Introducing the Women

[trainingwheels]

Hey gals,

I'm new to this forum. Tried to find an 'introduce yourself' thread but this was the closest one I could find!

Location?
Sydney

Road, Mountain, Track... what's your style?
Road/a little bit of track doesn't hurt either.

Current bike?
2nd hand cruiser

Riding since?
On and off since I was a small fry.

Riding because?
Good fitness training for me and trying to reduce the petrol bills I would like to start training towards summer so I can take-part in some bike racers next summer.

Occupation?
Student.

Goals?
If we're talking bike related goals, then it would be to get my legs back in shape for some serious training next year!

Most embarrassing moment on the bike?
The numerous times where I stopped on my bike and fell over sideways...I'm sure I made a few people smirk.

Which section have you spent most of your time in on the forums? Or where do you suspect you'll spend most your time?
We'll see where the threads take me

[Apple]

Welcome, trainingwheels.

[Lioness]

Hi

I'm Lioness...I'm sort of new to cycling, and I fear this site has given me a bit of an urge to buy a new bike.

Location?
Adelaide

Road, Mountain, Track... what's your style?
Road...mostly just commuting to work/Uni. Occasionally just going on rides for the fun of it. (was intending to do that today, but 38C says no)

Current bike/s?
Some small Malvern Star Mountain Bike. Looking to upgrade ASAP...

Riding since?
The start of this year, really.

Riding because?
It's cheaper than a bus...and when I started riding to Uni at the start of the year I lost 10kg...hoping to repeat that weight loss this year...

Favorite ride?
Linear Park? I haven't really been many places ride-wise.

Occupation?
Nutcase (Charlesworth Nuts retail chicky), and pizza delivery.

Goals?
Learn to ride up hills...get stronger leg muscles. Become more confident in traffic, and eventually do long rides. The longest I've done was about 25km.

Most embarrassing moment on the bike?
I've never fallen off in public...but I do have quite a bit of trouble lifting it onto the bike racks at Uni.

Best moment on the bike?
Finding a road that I can just coast along...up and downhill.

Which section have you spent most of your time in on the forums? Or where do you suspect you'll spend most your time?
I'm a bit everywhere at the moment...trying to actually find a place where people will respond to my questions...it's not working too well.

Lovely to meet you all . I hope to become a regular participant all over the place.

[marinmomma]

Welcome to the forums trainingwheels and lioness, always nice to have extra ladies join us

Lioness, what questions do you have that haven't been answered?

[Lioness]

Welcome to the forums trainingwheels and lioness, always nice to have extra ladies join us

Lioness, what questions do you have that haven't been answered?

One of them is Adelaide specific...best way to cycle to BF's house without getting hills and/or knocked off my bike.

Other one was whether I'm likely to get a decent secondhand hybrid for under $200...and if so, where on earth do I look?

Thank you for the welcome

[feral grasshopper]

Welcome to the forums trainingwheels and lioness, always nice to have extra ladies join us

Lioness, what questions do you have that haven't been answered?

One of them is Adelaide specific...best way to cycle to BF's house without getting hills and/or knocked off my bike.

Other one was whether I'm likely to get a decent secondhand hybrid for under $200...and if so, where on earth do I look?

Thank you for the welcome

do i have a deal for you, Lioness, try this link, the puuuuurrrrfect site 4 U!!

http://maps.sa.gov.au/cycleinstead/

also do consider joining Bicycle SA, they have lots of great 'newbie' programme, tell them that the grasshopper sent you!

[feral grasshopper]

and no you won't get a 'decent' secondhand bike of any kind for under $200, IMHO

[Lioness]

and no you won't get a 'decent' secondhand bike of any kind for under $200, IMHO

Damn

Oh well...guess I'll save up for a good one then.

Re: Cycle Instead...I use that quite a bit...it just realised I've never used the max gradient function. I might use that, or one day just give both ways a go.

Thanks

[harpy]

Hi everyone. Well, here's my intro:

Location?
Canberra

Road, Mountain, Track... what's your style?
Bike paths and footpaths, roads only if there's no path and they're quiet. All while wearing a dress. (My sportiest item is a pair of Dunlop Volleys and that's as far as I care to go.)

Current bike/s?
Bobbin Madam - nice versatile mixte.

Riding since?
Since I was 5! But then I had a break of 15 years after I left uni and just started riding again in the last few weeks.

Riding because?
It's fun, and generally cheaper and quicker than the buses here.

Favorite ride?
Always loved going the long way around Lake Burley Griffin even on my mum's rusty old single speed. The bit from Weston Park around to Government House is the best.

Occupation?
Public servant.

Goals?
To have fun!

Most embarrassing moment on the bike?
Nothing so far but I'm sure something will happen eventually.

Best moment on the bike?
Cruising along in that sweet spot. My new bike is relatively fast compared to the old heavy ladies bikes and generic MTB I used to have, and I'm loving it!

Which section have you spent most of your time in on the forums? Or where do you suspect you'll spend most your time?
So far a broad range of them, who knows where I'll end up!

[feral grasshopper]

Hi everyone. Well, here's my intro:

Location?
Canberra

Road, Mountain, Track... what's your style?
Bike paths and footpaths, roads only if there's no path and they're quiet. All while wearing a dress. (My sportiest item is a pair of Dunlop Volleys and that's as far as I care to go.)

Current bike/s?
Bobbin Madam - nice versatile mixte.

Riding since?
Since I was 5! But then I had a break of 15 years after I left uni and just started riding again in the last few weeks.

Riding because?
It's fun, and generally cheaper and quicker than the buses here.

Favorite ride?
Always loved going the long way around Lake Burley Griffin even on my mum's rusty old single speed. The bit from Weston Park around to Government House is the best.

Occupation?
Public servant.

Goals?
To have fun!

Most embarrassing moment on the bike?
Nothing so far but I'm sure something will happen eventually.

Best moment on the bike?
Cruising along in that sweet spot. My new bike is relatively fast compared to the old heavy ladies bikes and generic MTB I used to have, and I'm loving it!

Which section have you spent most of your time in on the forums? Or where do you suspect you'll spend most your time?
So far a broad range of them, who knows where I'll end up!

welcome harpy! love the pseudonym!

[mishb]

Hi my name is Michelle.

I'm 43, live in SE Melbourne, I took up riding last year following knee surgery, I needed to find some form of low-impact cardio.

I have a Trek Lexa, but I can see an upgrade happening in the future.

My husband (a pretty keen cyclist) and I often ride to Beach Rd and back on the weekend, and I try to ride to work (city fringe) 2-3 times per week.

[psyclechick]

Hi everyone

Location?
Melbourne

Road, Mountain, Track... what's your style?
Road now, I used to race Pro-Elite/Sport Dowhill in the 90's though. Bought a road bike for fitness training back then, just recently got another 'real' roadbike!

Current bike/s?
Wilier La Triestina (Ultegra)
Giant AC3 dually (hack bike)

Riding since?
Geez...born in 74...Mum say's I was off training wheels by 4 and a half

Riding because?
Always loved it....

Favorite ride?
Mt Buller DH track that started at Blue Bullet 1 and went down Horsehill - more recently, getting into hillwork around the Dandenongs.

Occupation?
Aircraft Engineer

Goals?
Race Women's Masters and not come last I guess lol

Most embarrassing moment on the bike?
Full winding at Mackay in front of a TV camera...couldn't breath...and it was only because of a stupid line through a rock garden that I deviated from...lucky it was still only practice...but the camera crew were in stitches as it looked hilarious on tape lol

Best moment on the bike?
Coming fourth in Pro-Elite women's DH at Buller in the CA National Series ahead of Shelly Kamavaar (to be fair...she flatted and I didnt...otherwise I would have been fifth out of 10!) and probably when I 'retired' from DH racing, being ranked Number 1 in QLD in the MTBA series after a solid year

Which section have you spent most of your time in on the forums? Or where do you suspect you'll spend most your time?
I just discovered the place...so pleased I did and so pleased to see so many women riding!

Cheers,

Andrea

[Apple]

wow Andrea,
welcome. Good to see more girls on the forum.
You sound strong.
Also welcome Michelle.
You can start riding with Andrea

[psyclechick]

lol

Thanks Apple don't know about strong... I need to get faster!

And I am keen to ride with anyone!

[Apple]

lol

Thanks Apple don't know about strong... I need to get faster!

And I am keen to ride with anyone!

You should have called when you were in Sydney.
I mostly rode on my own and now I have so many women to choose from, it's great

[Naels]

Hi Ladies,

Location?
Perth

Road, Mountain, Track... what's your style?
Road bike - after I thought I just wanted a hybrid but the LBS guy talked me into a road bike...Best choice I could have made I think!

Current bike/s?
Trek Lexa

Riding since?
August 2011 (not very long)

Riding because?
After my 2011 'New years resolution' to get fit and lose a few kg I started running and ended up with a stress fracture... So turned to cycling for its low impact cardio greatness and have actually LOVED IT

Favorite ride?
The coastal ride I get to take to work

Occupation?
Dental Technician

Goals?
Ride further and faster. Build more confidence, espesh with my new clip in shoes! And commute more to work

Most embarrassing moment on the bike?
First day with clip in shoes... Falling off in the drive way! My Dad found it hilarious!

Best moment on the bike?
The great feeling of completing any ride I set out to do!

Which section have you spent most of your time in on the forums? Or where do you suspect you'll spend most your time?
This section!

[marinmomma]

Welcome to all the newcomers....nice to have more ladies join us.

The blokes generally play nice and we don't miind if/when they poke their noses into the Women's Forum...you have been given notice

[Dedot]

Hi Ladies,
I have been lurking in this forum for a couple of weeks or rather months now . I think it's time to come out and play...

Location?
Brisbane

Road, Mountain, Track... what's your style?
Flat Bar

Current bike/s?
Avanti Aria 3

Riding since?
Getting interested in riding since Christmas 2011 (not long at all)

Riding because?
I initially was looking to buy a proper bike for my 9 yr old son for christmas and something else caught my eyes. I remembered back in the uni days where I used to cycle everywhere and enjoyed it. So, decided to get one for myself as well and yes, I have been bitten by a riding bug.

Favorite ride?
Brisbane City river loop

Occupation?
SAHM - stay at home mom

Goals?
Ride further and faster. A friend of mine has talked me into entering the brisbane - goldcoast ride

Most embarrassing moment on the bike?
None yet, but I'm sure there'll be one once I try cleated shoes.

Best moment on the bike?
Enjoying the view, going downhill fast wind blowing against my face.

Which section have you spent most of your time in on the forums? Or where do you suspect you'll spend most your time?
Women's cycling, general discussion, maybe the getting new bikes section....

Cheers
Mel

[Mulger bill]

G'Day Mel welcome outside

We're generally a pretty decent and helpful mob with a few exceptions. Did somebody say the "H" word?

...maybe the getting new bikes section....

Cheers
Mel

Sounds like the bug has bitten already, enjoy

Cheers
Shaun

[enviromelza1]

Hi! I'm Mel, 27 and I've decided to become a cycling enthusiast!! haha
Always did a bit of cycling, but this year is my first year on a road bike - so far i'm loving it! Hopefully in the coming months i'll trim down a bit and look a little less stuffed in the lycra, otherwise i'm cycling to gain, then keep, fitness!

Location?
Perth - Rockingham

Road, Mountain, Track... what's your style?
I use to mountain bike for great fitness, then had a hybrid for my short commute and just recently purchased a road bike, so it's all road for me now!

Current bike/s?
2012 Avanti Vitale 4.0
2010 Giant Boulder Mountain Bike
2009 Avanti Discovery 8, my hybrid shopping bike

Riding since?
Hmmm, road riding since 4 weeks ago... been leisure riding on and off since forever

Riding because?
I enjoy it - and signed up for a charity ride which will surely challenge me!

Favorite ride?
I've got a little route mapped out which is about 35kms of scenic beachside riding.

Occupation?
Admin officer / student.

Goals?
Current goal - to ride the conquor cancer perth ride this October. Have a looooong way to go...

Most embarrassing moment on the bike?
realising my feet were attached to the bike too late and stacking it in front of what felt like everyone!

Best moment on the bike?
The very first time I rode my bike - I realised what all road cyclists were on about! Loved it

Which section have you spent most of your time in on the forums? Or where do you suspect you'll spend most your time?
The womens section and general section!

[Eleri]

Welcome Mel (and Mel!). Glad to see you have both signed up for big rides - always a good motivator and something to train for. Cycling does get you in and good that you both have got the bug.

[litzylulu]

Hi Ladies

Another newbie to the site

Location?
Hobart

Road, Mountain, Track... what's your style?
trying to become a roadie (at age 39)

Current bike/s?
Specialized tricross comp
Kona Mini mula

*a specialized ruby one day soon i hope

Riding since?
Mmm.. about 1995

Riding because?
a long time ago i didn't have a car.. now its for fun and commute, and see if i can make a grand fondo in the next year or two

Favorite ride?
Dirt - Adamsfield
road - anywhere in hobart

Occupation?
Data Nerd/ business analyst

Goals?
drop 5 more kg, buy a ruby, maybe race and do a grand fondo

Most embarrassing moment on the bike?
being able to state that i am "falling" but yet being unable to unclip!

Best moment on the bike?
touring sans kids; riding with kids, and moments of solitude on the road..

Which section have you spent most of your time in on the forums? Or where do you suspect you'll spend most your time?
finding a new bike then hanging out trying to find some fellow chick riders...


Happy riding...
Litzylulu

[feral grasshopper]

Welcome LLL! +I to the Ruby! Goals v achieveable!

[CommanderEl]

Hi guys, my name is El

Location?
Adelaide

Road, Mountain, Track... what's your style?
Road

Current bike/s?
Merida Scultura Evo 904
2006 Apollo Ascent (MTB)

Riding since?
I started riding because a couple of friends of mine pushed me to do the Gear Up Girl challenge, I did it with an old mountain bike, had so much fun and never looked back.

Riding because?
It's fun and invigorating.

Favorite ride?
City to Glenelg and Along the beach front

Occupation?
Business Analyst/ Programmer

Goals?
Keep having fun. I would like to challenge myself and be able to ride up to Mt Lofty... one day. I suspect that the second goal would interfere with the first goal (until I get fit enough!)

Most embarrassing moment on the bike?
Riding to work, stopped at a set of lights and somehow managing to lose my footing and tumble over, I laughed the whole way down.

Best moment on the bike?
Crossing the finish line at the Gear Up Girl challenge.

Which section have you spent most of your time in on the forums? Or where do you suspect you'll spend most your time?
Anything to give me tips/tricks and helping me understand how to get the most out of my riding experience

This is an awesome forum and I am so glad that I can be a part of this wonderful community!!

[JoanneT]

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I've been riding for about 12 months..and I'm looking for womens road riding groups in Sydney's Northern Beaches