Posts by Lisa Myers3

My grandmother is a firm believer in angels, whereas I tend to lean more toward hobbits, given that I grew up in the D&D generation.

Betty Edwards22 said:Look—smoking and beer just don't belong in the same category, and frankly, you really ought to take your cycling more seriously... it’s just not working out, exactly like Patrick King7 told you. 👎
Smoking is a direct assault on both our community and the health of everyone around us...

As for what you drink—look, it all comes down to what’s actually in the glass... 😁
If the usual choice is the gold standard, maybe it’s time to branch out... I’ve realized it isn't about how much you drink or that hollow claim that it actually quenches your thirst; it’s about the fact that it should be treated as a treat, and when you look at it that way, the portion size doesn't really matter.

I can't stand that cheap domestic lager... gross. It's not like I have access to a Corona, an Erdinger, a La Trap, or a Guinness when I'm out, since they only serve those tiny 3.4 oz pours... $10 On the downside, since I’m only pulling in $3.50 an hour right now, there's really no point in acting like I'm Rockefeller... 🙂I make compromises on things like that just so I don't have to on others... But beer isn't really what people are talking about. 😍 It turns out I’m a total lightweight... one minute I’m grabbing a drink near Union Station, and the next I’m stumbling toward the gym before heading to the main arena... it was just too much... 😂..!

I have the drive, even if my bank account isn't exactly ready for top-tier gear just yet—but that’s only temporary, and let’s be honest, I’m no saint... amen. My goal is to see how much I can squeeze out of myself over the next couple of years. I wouldn't call myself a naturally competitive person, but the moment I hop on my bike, everything changes; suddenly, being first is the only thing that matters. I can't stand seeing anyone else in front of me—I find myself racing against city buses (they don't stop often enough to give me a chance) or streetcars, basically anything moving on the road. At 5'8" and around 160 lbs, I've got some decent power in my legs. Of course, this is worlds away from professional cycling, but at 26, I've started having these... let's call them childhood fantasies... swirling in my head. When I sit on that bike, I feel like Anthony Hopkins in "World's fastest Indian"... I just love those athletic silhouettes on the spec sheets and that aggressive riding posture... it feels like it pushes me straight to warp 6. 🙂It brings a smile to my face... 😍😍😍

Betty Edwards22 said:Don't let it fool you; the damage from even one active cigarette lingers for years, statistically manifesting as an increased incidence of oral, bronchial, and lung cancers...
Unfortunately, this is my line of work, so I'm not just talking nonsense...🙄

I know it, or rather, I believe it. My primary motivation for quitting was the addiction itself. I have no desire to be a slave to a habit while simultaneously paying for the privilege. Health and money were factors, of course, but they feel secondary now. A cigarette is trash, much like this bottled piss we call beer, and there’s no excuse for having a couple of brews and lighting up. I do it to unwind, and it doesn't really worry me. If the beer starts interfering with my serious cycling sessions, then it'll have to go.

Anyway, could someone recommend a bike shop in Chicago where I can go to pick some brains? I don't expect to jump straight in, obviously, but it would be helpful to have someone take a look at my bike and my riding posture... Sometimes my lower back aches during rides... I suspect my bike isn't tuned quite right...

Patrick King7 said:Wow! That’s incredible! Keep it up! I heard you can actually start feeling the benefits of quitting just a few days in! Amazing!
Have you gained any weight yet? Or did it stay about the same because of the diet changes?

I actually overhauled my diet a couple of months before I quit smoking. I haven't put on much weight, though I still have maybe 10 or 15 pounds of fat left to burn off🙂..
It feels like the positive effects are only just starting to kick in for me now. The toughest part has been the irritability from withdrawal, but I didn't find a substitute in food—instead, I turned to push-ups, squats, pull-ups, and... you guessed it... cycling😁.
Look, I'm no saint, so don't get the wrong idea! If I'm having a drink, I might light up. But it's not a whole pack, just two or three cigarettes for the hell of it. A craving is a craving. People claim you can't function like that, but it works fine for me. What really changed was my mindset. Honestly, I feel that mental shift more than any physical change right now. I just feel strong and healthy😁😁😁!

Patrick King7 said:You’re finished! You aren't just a loser, you're an old man! Actually, now that I think about it, you’re more like a great-grandfather... maybe even a fossil, or perhaps just the fossilized remains of a single-celled organism...😉

You’re being far too hard on yourself! Just stick to the grilling for now, and you'll have your fitness back in six months... maybe even a year from now you'll be feeling twice as good...

🙂 Well, I’ve made quite a few changes to my diet lately, and I even managed to quit smoking four months ago... I realize it might seem like a bit of a patchwork approach right now, but I’m truly going to try to do better!

Hey everyone. I’m expecting my workload to pick up soon, but for now, my responsibilities are preventing me from riding as much as I’d like—currently averaging about 100-93 miles miles a week, which feels a bit light... I also have a vintage road bike from the mid-80s in pretty rough shape, but I’ve got plenty of motivation 🙂.
I suspect the best move would be to join a local cycling club to get some guidance. It’s always easier when someone shows you the ropes rather than trying to figure everything out on your own.
Does anyone have recommendations for a good club in the Chicago area?

Hailey!
I'm 26 and have recently developed a real interest in road cycling. I'm certainly not planning on riding in the Tour de France, but I’d love to wrap my head around how the sport actually works, find a club that fits around my schedule, and maybe eventually enter a local race... Just looking to do this recreationally; I don't intend to make a living out of cycling. I was wondering if anyone could offer some guidance:

1.) Am I too old to start?

2.) Do clubs actually take people like me on?

3.) Which clubs would you recommend in the Chicago area?

4.) How much cash should I set aside for decent gear and a proper bike for training?

Thanks in advance! 👍