General Cycling Discussion - Wife Turned On

To biking of course!

I have been trying to get my wife to enjoy riding as much as I do. During the winter she comes to spinning class with me occasionally and in the summer we will go on some recreational rides. But I have been spending so much time on the bike she gets a little upset.

Yesterday her car was in the shop all day and I had meetings all over town so she could not use my car. She wanted to know how she was going to get all of her duties done. I told her to use her bike and because it is so warm here now she did. She rode to her Yoga class, visited her mother, rode to her volunteer work at the retirement home and went to the grocery store. She even visited a client on her bike.

When I got home she was absolutely beaming! She had a great day and felt really good doing it. I think I have a convert. She's out and about again today. I think I'll go celebrate. :beer:

That's fabulous, bjlaw! Sometimes that's how it works. My boyfriend, an avid cyclist (road & mtb) reawakened my interest in bicycling last year. This year, I've had more time to actually ride and it's been great.

We're planning to do some tours together this summer (ranging from 25-50 miles -- I'm not ready for a century just yet, but I may consider a 62 miler). We may even rent a tandem to try that out sometime.

Originally posted by bjlaw
Yesterday her car was in the shop all day
So that's the secret. ;)
I guess I'll give it a try.

I've been riding 8 years now and can't get my wife interested at in cycling at all.She road about 3 miles on a rail-to -trail with me and my youngest daughter last year.She said she had fun but never really rode again.:confused: Maybe some day if she gives up the stinky sticks,thats how I found my way here.I think cycling is a worse addiction than smoking.It may be good for me,but anyone that flips through cycling catalogs and goes to cycling websites in their freetime is ADDICTED :eek: ...Got to go,got a NEW catalog in the mail today!...KC

My wife is partly responsible for getting me into cycling. She was a dead keen cyclist when we met (she was cycle touring around Australia) and we were car free during our time in London, and for a year or so when we came back to Australia. We rode most places, did our shopping by bike, the lot.

In recent years since the sprogs came along she hasn't been riding as much, and for the last few months, not at all. She disn't say so, but I felt like there was some underlying resentment about how much I rode, even though I only ever ride to commute.

You can imagine our relief when a couple of weeks ago, now that Paddy's a bit more settled into a routine, she dusted off the ol' steed and started going for 10km rides a few times a week before I go to work.

No one had to encourage me to ride. However, I do notice that when kids come along, mom stops riding, but dad gets to keep cycling while mom looks after the kids! It's not hard to see why they might feel a tad resentful. I know I would.

Congrats and cudos. I have tried with an exgirlfriend. It turned out to show our incompatibilty. She had me spinning granny gear an entire ride just to keep from totally losing her on a flat ride. Not to mention she was the type to totally stop, pick bike up, and carry over curb or small obstacles. Now if I could just meet a girl that is rides bike, is a normal person, not married already, and does not balloon at the head when someone talks about her job.... well I think that is a myth like comp time, unicorns, dragons. Rest assured I meet a girl with those craditional and is interested in me.... Party at my Beachhouse down in good old Sergeant, TX Shiner Bock and Brisket for everyone. Bring your own Bud Light.

I guess a spouse that enjoys riding as much as you do is about as ideal as it gets.

Hehe, most girls I have met rather have me as a study partner than a ride partner. :o

And even they won't go out with me. :rolleyes:

Tell her to put the seat back on the bike...

My missus is pretty poky on her machine, but she loves to ride. Even if it's all ahead dead slow it's worth it just to see her having fun. I have to remind myself that a ride strictly for pleasure doesn't have to entail aching thighs and perspiration all the time.

We're going to ride the Springwater Corridor today and I can't wait!

-Rob