BellaCroix

Just got into cycling this year, trying to get my first century in before the end of the season but recent illnesses have put a damper on those plans. Would still like to make it but don't know if that's going to happen (sadly).

Anyway... I'm looking forward to getting to know you and hope my odd humor won't get me hated / flamed / banned in the first week.

East Hill

Hello BellaCroix, do your best in getting ready for the century, and if you don't manage it, blame the guy in the next cubicle.

Also, do your best not to get banned. Use a lot of smilies.

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

donnamb 

Welcome, BellaCroix. We have a wonderful outlet for odd humor. It's called Foo.

RonH

Welcome Bella.
If you aren't ready for the century why not do a metric century?

BellaCroix

Thought about doing the metric but I've had my heart set on the miles since high school.

My background:

20 years ago I was very into cycling and dreamed of riding in the local MS150 ("Pedal to the Point"), then I got into smoking and my cycling took a back seat to the cancer sticks. I haven't been on a bike (before this year) since then.

My aunt passed away a few years ago from complications of multiple sclerosis (and poor care) and I remembered the dream from high school. In February I quit smoking (made it 141 days), bought the bike, and started riding my heart out - litterally, I think it popped out the first few times I rode. I knew I was in no shape to make the MS150 this year (August) but hoped to be able to get in a century by October. I've got to quit smoking again but recently I've had some medical problems of my own that have been getting in the way of my riding and won't be in shape for the ride now. Bummer.

I'll get there, just not on the schedule I had planned. When the date is set I'll post it, if you're in NE-Ohio, along the path and see me, shoot me a wave... I'll need the motivation.

East Hill

Probably every other person you pass in OH is a Bike Forums member . Check out the regional forums--you will see I am not joking .

Slow and steady is fine, just remember to have fun getting there.

East Hill

BellaCroix

Slow and steady definitely sounds about right for me. Can't keep a paceline for anything but maintaining an average 15-18 MPH for the 25-30 mile rides I'm regularly doing now isn't too hard - and is a heck of a lot of fun (especially finding parts of Cleveland that aren't ugly). Need to get it up to about 20 MPH average though before I'll be happy with my performance.

Then I have to find a way to make cars stop doing stupid things and convince Ohio-DOT that the edge of a road should really be better maintained.

East Hill

How old are you?

Don't count on it in your lifetime...but I'll be a positive thinker, and figure maybe in your children's lifetime .

East Hill

bac

Hey BellaCroix, I hope you are able to attempt (and complete!) your century plans this year. Even sans illness, that's a pretty big step for you 1st year on a steed.

Welcome to BikeForums!

... Brad

BellaCroix

I'm 35 years young - you're only as old as the people you feel and I tend to date much younger women.

I've been trying to shop for the most eye-catching, "notice me" jersey I can find in hopes of making drivers notice me a little more but haven't found one yet... someone should make a pink one with green lettering that says "It's my road too" on the back.

BAC: Yeah, I know... think it'll have to wait until next year. Were it not for bedrest I probably could have made it but now I think it's biting off a little more than I can chew. We'll see... maybe I'll just shoot for the metric afterall.