Am I in Heaven/Nirvana?

[julbee]

A warm hello to all!

I am so excited... I simply must share!
Brief background of my experience:

I somehow discover a forum called "Team Estrogen" and am very fascinated by it! I "lurk" for approx. 5-6 weeks.

I witness women motivating and encouraging other women to ride at any level one can! I see people openly sharing their own experiences and their "resources" for info.,for techniques/skills, for problem-solving, and for simply riding in general. Too Great! So cool!

I have been totally medically disabled for 20+ years. I have great difficulty walking, etc. I often use a cane or my service dog for mobility support.
(I am determined to do my very best to not transition into a wheelchair until there is absolutely no other option.) My "competitive" athletic spirit (and I am athletic in "spirit" only due to long-term physical limitations) just will not give up or give in... not yet , anyway!

Through reading this forum, I'd read so much encouragement shared with others, that I, too, had "soaked it all up." This led me to believe it might be time to "suck it up" and get back on the bike! It certainly wouldn't hurt to try it!

So.. out I went... ever so cautiously... trying out bikes and had purchased a "hybrid." The hybrid is a great bike... more built up than many hybrids.
She's a sweetie!

Within four weeks of getting on the hybrid, I am just dying for the feel of a road bike again! (I'd had them when I was younger and prior to physical disability.) I cannot get this craving for a road bike out of my mind for very long, no matter how I try to distract myself from the idea!

I'd been looking at them and doing some research.

I went to a few LBS and tried out a variety of makes/models.

I now have a new member (or two) to my (our) stable!

I was trying out "road bikes," hubby was on the sidelines, saying he would never be into "road biking," as he considers himself a mountain biker only. He is accompanying me on test rides, yet he is insisting upon riding mountain bikes. He becomes a bit intrigued by the fun I seem to be having.

I finally convince him to at least ride a "road designed" bike. OMG! Sold!
He is immediately interested. He is in shock that he likes the feel of a road bike! I assist him through his immediate "crisis" by explaining he can love both styles of riding!

In addition to this new realizaton for himself, I had been entering his name for just a few days in a give-away. He'd immediately won a Polar CS200cad computer! (His name was drawn before I'd taken him to test out some road bikes! Unbelievable!)

After a ride.... he was so "hooked!" So... now the bike purchase was going to "double!"

We'd each decidied to stick with a Trek 1200C. It seems to be quite a bit of bike and sufficient "zip" for the price!

So ladies... I am now on a "road" bike and thrilled! I thought I'd be riding on the road without my husband (which would have been okay). Yet, now he is thrilled with the road, too! (A bonus!)

I feel like I have come a very long way in a short amount of time. I was riding my newest bike last night... sweet!

This is a very big deal for me!

I am forever thankful for the inspiration!

With Sincere Appreciation!

Julie

[DeniseGoldberg]

Julie -
You have an absolutely amazing story. It's great to hear that you are able to bike. It almost seems like you have found a way to get the better of your disabilities - it might not seem like that to you, but it seems like being able to ride would feel like flying! I'm so glad that you have been able to return to cycling, and that you and your husband will be joining those of us who love cycling on the road.

And - a big welcome to the forum!

I agree with you that this is a great group of women. I've participated in other forums in the past, but TE has spoiled me now. Everyone seems to have respect for each other - we don't always agree, but that's OK as long as reasonable dialog continues (no flaming!).

--- Denise

[Surlygirl]

Way to go julbee. Nothing like a new bike and a little endorphin rush. The best kind of drug there is. I'm glad your hubby joined in. That makes it even better.

[SadieKate]

Oh geez, another story that makes me puddle up. Way to go on all counts - getting back on the bike, getting hubby on a road bike, just having a hubby who wants to ride with you, making me teary. Gotta go find a kleenex . . . .

[MomOnBike]

Hand a kleenex over here, too. Thanks {sniffle}

What a great story. It's posts like that that keep most of us coming back here.

Keep riding and posting. We want to keep up with your progress.

[newbiechick]

Hey Julbee,

Thanks for sharing your wonderful and amazing story. I'm thrilled for you! And I'm VERY inspired. When I worry about whether I can do this or that thing, I will think of you!

And BTW, thanks for the support & encouragement you offered go my "Progress" posting from last week. This is a great forum for a beginner like me.

Keep us posted on your adventures!

Shelley
aka newbiechick

[slinkedog]

Wow! You're amazing, Julie! I'm so excited for you and inspired by you at the same time. I complain about so much. Thank you for sharing your journey with us and helping me get outside myself and see things "better."

Hope to see you around the board often!!!

[emily_in_nc]

Julie,

Welcome to TE and thank you for sharing your story. I found it especially inspiring because I am currently recovering from a fractured pelvis and surgery for same. I don't expect to end up with permanent disabilities from it, but just imagining if I did how I would handle it...I don't think I could be nearly as strong as you.

Congratulations and many high fives for your road bike purchase - and for getting your darling hubby involved too. May you enjoy many miles together!

Your story reminded me of why I ride in the first place, the sheer joy of it all....it gives me strength to get back on the bike and go face my demons (I crashed due to two large dogs running out at my husband and me while we were riding). I feel stronger already.

Many thanks and big hugs!

Emily

[CR400]

That was inspiring to read. I hope you go out and have lots of fun on your new bikes. Also, keep going girl you sound like the type of person who makes lemonaid out of the lemons of life.

[KkAllez]

What a wonderful inspiration you are Julbee! You go girl!

I, too, got my husband interested in road cycling and now he is as addicted as I am. I'm sure if anyone were to hear our conversations they'd be bored silly as we discuss cassette this, crank that, TITS training (time in the saddle), our next 'tour', how Lance wins, will Tyler be able to ever comeback....blah blah blah!

We celebrate our 21st anniversary next week. It took me 20 years to find something that we both enjoyed like this that was healthy and fun.

BTW, after a short while of riding start entertaining the idea of riding in a tour/charity event. We rode one this weekend. Although you can ride upwards of 100 miles many of them have 6 and 12 mile sections for families. It is so much fun to see all the people and for us, to realize that we aren't the only cyclists on the planet other than the pros as very few people cycle where we live. One guy we'd ride with every now and then died recently and I think other than us there are three other guys that ride in our area, but we never see them on the road. (but no women ride, thus far I can't convince them that this is fun)

[Technotart]

Somebody gave me this mantra once when I expressed fear about doing some particular thing (Dont remember what now) and I use it all the time when it comes to cycling - "Be afraid, do it anyway". You remind me of that mantra. It is amazing what the human mind can do when it comes to overcoming what the body says we can't do. Keep at it!!!!!

[Veronica]

Puts the stuff I whine about into persepctive.

I love this site.

The camaraderie and joy in riding that everyone has here, no matter what type of riding they're doing, gladdens my heart. Which sounds dorky , but seems appropriate.

And I've got the added bonus of getting to ride with some of these people.


V.

[CorsairMac]

I have Got to stop reading this forum at work!

hand me a kleenex too Mom! One of these days my boss is gonna walk out while I"m sitting at my desk sniffing and wiping tears!

Your story is such an inspiration Julie and I'm so happy that your hubby tried the road bike and loved it so much you two now ride together! Give him hugs and kisses from me!

I can't seem to find a club to ride with here in Abq - but I don't feel like I'm riding alone because of the women on this board. There are moments throughout every one of my rides when a thread from here, or a post or someones pixs comes to mind.
Your line wasn't dorky V - it was Exactly the right expression: the support, sharing, laughs, and tears gladdens my heart every day!

Thank you for sharing Julie, and thank you TE ladies!

[KSH]

WOW! Very inspiring! Congrats on having the spirit to ride!

[julbee]

Hi to All!

Thanks so very much for responding and for your continued encouragement!

I was talking to my sister tonight. She has seen me endure severe limitations over the years. I'd told her I was riding. She was "stunned!" She could not believe it! She'd said she never thought she'd see that again! She had asked me how I'd gotten back into riding... I told her about TeamE! She is both shocked and pleased!

I told her the "team" made the difference. The team inspires me. The team challenges me to "do it anyway." I'd so vividly recalled the sensations of riding a road bike... I had never forgotten these sensations. I've wanted to bike and to run so very much every single day of my many years of disability.

Once I could no longer run, I'd watch others go by, running, and would feel so incredibly sad. The desire has never left.

So.. this was a very potent mix... my desire to ride and the encouragement of the team. Just the right combination at the right time! It was "magic!"

Thanks to all for your continued encouragement and your very kind words!
I'll do my personal best for the team!

With Appreciation,
Julie