Women Riding Well

Sandra Engel

margie — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:50:20 +0000

My friend Patti got me started into biking in January of 2008 and I am so grateful that she did. Lana and I were looking for a way to spend more time together with Patti and each other and when we saw how fabulous Patti was looking, we decided we could get in great shape and have more girl time! So, I pulled out my bike that wasn’t getting any use and decided to commit to the MS 150 and haven’t looked back.
I have come a long way thanks to the help of the wonderful women that I am lucky to ride with and our great Coach, Cliff. I still have a lot of things I want to accomplish physically, but getting there along side all of these wonderful women (and man) is the most fun!

Women Riding Well has shown me that I can excel when I work hard and continue to be consistent. It has also allowed me to see parts of New Mexico I would have never seen. I look forward to meeting you on an upcoming ride. Women together can accomplish anything (probably a quote from someone famous, but if not I’ll call it my own…)!

Lovelyn Clem

margie — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:44:31 +0000

Born in Columbus, Ohio then off to CA, TX, AZ, IL, HI, Germany (Army well-behaved child J) and ended up in ABQ for most of my life. Currently I live in the NW side of town near Montano & Coors. I love the outdoors and began cycling on a hybrid bike last summer on the Bosque. I remember how exhilarated I felt after riding 12 miles…thinking what a challenge it was…but why would anyone want to ride any farther? Then I rode in the Day of the Tread, guaranteed to blow the bats from your belfry. It delivered but I needed assistance getting out of bed and off the toilet the next day; no matter, my legs unfurled, the get in shape challenge was on, I was addicted! I knew I had to get a road bike soon. Browsing around at the Kickstand I saw the Women Riding Well flyer. I lugged my hybrid out on my first ride, which was challenging and fun then I bought my first road bike. I am looking forward to taking classes, learning new cycling skills and riding with the team. I am also very excited about riding in upcoming cycling events, maybe even a century! Oh, and I’m the short one. (photo coming soon!)

How to Post a new Topic on our Blog!

margie — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:05:38 +0000

Here are the instructions for creating a new post with your own topic on our blog. First, get yourself a user name and password (email Margie). Then log in by clicking the login button on the bottom of any page of our site. You will enter the inner workings of our web site. Don’t worry, you won’t mess anything up (if you follow these directions)!

Create New Post
In the top left corner under Women Riding Well click on Write and a blank post page will open. Give your post a good topic-related title. For example, if you want to ask a question about saddles title your post “Saddle Sizing” or “Saddle brands” not just “Question”. This makes it easier to find the post by topic later. Then write your post, proof it, and add your name to the bottom.

Saving + Publishing + Previewing your Post
Be sure to SAVE your post before you navigate away from the window or you’ll LOSE your work! The Save button is in the black box to the right of the posting window. The Save button will only save your work for safe keeping. You can even come back to it later after navigating away from our site and continue to work on it. After being saved, your post is not published and others will not yet be able to read it. When you’re satisfied with your post, add your name to the bottom then save it one final time, and click Publish (right next to the Save button) and your post will be live on the web site!

Modifying Text
In the blue menu bar above your posting window you’ll find selections for modifying your text, such as making it bold, changing the color, etc. If you hover your cursor over one of the icons in the blue menu, a pop-up dialog box will tell you what that icon is for. Highlight the text you’d like to embellish then click on the appropriate icon.

Bike Friday

Adding a Photo to your Post
If you’d like to add a photo to your post, first place your cursor where you’d like to insert the photo and click, then click on the first (square) icon after Add Media in the blue menu bar. Navigate to your chosen photo (it’s easier if it’s already on your desktop and reduced in size for the web) and click “Choose Files to Upload”. Select an alignment option, add a caption if desired then (on the bottom of the screen) select Add to Post. If you decide to get rid of the photo, just click the photo itself and then the delete button that will appear.

Other Options Below the Posting Window
Beneath the posting window, you’ll find Tags, Categories, Advanced Options. It’d be best if you leave those alone. Your new post will automatically go where it should (to our blog) and if you select any other option, your post may appear on another page of our Member’s Cafe. If this happens, contact Margie to fix the problem.

Commenting on a Post
Commenting on a post is easy. No need to log in, just click on the Comment button on the bottom of the post and a comment window will appear.

That’s it! This may look intimidating at first, but if you take it one step at a time, you’ll soon find that it’s easy. You might want to print these instructions (or copy and paste them into your own document) for future reference. This post will always be available to you, but as people add posts, it’ll move down the list.

Let’s all contribute to our blog and make it a viable resource for our club!
Margie

Susan Hunter

margie — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 23:14:13 +0000

I love being outdoors. Cycling has added so much to my appreciation of experiencing the outside environment. Too bad I can’t cycle and fly fish at the same time! However, it’s great for “drive-by” birding and wildlife watching. So, when you see me out riding around, I’ll be the one that asks if you saw the hawk or heard the wren.
When I joined Women Riding Well last spring as a Level One rider I surprised myself by learning new cycling skills and slowly increasing my fitness. I had quite a struggle catching up to the group, but gradually built a solid riding base. As you can see from my photo, I tend to be pretty tenacious. I was very pleased to be able to ride in the Santa Fe Century, this past summer’s MS Atomic Ride and Day of the Tread. My goal this year is to become a better climber, although I don’t think I will ever be able to climb well enough to get up that tree.
I became interested in cycling in the mid 90’s when I started attending studio cycling classes at New Mexico Sports and Wellness. I wanted cardio exercise while I recovered from foot surgery. After a few years I acquired a mountain bike, which was stolen. I replaced it with another, but spotted a road bike that struck my fancy about a year later. I confess that I have not ridden the mountain bike since.
About three years ago, I became certified as a Studio Cycling Instructor with NMSW. I hold Level I and Threshold Heart Zone Certifications. I really enjoy teaching, especially beginning riders. I get a real charge from watching someone overcome initial anxiety and start to progress. I want to pass on all of the knowledge that I got from other great instructors.

Maripat Glover

margie — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:45:50 +0000

Well my journey with cycling started with buying a bike on Memorial Day 2006 for a triathlon event the following August. I had no clue what I was getting into. The first time I rode 10 miles on the Bosque bike path I was so proud of my accomplishment! Since then I have done an MS150 ride, two Moab trips, and many triathlons including two half distance “ironmans”.
I met up with the original WRW team as they started to train for the 2007 MS 150 ride. It is funny to remember how they thought I was an advanced cyclist because I had one more season of cycling than they did! Though I rode with them I did not join the club until I saw how much they had advanced in skill and strength over the winter and needing to know their secret I joined the club and the training classes led by Cliff.
Many miles … over hills and flats … cold and warm … have increased my strength and increased the fun as we work together as a group encouraging and pushing each other to achieve our personal goals. It is wonderful to see everyone grow in their cycling knowledge, skills and strength. I look forward to many more miles and fun with the group.

Pat Olives

margie — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:16:04 +0000

It all started when my son, Travis, insisted on picking out a bike for me for Christmas. As we wandered around his friend’s bike shop, I soon realized that picking out my bike was actually secondary to his desire to see what was new in the bike world. I left with a fancy red Felt which wasn’t even my size and spent the next 2 months searching until I finally found the one for me. My bike, affectionately called “The Black” is prominently displayed on its trainer in the middle of our living room!
So I’m into my 9th month of cycling. And though that doesn’t sound like very long, I’ve ridden in 2 MS Rides (150 miles each) and numerous 40 and 50 milers with my friend, Margie and Women Riding Well. Through the club, I’ve learned how to change a flat (impressing my husband) and clean my bike so that the chain gleams. I’ve also developed a passion for a sport I knew nothing about less than a year ago. I have many people to thank…..my husband for putting up with me, my coach for teaching me the important stuff, the women of WRW who keep me inspired, my son Travis who picked out my first bike, and of course, my friend Margie who continues to “leave me in the dust” with no apologies!

Links + PDFs

margie — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:51:04 +0000

MS150 2008 Los Alamos, New Mexico

Women Riding Well has an ever-growing list of cycling links….and more. Check it out!

Women Riding Well Cycling Links
Delicious.com is an online bookmarking service. Women Riding Well has a Delicious page with bookmarks to many cycling-related web sites. Click the link above to visit our Delicious page. Links are listed in the order they were added, so to see links in a specific category, click on one of the “tags” on the right side of our Delicious page.

Click on the Road ID link to order your Road ID. WRW will earn a small commission which will go toward club activities!

PDFs:
Click on the title to download the PDF document
Things to Take on a Ride - Post next to your bike
Fix A Flat - Print and put in your saddle bag
How To Clean Your Bike - A nice reminder after a bike cleaning clinic
Albuquerque Bicycle Ordinance December 2008

Recipes:
Mac + Cheese Because You Can!
Potato + Leek Soup
Cliff’s Birthday Margarita
Gravlax-Raw salmon, cured in salt, sugar, and dill-Susan + Jim Hunter 11/2010

Jennifer Leising

margie — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:50:05 +0000

I am a transplant from the east coast. I belonged to a co-ed cycling club back home that provided me a regular exercise outlet, the opportunity to meet some amazing people and see the local sights. Once I moved to NM and got settled I joined Women Riding Well. Just as I had in Buffalo, I showed up with my hybrid bike and layered exercise clothing ready to ride. I had no idea what I had gotten myself into (ha)! Since joining WRW I have purchased an amazing road bike, gained a deep respect for cycling wear, seen more of NM than some natives and made invaluable friendships.
Overall, I have learned a lot about cycling and I am becoming a better rider (and most notably, I do not retreat when I see a hill). I am hooked. I enjoy all types of rides, especially scenic routes with, of course, good company! Thanks to all the WRW riders who have helped me feel at home in Albuquerque~ looking forward to achieving a century and climbing Sandia with you this year!

Member’s Cafe

margie — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:44:38 +0000

WRW Club Ride - January 2010 - Loma Larga

We’re glad you stopped by! This is our own, special corner of the web where we can share our information, ideas, stories and activities. The links on the RIGHT will take you through the Member’s Cafe. Links on the top will take you back to our main web site.

• Click on Blog and tell us what’s on your mind. Have a question about anything cycling related? Ask our members! Have a story to tell, a lesson learned, or a saddle sore that is giving you grief? That’s what we’re all here for! Get your password and start blogging!
• Our Library is a growing collection of books that our members have enjoyed…on cycling and other topics. Please contribute your book suggestions! Purchase these books (or anything else from Amazon) by going through our link and our club will earn a commission!
• Read our Profiles to find someone who shares your particular riding style and interests, or just to get to know us better. We’re an interesting, diverse group of women who love to ride!
• Are you just getting started and do you have 100 questions? Or do you want to learn how to get around Albuquerque on a bike? A mentor could help you out. Visit our Mentor page.
• Resources will send you off to our cycling links page and to PDFs on various cycling topics
• Maps and route details are available to members in the Rides section. Print a map before you join a ride so you’re sure you know the route.

Please come back often to see what’s new and to get the latest information on club events.

Thanks for being a member and enjoy the site!

Need a little help getting started?

margie — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:27:28 +0000

Are you new to Women Riding Well?
New to cycling in Albuquerque?
New to cycling period?

Our Mentor Program just for you! Let us know that you’d like a mentor and we’ll pair you with someone who will answer your questions, help you learn the basics and help start you on your path to riding…. well!

Learn how to change a flat tire, clean and oil your bike properly, or inspect your bike for road worthiness. Find out what to wear on a ride in the different seasons and how to keep yourself nourished. Ride with your mentor and learn some new cycling routes.

We provide mentors for new members with the understanding that in the future, as our new members become experienced riders, we can call on you to mentor future new riders and keep the mentor program moving forward.

Please contact Margie if you’d like to have a mentor of your very own!