lucien2

My wife was a track star in high school and, but for being 8 months pregnant, would be out there with me. She's thrilled that I have rediscovered the joys of cycling, and is helping me find ways to finance my upcoming road bike. Especially since I have demonstrated my commitment by riding my MTB on the road while I save up.

Mom, on the other hand....well, she doesn't get it. She's never been a fitness type, and I consider that the one flaw in my childhood- there was never any family sport. I rode bikes on my own, but no one in the family took it up with me or exploited my interest in it any further than tooling around on a Huffy, even as the school forced me into team sports that I hated and constantly ditched. Not that she is negative, but she thinks bikes are toys that don't belong on streets, and don't cost more than a couple hundred bucks. I think Dad is getting interested, thanks to the tour and the wait for my bike- the concept of not just walking into a store and buying something in stock piqued his curiosity. My brother and sister don't keep in touch enough to even know how much I've ridden this summer. They still think I quit after my "big wreck of '02." Well yes, Mountain Biking that is! Heh heh heh....

cyclingute

When I first started riding 15 or so years ago. My parents thought it'd be a thing for me go get around campus on. Then I learned I really liked riding. First mountain biking, then on the road. My parents don't understand the $4400 bike thing, but don't bat an eye at the just under $1000 bikes.

I lost a gf because of bike. She was mad that the bike was more enjoyable than she was. It didn't nag or complain, and when I was mad at it, it stayed in the garage.

My wife, at first was just tolerant of the bike. Then she got interested. In the 7 years we've been married she's had more bikes than I have had. She loves it when I ride, and irritated at me when I don't. Probably because I get grumpy. I have to say that the bike has helped my marriage. It allows both of us to blow of steam with out blowing it off at each other.

So, all in all, the family likes it. My grandparents were worried about it, but were happy I was active. I hope to pass the love on to our kids.

Murrays

At my 20 year HS reunion last year, I couldn't help but think that I was far more athletic than ALL the sports stars from from high school. It's too bad so much focus is put on team sports in HS and not life sports like cycling and hiking.

-murray

55/Rad

15 years ago when I first started going out with my future wife, she was indifferent and put off by the amount of time it took. Then the bike was stolen and life moved on. Marriage, kids, mortgages, family issues, relocating, etc. I gained 25 pounds and drank too much.

Now, at 44, I'm in the best shape of my life after getting back into cycling last year. If I go 2 days without riding, my wife begins to ask.

55/Rad

JamesV

My wife has a love/hate relationship with my cycling.

She loves my cycling when I lost 40 pounds, lowered my bad cholesterol, raised my good, and the doctor said I have eliminated all but one cardio risk factor. She loves how cycling has dropped my waist size when I try on clothing, and says how much better I look. She loves how my commuting has really lowered my gasoline and maintenace costs on our second vehicle. She loves it when I get cycling catalogues and says, "I really like this jersey... maybe you should get it."

She hates my cycling if my commute requires riding in the dark. She hates it sometimes when I want a weekly long ride of 50 or 60 miles on a Saturday or Sunday. She hates cycling when she can see my ribs and says, "You're getting too skinny." She hates it when cycling catalogues come in the mail ("Oh, you got one these things in the mail again...").

She's never asked me to stop cycling. She's just worried that "something's going to happen to me."

She's conflicted because cycling is very good for me and at the same time exposes me to risk of injury or death.

Every time I leave on the bike I get a deep hug and a "be careful."

I_Have_No_Legs

well i was at the bike shop this morning having my new cables cut and placed on my new LOOK 261 frame *MUHAHAHAHA!!!!* And my dad called me to tell me about a killer 60 mile ride we have to do when i get home on leave... Is that supportive anof for ya?

caloso

Holy crap! You just reminded me that I have my 20 year reunion next summer! Now I've got a reason to put in some 200 mile weeks this year!

Great sign from my wife yesterday. We were at REI to look at a bike trailer for the Wonder Twins and my wife found a toddler-size Cannondale jersey and tiny gloves. It had a pink and purple flower print and my wife said, "Wouldn't this look really cute on your daughter in a couple years?"

God, I love that woman.

gcasillo

Come on. Admit it. She didn't like your blackened chicken. She's a vegan. She LOVED the bike.

But now you have a wife, you can cook a mean honey crusted salmon, and no one can stay on your wheel. Be honest!

Spin, spin, spin...

loriy29680

yeah, my boyfriend is exactly the same way. he loves that i'm active and happy when i get my rides in, but is scared to death until i get back home safely. last week when i installed new clipless pedals and fell 3 times the first time out, he was scared to death when i went back out the next day. when i decided to ride on another 10 miles and was a few minutes late, he called on the cell to be sure i was ok. i love it that he cares and worries about me. makes me feel good.
he can't believe how much i'm spending on clothes, accessories, etc. , but is supportive, nonetheless.
My parents worry a little, but are thrilled i have found a sport i can love and devote interest and time to. They don't ask about the roads I ride on, but I'm very careful about the routes I choose, and they know that too. Overall, my family thinks it is great. I can't imagine how hard it must be for those of you who don't have this kind of support. I guess I need to thank my lucky stars!

Jakey

Only complaint I get is from my wife, and thats that it takes up too much time...cause I like to do at least one longer ride every weekend (3+ hours) But I try to get started early in the morning so I can still be with the family for the majority of the day. She'll get more into it in another year or so when I get a tandem Tandem pulling a burley 'trail a bike' (forget what burley calls it) with a trailer behind that pulling the youngest. My bike train is gonna rock!

VeganRider

Father has always asked me to call him in the evenings; I ask why? He says, "Well,,,, You know..... You ride a bike....... And,,,,,, I just like to know that your still alive at the end of the day." gee Pops, why not try to jinx me! Other family members think of me as wacked out regardless; so I don't really care what they think, can't choose your family.

JamesV

loriy29680:They don't ask about the roads I ride on, but I'm very careful about the routes I choose

I do the same thing... since my wife is conflicted with supporting my cycling/fear of my cycling, I think being smart about choosing routes and not taking silly risks is the least I can do.

That and cranking up the life insurance

DocRay

Riding a bicycle is the most dangerous thing you can do on a road, because not enough people do it.
Wife hates the danger, likes the butt, so it's working out.

Main problem: they don't get it, they think bikes are toys.

orguasch

wife is very supportive of my cycling activity

barleyrocket

My wife is very supportive and is getting back into cycling with me. I keep trying to get her to buy a more expensive bike, then I won't feel so guilty when I want a more expensive one later. I'm not sure how the rest of my family feels about it. I never ask them for the approval, and I guess they don't voice their opinion.