8th Ride Report - A "Date"

[Missbumble]

OK - Just had the longest bike ride...and what may or may not have been a date. After all I really did partly get a bike to meet people. So I met this man and we decided to go bike riding. I had high hopes/expectations for him...but I do not think he is the "One".... Anyway...we went to the Silver Comet - He was on a Hybrid - me on my sexy road bike (Specialized Dolce Elite - white with pink highlights) and we road off. Well he was quite slow - but I knew that going in... So I tried to ride with him or behind him etc. Anyway he pushed us to go out quite a ways about 1.5 hours of riding (that took quite longer including stops and times he walked since his legs cramped.) Next time someone has pain - I am turning around...but he pushed us onward... So we went out a total of about 18ish miles for almost 37 round trip. (3 hours riding time - and we started at 11:30 and I am home now at 6....a long long time. )


So on the way back his legs were really hurting so he walked his bike. Not so easy to walk mine with my fancy shoes... So eventually he told me to ride ahead and he'd meet me. I would ride back and go get us a late lunch and then met him at the trail head. I was very reluctant to leave him - but I think he wanted me to. So I did. I told him if he did that to me I would have killed him. I guess the truth is - the ex-boyfriend was very very polite and chivalrous - and never would have left me on the trail so I was feeling like I should stay...but off I went.(As he insisted)


Anyway - I know I am being picky - but I want a man that takes care of me- and rides further and faster that I do. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself - but somehow I really do want that in a date. I know this sounds terribly selfish And I did try and go at his pace as much aspossbile and ask him how he was doing....


Anyway - I thought of you guys and what your experiences are riding with slower riders... I thought I was prepared... at one point after a rest stop - I told him to go ahead and I would catch up. I let him go for about 7 minutes and then got going...IT was a tad frustrating.... OK... I am sooo grateful to have a date/friend, a super bike and be able to ride like the wind. (Oh and As I was turning the bike around to find him - bam I fell - I learned on a tight turn around - take both feet out of the pedals!) So now my other knee is scraped.

Oh - and I saw a snake! I think it was an Anaconda...:lol:...It was laying on the trail - looked up as I rode past. I screeched and got all girly. But really how cool

[bautieri]

Well Ms. Bumble, not everyone is so inclined to be great endurance althletes. Just think of the fun you two can have working on your skills together?

That and he likly enjoyed the rear view :lol:

Great to see the progress your making, keep up the good work and I hope one day your able to meet the biking "one".

Bau

[misterE0]

Hi Missbumble, I know the feeling. I got back into biking last year with my gf at the time, and her daughter. While it was fun to be able to do that together, it wasn't exactly my idea of a good time on the bike. Riding alongside a 5 year old, I topped out somewhere around 2.4mi and we'd be lucky if we logged 4mi for the entire day.

I feel like finding a cool woman that is also at the same fitness level (that's a funny thing for me to say in all my clyde-ness!) and interest level I have in cycling is a pretty tall order. But I guess you never know, it should would be an amazing find.

Nice long ride and good luck on the hunt!

[Missbumble]

Thank Bau - I defintiely want to be able to help him too achieve his fitness goals - and he is starting to think about losing his weight as well - so I a grateful I can be a good example...and when I think back to those times last year when I borrowed the ex- boyfriend's bike...I would be on the same trail - pull over, lie down and fell like cr%p. So I have come a long way - and I now know when taking out a newbie...take it easy!

Also - I will continue to pursue my goals and the irght one will come along. I will just coninue to be the best Sue I can.

[wayne pattee]

My wife is sooooooooo slow, she doesn't shift enough, she won't ride on the road, we have a MUP close by and nice wide sidewalks to get to it.
She only wants to ride about twice a week so I get a lot of time to ride alone on my road bikes but its a lesson in patience for me.
But I still love her.

[japollner]

omghai2u

[Missbumble]

japollner.....Ok -Not sure I should ask but what do you mean by omghai2u???

[japollner]

it's an online joke...lemme see if I can find the pic...


...nope, cant find it.


It was a lame attempt at humor. There used to be an animated GIF online making fun of a girl who joined a computer themed message board. All the little kids freaked because there was a girl on the boards. And they all said OMGHAI2U (Oh My God, Hi To You!!)

[Paco97]

First read the book, Heft on Wheels. The author comes to grip with his competitiveness when riding with slower riders. At first when he gets fast, he tries to drop everyone he rides with, then at the end he realizes that its fun to ride with others and doesn't get competitve when riding with others but enjoys the company.

Now, my wife and I ride a lot together, but she still isn't in the shape that I'm in. Today she did 14.5 miles but at a slow 9-10 mph and 2-3 mph going up hills. I'm 13-15.6 mph and 7-10mph going up hills, so I have to go slower to ride with her. I see this time as "couple" time that we can share doing an activity we both like, plus it gives me someone to talk with while riding. I don't see it as a training ride. I do that either early in the morning while she's still sleeping or will start my ride earlier and come back and pick her up to ride together, or after the ride I will continue on. This way I still get my training time and my couple time.

If you looking for a friend to ride with, then try your best to ride with him. Let him lead and you follow that's what I do with my wife. If you're looking for a training partner, then find someone else to ride at your pace. And if you're purpose is to "find a lycra wearting "Mr Right", then pay more attention to the person and not their riding abiilties. If this guy has a desire to ride a bike and get in shape, then he will eventually get in condition to follow or drop you potentially, so the frog could become the prince.

Four months ago, I couldn't ride a mile, now I'm attempting 45 miles tomorrow to complete my first 100 mile week.

[freeagent1970]

No offense, but maybe you should give the guy a break so you dont remain MISSbumble. A persons riding skills should not dicatate your interest in someone...you could possibly meet the best guy in the world and he may not even know how to ride a bike..just my .02.

[Wogsterca]

OK - Just had the longest bike ride...and what may or may not have been a date. After all I really did partly get a bike to meet people. So I met this man and we decided to go bike riding. I had high hopes/expectations for him...but I do not think he is the "One".... Anyway...we went to the Silver Comet - He was on a Hybrid - me on my sexy road bike (Specialized Dolce Elite - white with pink highlights) and we road off. Well he was quite slow - but I knew that going in... So I tried to ride with him or behind him etc. Anyway he pushed us to go out quite a ways about 1.5 hours of riding (that took quite longer including stops and times he walked since his legs cramped.) Next time someone has pain - I am turning around...but he pushed us onward... So we went out a total of about 18ish miles for almost 37 round trip. (3 hours riding time - and we started at 11:30 and I am home now at 6....a long long time. )


So on the way back his legs were really hurting so he walked his bike. Not so easy to walk mine with my fancy shoes... So eventually he told me to ride ahead and he'd meet me. I would ride back and go get us a late lunch and then met him at the trail head. I was very reluctant to leave him - but I think he wanted me to. So I did. I told him if he did that to me I would have killed him. I guess the truth is - the ex-boyfriend was very very polite and chivalrous - and never would have left me on the trail so I was feeling like I should stay...but off I went.(As he insisted)


Anyway - I know I am being picky - but I want a man that takes care of me- and rides further and faster that I do. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself - but somehow I really do want that in a date. I know this sounds terribly selfish And I did try and go at his pace as much aspossbile and ask him how he was doing....


Anyway - I thought of you guys and what your experiences are riding with slower riders... I thought I was prepared... at one point after a rest stop - I told him to go ahead and I would catch up. I let him go for about 7 minutes and then got going...IT was a tad frustrating.... OK... I am sooo grateful to have a date/friend, a super bike and be able to ride like the wind. (Oh and As I was turning the bike around to find him - bam I fell - I learned on a tight turn around - take both feet out of the pedals!) So now my other knee is scraped.

Oh - and I saw a snake! I think it was an Anaconda...:lol:...It was laying on the trail - looked up as I rode past. I screeched and got all girly. But really how cool

A couple of things, first of all, it sounds like your "friend" is new to cycling, or rides very little. When a person gets pain riding, it's for one of three reasons:

1) The bike has not been fit properly, most of the time, that the problem is fit, with leg pain it's the saddle, usually too low, as new or inexperienced riders, tend to ride with the saddle way too low. May also be the wrong sized bicycle.

2) Not using the proper gear, a lot of new or inexperienced riders, tend to ride in too high a gear, especially if they are not used to a bicycle with gears, They tend to "mash" the pedals, and this puts extra stress on the leg, resulting in pain.

3) The problem is actually something else, that riding brings out.

So, perhaps you should help this gentleman get his bike set up properly, and help him get his technique corrected, and see if that helps, at worst you have helped a fellow rider improve, better you get a riding buddy, or maybe something more:D

[Wogsterca]

OK - Just had the longest bike ride...and what may or may not have been a date. After all I really did partly get a bike to meet people. So I met this man and we decided to go bike riding. I had high hopes/expectations for him...but I do not think he is the "One".... Anyway...we went to the Silver Comet - He was on a Hybrid - me on my sexy road bike (Specialized Dolce Elite - white with pink highlights) and we road off. Well he was quite slow - but I knew that going in... So I tried to ride with him or behind him etc. Anyway he pushed us to go out quite a ways about 1.5 hours of riding (that took quite longer including stops and times he walked since his legs cramped.) Next time someone has pain - I am turning around...but he pushed us onward... So we went out a total of about 18ish miles for almost 37 round trip. (3 hours riding time - and we started at 11:30 and I am home now at 6....a long long time. )


So on the way back his legs were really hurting so he walked his bike. Not so easy to walk mine with my fancy shoes... So eventually he told me to ride ahead and he'd meet me. I would ride back and go get us a late lunch and then met him at the trail head. I was very reluctant to leave him - but I think he wanted me to. So I did. I told him if he did that to me I would have killed him. I guess the truth is - the ex-boyfriend was very very polite and chivalrous - and never would have left me on the trail so I was feeling like I should stay...but off I went.(As he insisted)


Anyway - I know I am being picky - but I want a man that takes care of me- and rides further and faster that I do. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself - but somehow I really do want that in a date. I know this sounds terribly selfish And I did try and go at his pace as much aspossbile and ask him how he was doing....


Anyway - I thought of you guys and what your experiences are riding with slower riders... I thought I was prepared... at one point after a rest stop - I told him to go ahead and I would catch up. I let him go for about 7 minutes and then got going...IT was a tad frustrating.... OK... I am sooo grateful to have a date/friend, a super bike and be able to ride like the wind. (Oh and As I was turning the bike around to find him - bam I fell - I learned on a tight turn around - take both feet out of the pedals!) So now my other knee is scraped.

Oh - and I saw a snake! I think it was an Anaconda...:lol:...It was laying on the trail - looked up as I rode past. I screeched and got all girly. But really how cool

A couple of things, first of all, it sounds like your "friend" is new to cycling, or rides very little. When a person gets pain riding, it's for one of three reasons:

1) The bike has not been fit properly, most of the time, that the problem is fit, with leg pain it's the saddle, usually too low, as new or inexperienced riders, tend to ride with the saddle way too low. May also be the wrong sized bicycle.

2) Not using the proper gear, a lot of new or inexperienced riders, tend to ride in too high a gear, especially if they are not used to a bicycle with gears, They tend to "mash" the pedals, and this puts extra stress on the leg, resulting in pain.

3) The problem is actually something else, that riding brings out.

So, perhaps you should help this gentleman get his bike set up properly, and help him get his technique corrected, and see if that helps, at worst you have helped a fellow rider improve, better you get a riding buddy, or maybe something more:D

[overthere]

- but I want a man that takes care of me- and rides further and faster that I do. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself - but somehow I really do want that in a date.

I'm not an Athena, but I am female..:p I understand, 'cause I'm the same way. If you find someone that has the same interest in cycling as you do, most likely he will, if not already, will be stronger and faster than you on a bike. And then you get to experience the flip side of the coin: being the slower one! ;)

[v1k1ng1001]

Beware of the scenerio where you evaluate someone's worth based on some new activity that you happen to be passionate about at any given time. In HS I dated a basketball player. In College I wanted to date someone else that was into philosophy. After college, I wanted to date a snowboarder. The fact is that such things aren't really important.

This guy tried to keep up with you on a hybrid because he's trying to share one of your interests in spite of the fact that he is unprepared and under equipped and likely going to look stupid. He also graciously let you ride ahead. That says a lot I think. If he bought a road bike and started riding, his fitness would catch up with yours in no time. One ride is no reason to count someone out.

[Missbumble]

Beware of the scenerio where you evaluate someone's worth based on some new activity that you happen to be passionate about at any given time. In HS I dated a basketball player. In College I wanted to date someone else that was into philosophy. After college, I wanted to date a snowboarder. The fact is that such things aren't really important. (Viking)


Thanks everyone for your input. Great advice.

Definitely want to pay attention to what you said and NOT evaluate a man based on his riding skills, or snowboarding, etc. So that said - I did ride with him at tines - but the converstaion did not really flow. It had flowed better when we met for coffee the first time. So I do not think I judged him solely on his riding abiity. Again thought I think In general I need to chill out - and the ride would have been a perfect time to do so.


So, perhaps you should help this gentleman get his bike set up properly, and help him get his technique corrected, and see if that helps, at worst you have helped a fellow rider improve, better you get a riding buddy, or maybe something more (Wogsterca) Good idea- I would like to help him with this but do not want to sound like a know-it-all. Maybe at some point I coudl take him with me when I go to get a tune up since I know he needs to get his tail light fixed.


No offense, but maybe you should give the guy a break so you dont remain MISSbumble. A persons riding skills should not dicatate your interest in someone...you could possibly meet the best guy in the world and he may not even know how to ride a bike..just my .02. freeagent
Thank you freeagent - and you do have a point. If I was an expert in men - would I be a MISS Bumble?? Though I do not think it was his skills which have made me less excited about him -just our level of connection...but I will give him a chance.

[racethenation]

I ride with my 7 year old daughter a couple of times a week. We do 6-8 miles at time around 8-9 mph. I essentially use them as recovery rides, but I go into each ride with the mindset that this is not my ride, it is hers. After I got my new road bike, I typically still use the old mountain bike for these rides because it slows me down. Yesterday, I borrowed a friend's bike trailer and put my three year old in the trailer. Towing him around put on a good pace with my 7 year old. It felt like I was riding up one continuous hill.

[japollner]

(Edit: NSFW)

http://lollernet.com/pics/gif/omghi2u.gif

[st0ut]

Thanks everyone for your input. Great advice.

Definitely want to pay attention to what you said and NOT evaluate a man based on his riding skills, or snowboarding, etc. So that said - I did ride with him at tines - but the converstaion did not really flow. It had flowed better when we met for coffee the first time. So I do not think I judged him solely on his riding abiity. Again thought I think In general I need to chill out - and the ride would have been a perfect time to do so.



If he was at his limit trying to pace you he was mostly likely not up for the extra effort it takes to main tain a conversatiowhile tring to pace, pilot a bike so he didnt fall. feeling a bit inadaquete at the roadeis men that statred the ride.

if it flowed better at the coffe shop invite to a ride to the coffe shop. build him up at the same time relax with coffee.

Happy hunting. Should you change you avatar from a cat to a couger?

[Richard_Rides]

Oh - and I saw a snake! I think it was an Anaconda...:lol:...It was laying on the trail - looked up as I rode past. I screeched and got all girly. But really how cool

At least you were faster than the snake. I'd say you're making progress! :thumb:

[AirBeagle1]

When I can talk my wife into riding, I find we're more successful if it's staged with a picnic or a stop at an ice cream parlor or some other nearby location. Then we ride there (with her leading so she doesn't feel like she's struggling to keep up or that I'm going too slow for her), take a break, have a nice time, and do the same on the way home.

If I get a bit bored behind her, I've found it's helpful to shift into an ultra-easy gear and practice my spinning technique for a while.

Without a doubt, the known goal location with something fun to do improves the odds of her saying yes to getting on the bike...

Trying to talk to her WHILE we're on the bikes isn't a good idea. Best to chat at the break points.

Good luck!

(and I screech and get all girly when I see snakes too.)

[rainycamp]

I ride with my wife-- that is, I ride farther and farther ahead of my wife. She has a hybrid and averages about 10 mph, and I average about 15 mph on my road bike. But I always stop and wait for her at convenient stopping points.

She doesn't insist I stay with her, and just enjoys the fact that we're out together. She is also not concerned about her speed, since she's already ridden that tank on two hilly 50s and a hilly 30 mile ride.

We enjoy being out on the road together -- and we always finish together.

[DTSCDS]

After my wife and I had weight loss surgeries last August she recovered quicker than I did. We bought our bikes in December. The first time we went out, she left me behind quite easily since I had very little strength. Now, I am quite a bit faster than her. If I am in front and don't look back I can leave her pretty far behind. So what I do is put her in front. If I am feeling bogged down I will do spinning drills or unclip one foot at a time and do one-foot drills. I don't want her to feel like she is holding me back and I know she is getting faster and can go farther, plus we are getting healthier together. That's the whole point!
So, I guess what I am saying is, togetherness rocks!
If you like the guy, stick it out and he will get faster. If he isn't the right guy then don't feel guilty about not continuing with him. This isn't really a bike issue, it's about the possibility of a relationship.

[EasyEd]

Why don't you spend another day with him, only this time, doing something he likes to do. It might help to switch perspective a little.