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I picked surgical adhesive out of my eyelashes for two days afterwards. That’s the key for getting them to stay, surgical adhesive.

If you come to the Diamond Derby some sort of outlandish, over-the-top, cringe-worthy costume will be on display along with my rhinestoned bike. It’s just one big cry for help, really.

ann

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Astounding.

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I’d like to thank you, light blue mini-van racing to make the light.

Thank you for passing me on the left because I had the audacity to take the lane, and then cut across in front of me as we went down that hill together. That move startled me and gave me a split second to reach my brakes.

Thank you for braking so hard your tires squealed as your reached the right turn lane.

But most of all, thank you for not actually coming to a stop because I would have slammed into the left corner of your bumper. They look very shiny from that close range.

I hope you have a pleasant day, thank you for not injuring me.

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@Riley Casey 15389 wrote:

Let me be the first Guy to say those are some beautiful ummmm errr ahhhhh bikes. Particularly the one with the short green skirt, I mean fenders.

You mean there are women in those photos? Hadn’t noticed.

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You survived and you lived to ride another day. No matter how hard it is, it will be a good ride.

Welcome back, Bike Warrior.

ann

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@Dirt 15347 wrote:

I know shopping locally is a luxury that not all can afford… especially in this economy. I’ve always had the best luck buying cycling shoes in person.

I’ll order all sorts of nonsense shoes online but when it comes to bike shoes I have to go to the shops and try them on. Every company has a different fit. I’ve learned the hard way.

ann

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That is a beautiful bike.

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Welcome! Welcome!
Great design, colorful without looking like a NASCAR. I approve despite its lack of sparkles.

Besides this board, check out WABA for events that will amuse and astound you. That would be the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, not to be confused with the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action. I’m sure their events would amuse and astound you too, but in a different way.

Do whatever Dirt says. It’s easier that way.

You live where all the beautiful people live so no doubt you’ll have fun.

Happy Bunny Hops,
ann

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I never thought about it before but I ride with three different pedal configurations. Furthermore, I’ve fallen out of each type.

Crank Brothers – Eggbeaters on my cross bike: By far the easiest to manage

Look System – On Spartacus, my road bike: I learned on these and shed many tears of frustration while I learned. It took me a good four months to get used to them.

SPD – On my commuter bike: I’m still not entirely comfortable with these. For me, they are harder to twist out of.

Flat pedals – On my commuter bike: I have the flat on one side, SPD on the other. With a pair of low-heeled cowboy boots, flat pedals are kinda fun. The heel catches right inside the groove of the pedal and it’s almost like being clipped in.

As for bib shorts etc, by all means please buy bib shorts. I’m certainly not going to complain.

But in my experience better quality makes a difference. If I’m rummaging around looking for a pair of shorts to put on, I’ll choose my nicer ones just because they are more comfortable. I also have a lot of cheap ones and a bike skirt or two for days I wanna channel my inner cheerleader.

But the best shorts in the world won’t make up for a bad saddle or even a saddle that’s out of proper alignment.

An uncomfortable saddle can turn a wonderful outing into a long nightmare.

ann

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When I’m riding by myself and don’t have to worry about embarrassing anyone I’ll amuse myself by thinking up odd things to call out as I pass:

Old broad on your left. Watch out.
Oh Lord, I’ve got no brakes. (A real crowd pleaser)
Don’t mind me, I’m just wheezing up this hill. (But notice I’m still passing you, tee hee.)

To the trail riding cyclists who insist on riding over the yellow line towards me my language is more colorful. And I have some perfected hand signals that go along with that colorful language. Not exactly ASL, but unmistakeable nonetheless.

I prefer a quiet, “I’m on your left” when a cyclist creeps up on my shoulder. It doesn’t startle me and I’m happy for a change in scenery. I’m quite pleased to stare at your, uh, bike for half a mile or so. And I promise not to make any sucking noises.

Bells are irritating. An air horn will probably cause me to crash.

Go ahead, pass me. See if I care. :roll eyes:

ann

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Yeah! Shedding oppression! That’s what I’ll call it.

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*Funny* The only way I’m sprinting up a hill is to avoid a brush fire. And in this wind I would probably lose.

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It’s such a shame you guys live so close to the city, all those bikes crowding out the trails…
Out here in Vienna it’s just the deer, the hedgehogs, and a lot fewer bike commuters.
I guess you need to build more trails.
Or move further out into the *gasp* suburbs.
(Why does this sound so familiar?)

Hands down the best line I’ve read today was a description of the continuous dinging by a passing cyclist who sounded like a bike ambulance. That was brilliant!

Happy Trails Out Here in the Suburbs…
ann

PS- Yes, the Mount Vernon Trail is pretty but oh my, way too crowded.

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It pains me to admit it. My God, I’m biting my tongue. I actually enjoyed my commute home today. The hills were not so bad. Perhaps I was lightheaded from skipping lunch. (Note to self: Eating packed lunch for breakfast is a bad idea.) Two residents in a neighborhood I ride through were outside as I rode past and they waved to me as if they knew me. I’ve commuted on this route for two months without seeing anyone. Clearly, they have noticed me. It warmed my ice cold heart.

On the other hand, the delivery dude who made sucking noises and said, “That’s a great a***,” I was not amused.

Thank you to Dirt for quietly encouraging me to ride to work through his daily example. Thank you to Tim Kelley for calmly shaming me into riding to work. Thank you to Liz for setting the bar very high for women who commute. Thank you to Kathy for making me feel bad about not commuting. And I blame Blacknell because I blame him for everything.

I will never sprint up a hill. And that’s ok. But I’ve proven to myself that I can improve. And my God, I had fun today. The best thing I ever did was to begin commuting in the worst weather of the season. It’s all good from here on out.

If I can do it. Anyone can.

Happy Trails,
The Rhinestone Cowgirl

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And I’d buy her a drink if she revealed herself. Go Sister, go! I’m with you in spirit but my flesh is weak.

ann

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