one for the girls !

hellbell123

hi im pretty new to cycling and joined this site in the hope of getting loads of tips from other female cyclists ..but as yet i havnt seen any !

where are the girls ??

Membrane

hellbell123 wrote:

where are the girls ??

Out shopping for shoes most likely (fashionable shoes that is, not cycling shoes )

There's a stronger female presence on this cycling board: http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/

hellbell123

tut..shoes !!

im due to try out my new clip in shoes tomorrow funnily enough ..any usefull advice on getting the most out of them (and also how not to fall off while clipped in)

i will have a look at that site..cheers !

ruprect

In cars, and jogging. I only see a few women on bikes commuting. I see more women jogging than men though. I always think this is odd,I thought women would favour cycling over jogging for exercise- to save the impact on the boobs.

Membrane

Still learning how to get the most out of clipless myself. What I've found so far is that you have to make a concious effort to learn to pull up. On the occasions where I had started to climb and then remembered to pull up the difference in speed is certainly noticable.

Most people who use clipless report having fallen over at some stage. I've avoided it myself so far, but having said that I'll probably drop sideways on my next outing I imagine that once you've experienced the embarressment of falling over you're much more likely to remember to unclip.

The only advice I'd give is not to leave it to the last moment to unclip, on occasions this will result in having to clip in again without having to put your foot down due to that light that went green at the last moment, but I'd say that's better than risking a sideways tumble.

hellbell123

i cant really comment there as i have never jogged :rolleyes: ..but its true i rarely see women cyclists when im out.. i really thought there would be more women here..

Junior

Easiest way of getting out of clipless I find is twisting my heel outwards.

hellbell123

Membrane wrote:

Most people who use clipless report having fallen over at some stage. I've avoided it myself so far, but having said that I'll probably drop sideways on my next outing I imagine that once you've experienced the embarressment of falling over you're much more likely to remember to unclip.

i did a fair bit of falling in the back garden whilst practising clipping in and out (funny for the neighbours but not so for me) ..in saying that im looking forward to trying them out for real ..:)

hellbell123

Junior wrote:

Easiest way of getting out of clipless I find is twisting my heel outwards.

i assumed that was the standard way of doing it ..?

Raam

Membrane wrote:

Still learning how to get the most out of clipless myself. What I've found so far is that you have to make a concious effort to learn to pull up. On the occasions where I had started to climb and then remembered to pull up the difference in speed is certainly noticable.

A good way to learn to pedal properly is to try it with one foot unclipped (take it off the pedal completely). That way you are forced to do the full rotation with your clipped foot. Try 15 strokes with each foot once every ride (making sure to push/pull smoothly for the entire stroke). Your legs will then remember how to do a full pedal stroke

daymobrew

Membrane wrote:

The only advice I'd give is not to leave it to the last moment to unclip, on occasions this will result in having to clip in again without having to put your foot down due to that light that went green at the last moment, but I'd say that's better than risking a sideways tumble.

I'll second the early unclip advice. I will also unclip if as I approach situations where a sharp brake will be necessary. I did fall sideways twice when I got the pedals and shoes, both when I stopped at home. Never again.

Clipless pedals are fantastic. I used to have toeclips and was constantly being thrown out of them by Dublin's potholes. No longer. By now I've forgotten how to use flat pedals

Membrane

hellbell123 wrote:

i did a fair bit of falling in the back garden whilst practising clipping in and out (funny for the neighbours but not so for me) ..in saying that im looking forward to trying them out for real ..:)

One more tip if you are using SPD pedals, mine were preset so that it was difficult to clip in and out, I adjusted them to their easiest setting bar one stop, this made them much easier to get in and out of, and sofar they haven't let go when they were not supposed to. I think that the factory setting is aimed at preventing being sued for unwanted unclipping. I think that most riders who use SPDs set them to an easy setting.

Please ignore the above if you are using another system than SPD.

Victor

where are the girls ??

They are out there, but sometimes its hard to spot them with all the shaved legs about. I think a big difference arises in teenage years where guys learn that bikes are a means of exploring / getting to do things beyond your own area that girls don't. In fact, more girls drive themselves to school than cycle to school.

hellbell123 wrote:

hi im pretty new to cycling and joined this site in the hope of getting loads of tips from other female cyclists ..but as yet i havnt seen any !

I'm not sure if there are many tips that are different. Although, in city cycling, if you have long hair, let it down. Motorists give people with long hair more space.

Clothing, posture and lack of use of gearrs are some thing that marks out a difference between a more competitive cyclist (male or female) and a "get me home"-type cyclist.

hot fuss

Victor wrote:

I'm not sure if there are many tips that are different. Although, in city cycling, if you have long hair, let it down. Motorists give people with long hair more space.
QUOTE]

Speaking as a female cyclist (commuter cyclist, not seriously cyclist), I couldn't cycle with my hair down. Your hair gets in the way when trying to look over your shoulder to see what's coming behind you... and then of course there's sweaty neck syndrome when the weather is hot!!

My only tip is, try and avoid skirts that blow in the wind - too much hassle!

Oh and baskets or pannier bags (sp?!) rock.. Anything is better than sweaty back due to rucksack syndrome!

hellbell123

Membrane wrote:

One more tip if you are using SPD pedals, mine were preset so that it was difficult to clip in and out, I adjusted them to their easiest setting bar one stop, this made them much easier to get in and out of, and sofar they haven't let go when they were not supposed to. I think that the factory setting is aimed at preventing being sued for unwanted unclipping. I think that most riders who use SPDs set them to an easy setting.

Please ignore the above if you are using another system than SPD.

have just run upstairs to check and yes they are spd..i honestly havnt a clue about setting them but will get the bf to have a look later ..

thanks for the advice will defo keep it all in mind when im out tomorrow

hellbell123

hot fuss wrote:

Speaking as a female cyclist (commuter cyclist, not seriously cyclist), I couldn't cycle with my hair down. Your hair gets in the way when trying to look over your shoulder to see what's coming behind you... and then of course there's sweaty neck syndrome when the weather is hot!!

My only tip is, try and avoid skirts that blow in the wind - too much hassle!

Oh and baskets or pannier bags (sp?!) rock.. Anything is better than sweaty back due to rucksack syndrome!

ahhh yes now im getting seriously sick of my rucksack for that reason but dont want to resort to a basket or panniers ..would prefer a bag that goes under the saddle but big enough to hold the essentials..

ceidefields

Hellbell - I just started seriously cycling this year (and I'm a girl). I basically borrowed my brother in law's very expensive Specialized bike and away I went. Luckily the frame is a good size for me (54" but I'm 5'7").

I go out with a group of other women every Saturday morning and we do about 25-30 miles. Hoping to build on that and work up to a century.

I haven't gone clipless yet but I definitely will once I break down and buy my own bike, which will probably be a Specialized too although I'm open to suggestions.

hellbell123

ceidefields wrote:

Hellbell - I just started seriously cycling this year (and I'm a girl). I basically borrowed my brother in law's very expensive Specialized bike and away I went. Luckily the frame is a good size for me (54" but I'm 5'7").

I go out with a group of other women every Saturday morning and we do about 25-30 miles. Hoping to build on that and work up to a century.

I haven't gone clipless yet but I definitely will once I break down and buy my own bike, which will probably be a Specialized too although I'm open to suggestions.

hi there ..i stated out 2 years ago really with a mountain bike but had to stop fairly quickly after i found i was pregnant..took it up again this year also but got a lovely new bike (kona dew) im really loving it at the moment..needless to say the mountain bike doesnt get out much now

its great that you have a group to go with..im also doing about 35miles on saturdays and normally end up dragging my less than keen sister out of bed

daymobrew

hellbell123 wrote:

ahhh yes now im getting seriously sick of my rucksack for that reason but dont want to resort to a basket or panniers ..would prefer a bag that goes under the saddle but big enough to hold the essentials..

I changed to Berghaus Freeflow 20 litre. It raises a good chunk of the back off your back via an arch in the backpack. The site also has user reviews.
The current model is better with ventilation in the straps too. I think it is about 65 euro.
I use it while jogging too. I'm very happy with this backpack.

I can take photos of the arch later if anyone wants.

milod

hellbell123 wrote:

hi there ..i stated out 2 years ago really with a mountain bike but had to stop fairly quickly after i found i was pregnant..took it up again this year also but got a lovely new bike (kona dew) im really loving it at the moment..needless to say the mountain bike doesnt get out much now

its great that you have a group to go with..im also doing about 35miles on saturdays and normally end up dragging my less than keen sister out of bed

So who's minding the child while you're out not shopping for shoes...?!

kenmc

hellbell123 wrote:

ahhh yes now im getting seriously sick of my rucksack for that reason but dont want to resort to a basket or panniers ..would prefer a bag that goes under the saddle but big enough to hold the essentials..

Me too. I have started taking just a tiny bumbag when I don't need much stuff like the laptop, breakfast cereal etc - it's just big enough to take my tshirt/boxers/socks to change after a shower, and I can leave my towel, couple pairs of trousers etc in a locker in work, so that's handy.
I was thinking of looking at one of these though as an alternative to a rack (clicky links too):

but it hasn't got great reviews. I just think I'd prefer something like this for my bike, rather than full racks.
There's also this option which I think is a fantastic idea in theory, but again I wonder if it's any good in practice:

Anyone else seen this around and how well it works??

hellbell123

daymobrew wrote:

I changed to Berghaus Freeflow 20 litre. It raises a good chunk of the back off your back via an arch in the backpack. The site also has user reviews.
The current model is better with ventilation in the straps too. I think it is about 65 euro.
I use it while jogging too. I'm very happy with this backpack.

I can take photos of the arch later if anyone wants.

nice looking bag but a bit on the big side for my needs (i could nearly fit the child in there:) )

hellbell123

milod wrote:

So who's minding the child while you're out not shopping for shoes...?!

well his dad does ..he also watches the other 2 while i spend ages not shopping for shoes i do the same for him though

ashj

*sticks hand up*
I'm a gurl
I'm usually out cycling, not posting :P (reply to this with stickie notes at traffic lights, or little messages spelt in the broken glass on the cycle lanes)

hunnymonster

I'm another female cyclist.


I can't remember where I read it but at the time I remember believing the research that yes, having blonde long hair is a good safety feature on the bike. I tend to put mine in a long plait which hangs down below my helmet.

I practised cliping in and out of my pedals by sitting in a doorframe but I would certainly second the advice to unclip early.

There are a couple of female only groups that go out. I know the guys in cycleways often give me the details for people.

Don't get too hung up on looking for female specific advice. Almost every time I go out for a group cycle it's me and a group of lads. I do give them a hard time when they have to draft off me to get to the tops of some of the longer climbs we do but otherwise gender isn't an issue.

Membrane

hunnymonster wrote:

Almost every time I go out for a group cycle it's me and a group of lads. I do give them a hard time when they have to draft off me to get to the tops of some of the longer climbs we do but otherwise gender isn't an issue.

:eek:

Given that there is no draft to speak of when climbing, are you sure it is that why they are stuck on your rear wheel?

The_B_Man

lol!

SPANDEX!!

kincsem

When you come to a stop clip out both feet. Nothing worse than having one foot on the ground, then toppling slowly in the opposite direction with the other foot still clipped in.

Bluefoam

lots of girls over here: www.epicmtb.com

Civilian_Target

Yeah, there's no shortage of ladies on the road. See the odd lady lycra-rider too, they get very competitve!

Victor

The_B_Man wrote:

lol! SPANDEX!!

Do you know how hard it is to cycle uphill in a an excited state? :eek:

Civilian_Target

I'm sure it's hard ::drumroll::
Maybe female cyclists do have a competitve advantage in that regard...

ozchick

I'm here! *wave*

I don't get my new bike till next week, but plan to be riding then. Bit nervous about riding around here, but will probably go to Phoenix Park during the week to ride and weekends ride down the N11 early Sat/Sun morning with my hubby.

I frequent Team Estrogen site for good female info re cycling - its a worldwide site with lots of departments including different locations in the world.

Keen to hear more about the women's cycling groups and finding some good spots to ride. have done tris and ridden for years back home.

Cleats are the way to go and easy once you practice a bit

Ok and I'm competitive!

penexpers

hellbell123 wrote:

have just run upstairs to check and yes they are spd..i honestly havnt a clue about setting them but will get the bf to have a look later ..

thanks for the advice will defo keep it all in mind when im out tomorrow

I would say you're better off figuring out how the pedals work yourself - it's not that hard at all. I think it's important to understand how the equipment you're using works.

hellbell123

penexpers wrote:

I would say you're better off figuring out how the pedals work yourself - it's not that hard at all. I think it's important to understand how the equipment you're using works.

true ..and thats what i did 2..went out saturday and did my usual 30+ miles and everything went fine ! dont know what i was worried about now

blorg

ozchick wrote:

Phoenix Park during the week to ride and weekends ride down the N11 early Sat/Sun morning with my hubby.

Rather than the N11, while still going in the same general direction, you have a few better options: out along the coast via Dun Laoghaire to Dalkey (for an easy flat ride), out to Eniskerry via the scalp for a gentle ascent and still a quite flat ride, or alternatively up the mountains! Up to Johnny Foxes, Military Road to Glencree, Sally Gap, Laragh etc.

The_B_Man

lol Phoenix park to ride? ill keep me mouth shut...

ozchick

The_B_Man wrote:

lol Phoenix park to ride? ill keep me mouth shut...

And well you should!!

I'm new here and ain't gunna risk riding alone during the day in a town I don't know and likely to get lost in. I'm looking at building up riding fitness again before I learn some safer places to ride. That is why I joined this site - for help!

Thanks blorg for your help. Will look into it.

At home we had a wonderful coastal road, 2 lanes, one for cyclists that would often see 1500 cyclists out of a weekend (and we wore helmets:p ) and could ride for up to 160km round trip.

Dirk Gently

ozchick wrote:

And well you should!!

I'm new here and ain't gunna risk riding alone during the day .

I don't think thats what he meant.

You haven't got short black hair by any chance? Often see an ozzy girlie cycling in the park on a racer, fully kitted out in the lycra and jersey.

Capt'n Midnight

Victor wrote:

Do you know how hard it is to cycle uphill in a an excited state? :eek:

"Thanks for giving me a crossbar, I thought you had a ladies bike"

"it is"

":eek:"

ozchick

No clown bag, don't have the bike yet (cept mine back home!) so haven't been riding yet. Hope to get it this week, but will be back home in Oz for six weeks soon. Probably get back when it's getting rather chilly! Don't have dark hair and you wouldn't know I'm an Aussie till I talk - don't wear Aussie gear.

And I gathered he was mocking anyone who ride is such a small/limited location? So will just be riding there till I get my bearings around this town or find someone to ride with. At least I can run around my neighourhood and not get lost now!:rolleyes:

Dirk Gently

It was actually her cursing at herself loudly pushing herself up a hill that sounded ozzy or kiwi. I use the park myself for cycling due to the **** traffic in the city. It's grand for lapping during the week for an hour or two at off peak times.

A lot of people ride in the phoenix park

blorg

If you are looking for bike path routes starting in or around the city centre, Clontarf to Sutton is a good length (10k or so of bike path) and you can do a circuit of Howth Head at the end for a bit of a climb (steep the village side, longer the other side.)

Out to Lucan/Leixlip by the Strawberry beds can be another nice cycle on a small road with a bit of undulation at the start, although I haven't done this in a while.

What is your focus- avoiding traffic, traffic lights, fast, flat, climbs or what? Where are you starting from?

noieralc

Another girly cyclist here (Although I'm down in the Southeast - this board seems to presume evryone is inside the Pale!!)
I took up cycling about 6 months ago and do over 100 miles a week now, I'm loving it.
I go out in all the gear...and there are so few women out on the roads that all the fellas love meeting me. Of course I tell myself it's cos I'm such a good cyclist that they want to try keep up with me...but I guess if I'm honest they tail behind me cos of the lycra sights:D

Civilian_Target

Now, what kind of unchivilrous man tails in a lady's slipstream. Surely it should be the other way around!

cyclinglucan

Contact the Cycling ireland Women's Commission - they run events and spins for all levels of women's cycling

www.cyclinglucan.com

ozchick

Just thought I would keep this thread ticking along!

Got my Specialized Ruby on the weekend - couldn't get out Sunday for a ride but today headed over to Phoenix Park. It was my first real drive in Dublin too, only took a wrong turn once!! That park is like a major highway in the middle! Couldn't believe the tourist buses!

Anyway, started on the bike path (yeah, bit wussy, I know, just to get the feel of the bike and its handling) and eventually found some other roads to venture onto. Found the Keo cleats so much better than my old heavy Looks. Also found the seat a bit more uncomfortable than my Selle Italia Lady Gel

Anyone have a standard loop they do, best time to ride (this was about 11am today) The Garda on bikes were nice and friendly. Shame I fly home for 6 weeks this weekend and have to leave her behind - back to the old bike for 6 weeks!

TinyExplosions

I have a standard loop I do in the park most weekdays -from the City centre end straight up the main road, take a right at the last roundabout and circle down that side of the park, follow the road back over the main one, and loop round the far side of the park, then back down the centre road to Park Gate st. 10.5 miles a circuit -repeat as many times as you need!

I've not explained it the best, but the route is available here -I'm lovin this mashup at the moment.

I tend to go about 6, and the traffic isn't that bad, and there's cycle lanes most of the way round. It's a pretty easy ride, but there's some climbing, some downhill, and it's pretty pleasant.

Ghost Rider

That's a real nice route. Best to stay on the road, though, instead of the cycle path as the latter is usually littered with iPodestrians.

TinyExplosions wrote:

I have a standard loop I do in the park most weekdays -from the City centre end straight up the main road, take a right at the last roundabout and circle down that side of the park, follow the road back over the main one, and loop round the far side of the park, then back down the centre road to Park Gate st. 10.5 miles a circuit -repeat as many times as you need!

I've not explained it the best, but the route is available here -I'm lovin this mashup at the moment.

I tend to go about 6, and the traffic isn't that bad, and there's cycle lanes most of the way round. It's a pretty easy ride, but there's some climbing, some downhill, and it's pretty pleasant.

Hungrycol

Ghost Rider wrote:

iPodestrians.

LOL

ozchick

Thanks for that Tiny! I will check it out. I'm back in Oz now for 6 weeks, bit hard to leave Ruby in Dublin, but I have another bike here to ride on, just had to bring my helmet back. Weather here has been divine Spring! Not looking forward to the decline in daylight when I get back in mid October! Oh well, that's life I guess.

Ipodestrians! I LOVE it too!!:D There weren't many though the day I was out and I just yelled 'coming thru' which I do back here.

BTW, is there a general rule in Ireland on which side of the path to walk? I find it od cos in Australia people walk on the left, but I often find myself doing the 'left/right shuffle dance' thing when coming face to face with people who walk up the middle of the footpath? Just interested.

Also found guys swimming up the right side of the pool and back up the left - eventually I asked why, you drive on the left side of the road, so why not left side of the pool/footpath kinda thing Maybe they were just social swimmers, not use club swims etc

Hope you guys get some nice weather!