OK, so what should my image be?

Yeah, I know this is all self imposed pressure -- but what would YOU do or think if you found yourself working for Graeme Street? Wouldn't you think all those riders out there would look at you and say, "Well, gee, she doesn't look like she's anything special in the realm of cycling."

Well, you are right, I'm not. Except for a couple things. I love cycling just like you! I struggle to stay in shape because of time constraints and other obligations, just like most of you! And the the girls can relate to this, it has been primarily a male sport over the years, which I have to admit, has it's benefits -- I mean, I certainly don't mind being surrounded by men -- but then again, the sport is not very conducive for getting women involved. And there's an awful lot of testosterone floating around that's a bit difficult to deal with on occasion. :)

I tried my hand at a bit of crit and road racing about 10 years ago at the ripe old age of *%#... and felt like I was racing against the kiddie pool. There really wasn't much in the way of age or category breakdowns except at the larger level... usually state or national, so, after more than a few embarrassing finishes, I hung up my racing cleats. Maybe if there had been someone to work with me and inspire me back then, who knows? I really wasn't that lame of a cyclist... especially for my age.

But back to the pressure of being a cyclo-girl. Sometimes I realize there really aren't that many women out there in my *%# age bracket that are in 1/2 the shape I am, so that makes me feel a better about myself. But you know -- sometimes if feels lonely out here! At the office, in my previous job -- and 30+ people or more, even out of the 20 something youngersters, I was the ONLY one that embraced cycling and almost the only one that embraced fitness of any kind. Pretty sad, huh?

So, I thought I'd just start sharing some of my thoughts as a "girl", especially one that loves cycling, is in the *%# age bracket and puts alot of pressure on herself. And, maybe someone else out there will relate and won't feel so alone.

Afterall, girls, we gotta stick together and inspire more girls to join our ranks! (And I don't mind if you guys tune in, too. Afterall, maybe you'll learn something and develop your sensitive side a bit more.) :)

I guess I better confess to what the *%# bracket is -- but I hope this doesn't influence whether you relate or join in. Just visit my profile and you'll see.