Digest 2001-04-26

From: 
Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2001 11:17 PM
To: Susan Otcenas
Cc: womens-cycling@teamestrogen.com
Subject: Re[2]: [WCDL] Intro, rack bags...


Hello to all!

I've been reading along for awhile and meaning to introduce myself. No
better time than the present, huh? :)

Until last summer, I didn't think about bicycling for over 25 years
(I'm 40 years old). My youngest daughter (age 12 now) had outgrown her
little bike and Mommy wanted one too when we got to the store! More
recently, I've begun entertaining the thought of loaded touring and
have upgraded to a Bianchi Volpe for that purpose. I also had a very
difficult time finding bike stores that really listened to and heard
what I was asking for when I went shopping for a touring bike!
However, the more I learn as I go along, the better responses I seem
to be getting at the same local shops. Sometimes it just depends on
who's working that day.

I've got Type 1 diabetes, meaning I require multiple daily injections
of insulin. Cycling and dietary supplements are two of the most
helpful things I've found for keeping my blood sugar levels in line.
Cycling should be very helpful in controlling Type 2 diabetes, btw!

I have Jandd Grocery Bag Panniers that I purchased from Performance
Bike - http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.html?SKU=3700 .
Says on the Performance web site that they are sold as singles. I
bought mine at the physical store in my area and was only charged the
single price for a pair. Hope I didn't get someone into trouble!

Anyway, I've been very happy with them. Most of the riding I do with
my daughter consists of short rides from Point A to Point B and back.
We both toss all the stuff we carry along and collect into the bags. I
also use them for trips to the grocery and errands. I think they're
easier to work with than full-fledged panniers when doing day-to-day
activities, but I haven't gotten caught out in the rain with 'em yet,
so I reserve the right to revise my opinion if/when that happens! ;)

Jandd also has the Rear Rac Pac II that sits atop the rear rack and
expands upwards as needed -
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.html?SKU=3531 .
Water-repellant too!

If anyone reading this list is located in the Raleigh/Durham Triangle
area or somewhere in the proximity of the Southern Atlantic, drop me a
line! My daughter tolerates cycling for my sake, but is not that crazy
about riding. It would be nice to know some people to put in a
leisurely paced 20 miles or more with every so often.

Robin

On Thursday, April 19, 2001, Susan wrote:

>> I am now looking for a collapsible bag for my rack.  I've seen some
>> bikes with it.  It opens upward to accomadate a grocery bag size
>> load.

> I think I know what you are talking about.  My sister has a great bag made
> by Jandd, that she used when commuting to school. It hooks onto the side of
> her rack, like a pannier.  It flattens against the side when not in use, but
> when open it is shaped basically like a grocery bag, but with an open top.
> I went to the Jandd website but they don't seem to have any information
> about their individual products.  I'll send my sister an e-mail and ask her
> where she got hers.

> Susan


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From: Jan Naher-Snowden 
Sent: Friday, April 20, 2001 3:58 AM
To: womens-cycling@teamestrogen.com
Subject: [WCDL] cycling weight loss


Hello, all!

Glad to read the suggestions for panniers, etc. Living here in 
northeast Ohio I feel envious when I read about riding in California, 
etc. But we all adjust to the climate where we are, right?

Several posts have referred to returning to cycling after 40, etc. 
And immediately weight loss becomes a topic of interest. A year ago 
our family decided our summer vacation would be a week long bike trip 
sponsored by a group in Columbus. This June trip is supported 
logistically with sag wagons, medical support, food stops, etc. A 
different route is planned every year - this year the route planners 
are a bit optimistic that everyone will make it to the overnight stop 
by dark: the route is focused on the southeastern part of Ohio, 
notorious for the hilly terrain (remember, this is Ohio!). Each day 
of the ride will have about a total of 5000 feet climb over the total 
days mileage being between 50 and 60 miles, mostly up and back down 
hills. Check out this site if you want to find out about the ride:
http://www.goba.com

So, back to the weight loss issue. For a variety of reasons, at 52 
years old, I am facing training with about 40 extra pounds. My 
conditioning is not too bad. I am riding several times a week 
(ranging from 20 - 30 miles each ride currently), doing a hilly route 
with options for distance to build my staying power. However, I am 
not seeing a drop in weight as yet. I really need to shed some pounds 
before the weeklong ride or I will be riding into the overnight stops 
with a lantern on my handlebars.

I need dietary suggestions and/or training options that will get me 
into conditioning as well as shed some pounds. Mind you, I am not 
overeating or eating junk. Menopausal physiology has me baffled so 
far. The weight only became a problem about six years ago. So, any 
suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Also, if anyone is in the northeast Ohio area and looking for a 
riding partner  . . . .

Thanks,

Jan
-- 
"Ride fast, ride slow, be a body and a soul, get your weather 
forecast from the clouds, and learn again that freeways are the 
exception, and birds, flowers, wheatfields and changing skies are the 
overwhelming reality."
- Mike Snowden, the Monday after GOBA, 2000 -


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From: Deanna Sanderson
Sent: Friday, April 20, 2001 6:11 PM
To: womens-cycling@teamestrogen.com
Subject: [WCDL] Yipee!


I  have had my new La Monde road bike for 2 1/2 months now...and I love it!  
However, I've been a bit distracted lately.  I realized I had found the perfect 
man for me...got engaged...and married him two weeks later!  I've been a newly 
wed for one week now. ( I am 31 years old, have never been married before, but he 
is worth waiting all this time for! )  Unfortunately my bike has been collecting 
some dust for the last three weeks.  I am starting to worry that I am going to 
suffer miserably on my 500 mile ride this summer.  

I wont feel too badly though.  My dear husband who has expanded his cycling 
to include racing this year has missed races and training as well.  

Which would I rather ride?  My bike or my......well, you know what I mean.

Just taking a little break, Deanna  


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From: Eirish 
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2001 8:44 AM
To: Womens Cycling Discussion List; 
Subject: [WCDL] latest ride!


where's the tylenol?


http://www.geocities.com/eirishes/sutter.html


If I told you I was riding to the ends of the earth to help find a vaccine
for AIDS, would you support me?
http://www.geocities.com/eirishes/aidsride.html



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From: Bridgett Backer 
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2001 2:12 PM
To: womens-cycling@teamestrogen.com
Subject: [WCDL] Thank you and Alaska Update


Thank you Johanna for the gear tips.  I went shopping before I left and am I 
glad I did.  While it is spring here, the temperature has been in the upper 
forties but there is a cold breeze in the afteroon.  I would have frozen my 
tail off if I hadn't gotten all that cold weather gear.

I am in Anchorage now have been able to ride several times.  Anchorage has a 
great network of paved and unpaved trails throughout the city.  The one that 
I rode yesterday follows the coastline south from downtown Anchorage for 
many miles.  It had great views of the snow covered mountains surrounding 
Anchorage and Cook Inlet.  There were Canadian geese and seagulls 
everywhere. Most of the trail is through wooded areas so for us who like to 
birdwatch while we ride it was a great opportunity to see some chickadees.  
And I saw a moose!!

Unfortunately, I have had many warning from the locals not to go riding in 
the mountains alone.  Grizzly bears and moose attacks are something to worry 
about.  So, hopefully, I will be able to find a group to ride with up here 
so I can hit the mountain trails.

Good riding,

Bridgett



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From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 3:14 PM
To: womens-cycling@teamestrogen.com
Subject: [WCDL] Looking for a road bike



Hello--
I am 47 yrs. old getting back into biking after racing 10 yrs ago. I have a 
specialized allez, which I love as its carbon and only weighs 19.5 lbs. The 
problem is I need to get a different bike. I need a 52cm if measured center 
(bottom bracket) to center. Right now its just too big at 56 cm. Can anyone 
recommend a road bike that they really love and I'd only have to spend no 
more than 800 (used) for it?

I do love to ride in clubs. Yes, its overweighted with alot of guys and I am 
married, so I've become very close to one biking guy, we have a great time 
biking together( everyone thinks we are "together" so noone bothers me-- 
and he is with full awareness my only interest is a friendship). Its really 
fun biking in a group, alot safer, don't have to worry about where to go-- 
just follow the front. We often have 30 people on our rides and our club has 
many rides all over the metro area. In the winter we have lots of social events, 
a great way to meet many like-minded people with positve attitiudes. I would 
strongly reommend it!  Oh, I forgot......... when you get the inevitable 
flat 5 people hang out with you while you change it!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL YOU MS 150ERS THIS SPRING

Thanks for any tips on the bike

--- Marilyn



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From: Adrienne Zuerner 
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2001 5:27 PM
To: womens-cycling@teamestrogen.com
Subject: [WCDL] LeMond bikes


Any women out there own a LeMond? I'm 5'2" with small hands and would like
to hear about overall fit plus grip/breaking fit from women who have been
riding LeMonds for a while. I'm looking at the Buenes Aires and like what I
have read about frame, fork and other components. My local bike shop will
order it to fit, but since it's not a women's specific design, it doesn't
have the smaller dimensions in the handlebar and elsewhere.

Thanks.  AZ



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