Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Recreational & Family
Reload this Page >

Spousal/better half support

Search
Notices
Recreational & Family Ride just to ride? Have a family and want to get them into cycling? Drop in here to discuss recreational and family cycling issues.
View Poll Results: How often does your better half accompany you on your rides?
Virtually always
12
15.19%
Quite a bit
11
13.92%
Sometimes
9
11.39%
Not too often
11
13.92%
Practically never
36
45.57%
Voters: 79. You may not vote on this poll

Spousal/better half support

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-15-02 | 09:31 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 940
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
Spousal/better half support

How often are you accompanied by your "better half"?
Andy Dreisch is offline  
Reply
Old 09-15-02 | 09:36 PM
  #2  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 940
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
My honey's more a runner than a biker. Maybe one day we'll do the tandem thing. For now, I'm pretty much solo.
Andy Dreisch is offline  
Reply
Old 09-15-02 | 09:54 PM
  #3  
Chris L's Avatar
Every lane is a bike lane
Titanium Club Membership
25 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 9,666
Likes: 16
From: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - passionfruit capital of the universe!
Yuo needed an option for "I'm a happily single spanky".

__________________
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.

That is all.
Chris L is offline  
Reply
Old 09-15-02 | 09:55 PM
  #4  
cyclezealot's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 13,237
Likes: 75
From: Fallbrook,Calif./Palau del Vidre, France

Bikes: Klein QP, Fuji touring, Surly Cross Check, BCH City bike

Buy her a nice hybrid entry bike. That can't influence her. Other option is harrassment. IF not, just have to go it alone.
cyclezealot is offline  
Reply
Old 09-15-02 | 09:56 PM
  #5  
dirtbikedude's Avatar
Gravity Is Yer Friend
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,961
Likes: 0
From: "Over the Hill" and going down fast in the 805.

Bikes: Scott Gambler, Scott Ransom, Kona Bear, Bianchi 928 Carbon/Chorus, C'Dale Rize4

My wife and I ride together atleast 95% of the time on mtb rides. Now that she is seriously considering racing she pushes her self harder so the rides are getting much more interesting. No more waiting 2 min for her, she has cut that down to 30 to 40 sec.
She never goes on road rides with me because the cars scare the hell out of her.
Slainte
dirtbikedude is offline  
Reply
Old 09-15-02 | 09:57 PM
  #6  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 940
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
Originally posted by Chris L
Yuo needed an option for "I'm a happily single spanky".
Yep ... botched it
Andy Dreisch is offline  
Reply
Old 09-15-02 | 10:19 PM
  #7  
Maelstrom's Avatar
Wood Licker
Titanium Club Membership
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 16,966
Likes: 2
From: Whistler,BC

Bikes: Trek Fuel EX 8 27.5 +, 2002 Transition Dirtbag, Kona Roast 2002

Once a week. Usually on my casual day. We will go for a ride and I will take off every couple of minutes on one of the very short single tracks and pop back out.
Maelstrom is offline  
Reply
Old 09-15-02 | 11:42 PM
  #8  
Raiyn's Avatar
I drink your MILKSHAKE
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 15,061
Likes: 3
From: St. Petersburg, FL

Bikes: 2003 Specialized Rockhopper FSR Comp, 1999 Specialized Hardrock Comp FS, 1971 Schwinn Varsity

My better half rides with me on almost all of my non-commuting rides. She's rather supportive of me (she even makes shop runs for me whiile I'm at indentured servitude (work).
__________________
Raiyn is offline  
Reply
Old 09-16-02 | 03:23 AM
  #9  
cyclingshane73's Avatar
Compulsive Upgrader
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario

Bikes: 2002 Kona Deluxe (road), 2001 Cove Stiffee (mtb)

Practically Never. How about not in a million years. I've tried, believe me. She is afraid she is going to fall over and hurt her self, doesn't trust the handbrakes, and afraid of gears. My wife is afraid of bicycles. I blame her parents. She never owned a bicycle as a kid and her parents always told her she would fall down and hit her head. Ignorant GRRRRR.

She is not very supportive sometimes either. I figure I could be doing worse things with my time. Going to bars, smoking, drinking heavily, become an armchair quarter back and lounge on the couch all day and gain 50 lbs.

I even did the math for her one day. cigarettes are expensive in Canada. 7 bucks now I think. 7 x 7 days is $49 x 52 weeks is $2548 not including taxes. And that's just for the cigs. Now lets add say the beer. 2 24's a month for a price of $35 (yeah were getting hosed in Onterrible) x 26 (remember roughly every two weeks) at a yearly cost of $1820. For a grand total of....drum roll please....

$4368.00 before taxes.

This doesn't include those nights out, and the cost of satellite t.v. (ya know, gotta have all those t.v. channels since I'll be living on the couch), nacho's, cheese, salsa and other assorted chips and junk food on top of that. Ya know for all the big games.

I think this past year I didn't even come anywhere near a quarter that cost!

This kept her quite for a while.

I now have a daughter. I don't intend to or no wait a minute! I intend to let the "cycle" continue! No pun intended of course. I can't wait in a couple of years I can start to teach her how to ride a bike.

Sorry man, I feel like I just hijacked this thread. /rant
__________________
"No drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we're looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn't test people for drugs. We should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed, and love of power." -P.J. O'Rourke
cyclingshane73 is offline  
Reply
Old 09-16-02 | 05:30 AM
  #10  
MediaCreations's Avatar
Marathon Cyclist
Titanium Club Membership
25 Anniversary
 
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 0
From: Perth - Western Australia

Bikes: Road Bike / Mountain Bike

Originally posted by stiffee_shane
$4368.00 before taxes.
Wow. That's a nice new bike and a heap of accessories every year. I'll have to try that one.

My wife isn't into cycling but my 6 year old daughter is starting to get really interested in cycling with me.
__________________
MediaCreations is offline  
Reply
Old 09-16-02 | 06:12 AM
  #11  
chewa's Avatar
The Flying Scot
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,904
Likes: 0
From: North Queensferry Scotland and London (and France)

Bikes: Custom (Colin Laing) 531c fast tourer/audax, 1964 Flying Scot Continental, 1995 Cinelli Supercorsa, Holdsworth Mistral single speed, Dahon Speed 6 (folder), Micmo Sirocco and a few more

I'm lucky in that my wife often cycles with me. On afternoons she's not working she cycles out on my commute route to meet me on my way home. Just last night she said that's one of our best times together, no distractions.

She also loves cycle touring and her new custom built Roberts bike is being delivered this week
__________________
plus je vois les hommes, plus j'admire les chiens

1985 Sandy Gilchrist-Colin Laing built 531c Audax/fast tourer.
1964 Flying Scot Continental (531)
1995 Cinelli Supercorsa (Columbus SLX)
1980s Holdsworth Mistral fixed (531)
2005 Dahon Speed 6 (folder)
(YES I LIKE STEEL)
2008 Viking Saratoga tandem
2008 Micmo Sirocco Hybrid (aluminium!)
2012 BTwin Rockrider 8.1
chewa is offline  
Reply
Old 09-16-02 | 06:38 AM
  #12  
ChipRGW's Avatar
hehe...He said "member"
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 630
Likes: 0
From: Fort Lauderdale, FLA
I originally bought our matching (how cute!!!) Roadmaster POS's because SHE wanted a bike. Now that I've dragged them from the shed and started riding, she is getting into it as well. I was looking at new bikes this weekend and she says," since we ride together so much, it really wouldn't make sense for you to get a new bike and I'm still riding the old one. I guess we BOTH need new bikes."

I think this is going to get expensive.
But at least she won't give me a hard time when I want some new gear, as long as I get 2...


ChipR.
ChipRGW is offline  
Reply
Old 09-16-02 | 07:01 AM
  #13  
Senior Member
25 Anniversary
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 7,963
Likes: 1
From: Parrish, FL

Bikes: Lots

I had to vote sometimes, it used to be always, but since our son was born, we take turns cycling. We also get my in-laws to babysit on occasion so we can ride together. Well, that was until my wife got sick and is now temporarily off the bike for awhile. So, now I'm solo, but I'm sure that'll change as soon as she's healthy again!
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
a2psyklnut is offline  
Reply
Old 09-16-02 | 07:35 AM
  #14  
pinerider's Avatar
bici accumulatori
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton, Ottawa, Maberly, Apsley, Ontario

Bikes: 1985 Nishiki International Touring Bike, 1992 Vitus 979 road bike, 1996 Bianchi Premio road bike, 2002 Thin Blue LIne CO2 mountain bike, 2007 Rocky Mountain Sherpa touring bike, 1964 CCM roadster, 1959 CCM Motorbike, 2002 KHS FXT mtb + more to fix!

We're in the "virtually never" - little support category.
I picked up a used MTB for her a couple of weeks ago (I made sure and asked if she wanted one first), but it has yet to leave the garage (too tired, too busy, etc) I make a point of asking every day if she wants to go for a ride, but no success yet.
As for support, she should be encouraging me to go out and spend lots of money on a new road bike, but so far nothing.
pinerider is offline  
Reply
Old 09-16-02 | 07:36 AM
  #15  
Vicki's Avatar
Junior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I ride alone most of the time. occasionally a student comes by to see if I want to go for a ride, which I do if I can.
Vicki is offline  
Reply
Old 09-16-02 | 08:38 AM
  #16  
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 12,948
Likes: 9
From: England
If your SO is a runner, you can do pacemaking on a bike. The pace is pretty easy for a cyclist, so you can watch them suffer from the comfort of your saddle.
When my brother and his wife come to visit, they are both way too athletic to ride with, but pacing them on a bike suits me fine.
MichaelW is offline  
Reply
Old 09-16-02 | 08:41 AM
  #17  
RonH's Avatar
Life is good
Titanium Club Membership
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 18,208
Likes: 14
From: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻

Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro

I didn't see a "never" option. :confused:

My wife will accompany me to the LBS occasionally. Does that count? She always makes sure I have the checkbook when I go by myself. She is my #1 supporter.

She works in healthcare and is on her feet all day. When she comes home she just wants to prop up her feet and relax. Most nights I rub her feet while we watch TV. I guess that's a fair trade for her support.

She says when she retires we will get a Terry "something" for her.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8

I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
RonH is offline  
Reply
Old 09-16-02 | 09:19 AM
  #18  
Donating member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Bowie, MD
Get a trailer. I drag my two year old around in it and with enough Kix (cereal - hand food) , books, and toys, he rides along without a problem. It may be a pain dragging a trailer, but when I ride without the trailer - I FLY !!! Good for training.

That being said, I only take him on the trails - not ready to risk his life AND mine on the road.

Originally posted by a2psyklnut
I had to vote sometimes, it used to be always, but since our son was born, we take turns cycling. We also get my in-laws to babysit on occasion so we can ride together. Well, that was until my wife got sick and is now temporarily off the bike for awhile. So, now I'm solo, but I'm sure that'll change as soon as she's healthy again!
RollingGeek is offline  
Reply
Old 09-16-02 | 10:56 AM
  #19  
Ritalin's Avatar
Upgrade your Turbo
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: Lenoir City, Tennessee
Originally posted by stiffee_shane
[B]I now have a daughter. I don't intend to or no wait a minute! I intend to let the "cycle" continue! No pun intended of course. I can't wait in a couple of years I can start to teach her how to ride a bike.

My entire family... grandparents and parents included, started their children out young. Bike's with training wheels as soon as possible.... too young for training wheels? We were all riding around in baby carries on the back of bikes... now that's the way to ride in style! :thumbup:

I remember my first bike without training wheels.... Duke's of hazard bike... it was the general lee
Ritalin is offline  
Reply
Old 09-16-02 | 11:26 AM
  #20  
Aerow's Avatar
I'll be home in an hour.
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Nashville, TN, USA
I'm obsessed with cycling... she with decorating.

Between the two of us, we have no $$$ left for much else!

But the family cycling thing is growing. We all rode about 1/2 mile up to the local hamburger joint last night and had a really grand time. My oldest son (7) really likes cycling, and Santa may bring him a better bike for Christmas this year.

As for my wife.... I agree that buying her a lighter bike (over her current steel-framed Ralleigh) wouldn't likely get her on the bike more frenquently, though it would make her infrequent rides more enjoyable.

Aerow
Aerow is offline  
Reply
Old 09-16-02 | 12:00 PM
  #21  
webist's Avatar
Huachuca Rider
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,275
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC

Bikes: Fuji CCR1, Specialized Roubaix

My wife and I both have comfort hybrids and I ride with her on most of her rides which are almost daily.

I also have a road bike and usually ride that alone at least 10 miles per day.

My wife is very supportive.
__________________
Just Peddlin' Around
webist is offline  
Reply
Old 09-16-02 | 02:41 PM
  #22  
Tree Trunk's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 713
Likes: 0
From: Warrenville, Illinois
My beautiful other doesn't ride with me unless it's with the kids. Too bad! I think my biweekly group rides are starting to motivate her, though. She keeps asking about the women on the ride!
Tree Trunk is offline  
Reply
Old 09-16-02 | 05:33 PM
  #23  
DnvrFox's Avatar
Banned.
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 20,915
Likes: 13
We ride together a lot.

20 miles Saturday, 10 miles Sunday.
DnvrFox is offline  
Reply
Old 09-16-02 | 06:20 PM
  #24  
Year-round cyclist
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,023
Likes: 3
From: Montréal (Québec)
How about never ?

My wife is handicapped, and she isn't interested in handcycling. I could try to convince her to try a tandem with one handcycle and one pedalcycle -- I'm aware that such a beast exist --, but unless I can find one to try, it's an expensive proposition.

On the other hand, I cycle a lot with our children. Not only they enjoy cycling, but my wife appreciates the "time off" when I go out with the kids.

The oldest child (now 6) used a bit the baby seat, then graduated to a trailercycle. The youngest one (now 2.5) has ridden almost exclusively in the trailer I bought last winter.

This Summer, we have alternated between short rides using bike + trailer and oldest kid on her bike, and long rides using bike + trailercycle + trailer. Short rides were typically 10-35 km/day, mostly avoiding hills and major traffic, and going to various playgrounds. Long rides were mostly for scenery and pleasure to ride, although usually with a playground along the way, an ice cream cone somewhere (unless they didn't behave), and sometimes an interesting "feature": a series of locks, or a ferry , for example.

BTW, I had no problems in getting a budget for a good trailer and trailercycle... and my wife has no problem getting a budget for her books.

Regards,
Michel Gagnon is offline  
Reply
Old 09-16-02 | 06:25 PM
  #25  
dirtbikedude's Avatar
Gravity Is Yer Friend
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,961
Likes: 0
From: "Over the Hill" and going down fast in the 805.

Bikes: Scott Gambler, Scott Ransom, Kona Bear, Bianchi 928 Carbon/Chorus, C'Dale Rize4

She always makes sure I have the checkbook when I go by myself. She is my #1 supporter.
I was reading some of the threads to my wife and she laughed at this one and said, with an evil look, " She probably just wants you out of the house".
Slainte
dirtbikedude is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.