 mph downhill on a curvy trail that dumps out into a parking lot full of traffic..

Another picture of yourself or your ride? None atm

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: That my real name is Sugar ..lol...


Most memorable moment on my bike: Coming into the parking lot at the end of my longest ride to date - 77miles. It was an amazing feeling, and was greeted by hi-fives and hand slaps from all "the guys" in the group

Most fun ever had on a bike? Riding through my first singletrack on a very steep downhill with no ledge. It was fast and furious.. just hang onto the handlebars and trust the bike to do what it's made to do. Awesome .. just awesome

[pumpkinpony]

Real name: Stacey

Where do you live? SoCal

Explanation of your handle: Used to have a pony named Pumpkin.

Other aliases: LaughingCat

Explanation of your avatar: Alum Creek, Phase I (Ohio)

Age (general or specific) early 30's

Occupation: Travel!

Favorite bike: My old Mrazek HT.

What's in your stable? the Mrazek and a Lemond

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? 37.9 MPH, going down a hill about a month ago. Haven't done that again!

Most memorable moment on my bike: Falling off a slimy boardwalk (about 3ft off the ground) with my bike into about a foot of mud and muck at a pretty good clip... Took my friend with me. Quite a mess. We had a very difficult time getting back onto the boardwalk as it was at a slant and slimy...

[radacrider]

Real name: Paula

Where do you live? Portland, OR

Explanation of your handle: my bestest Bridgestone Radac bike

Other aliases:

Explanation of your avatar: haven't decided on one, yet

Age (general or specific) nearing mid-50's

Occupation: Business Solutions Specialist for an education assessment research org.

Favorite bike: Bridgestone Radac w/Dura Ace

What's in your stable? Bridgestone Radac, Bridgestone MB-5

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? Don't know, stopped using a computer waaayyy long ago. Pretty fast coming down Mt. Rainier or Mt. Hood

Most memorable moment on my bike: completing RAMROD (ride around Mt. Rainier One Day) in 10hrs (some years ago, though)

Most fun ever had on a bike? don't know, so many, especially riding with friends.

[sgf726]

Real name: Sharon

Where do you live? Central MA
Explanation of your handle: Initials and Bday

Explanation of your avatar: avatar?? Don't have one yet

Age (general or specific) 44

Occupation: Program Manager

Favorite bike: Specailized Ruby Expert

What's in your stable? Specialized Ruby Expert, Trek 600 WSD

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? About 44 mph downhill near Okemo VT.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Hmm. I'd have to think about that.

Most memorable moment on my bike: Riding in my first Pan Mass Challenge last year, it was so inspirational to see all the crowds on the roads cheering us on, especially the survivors, was glad I had sunglasses on.

Most fun ever had on a bike? This is a hard one, have had lots of fun on my bike. I will have to give it a tie between riding the carriage roads in Acadia NP and riding in the Tour de Isle Montreal this past June with 30,000 other people