Originally Posted by
shelleyspins
Not sure what the moral of my little story was - other than yes, I'm a flaming ***** and nope, my husband is not a lucky man - and don't be in such a hurry. Obviously I don't know you or your girlfriend but let me blatantly stereotype chicks for you - by and large girls are not naturally inclined to participate in activities that require blowing snot rockets, picking bugs out of your eyes, and coming home with successive layers of sunblock, sweat, chain lube, dust, exhaust fumes, grit, and more sweat. We also don't have the same large motor skills as you boys - going 25mph on a bike in shorts maneuvering around traffic, road hazards and corners takes practice. I'm not sure how you roll but it may be that her idea of extreme cycling is a coffee shop ride to the other Starbucks, not a 80 mile hammerfest. Go slow and easy. And have no preconceived notion that there will ever be begging.
Outstanding post. Enjoyed every word of it.
As for inspiring the non-riding sig. other, it's a massive challenge. As said before, optimize every minute in the saddle for them, and try including some sort of carrot at the turn - stop for a nice lunch, or something delicious, or a beautiful view. Then hope for the best. It's a tough sport to get into because it begins with pain, then over time you improve your skills to endure more pain. hmmm, charming.