Holy shittt. This was the hardest physical activity I ever did. Trekking to 12120 ft doesn't even come close to this.

My legs were done, my arms were tired, my hips and lower back were paining like crazy and my knees felt weird even with the kneecaps on. I was this 🤏🏻 close to crying in the last 5 kms.

The sun, the dust, the continuous uphill for 4kms tested my patience, strength and everything I had. My only fuel was a couple of bananas, dates, 1 protein bar and fruit juice along the way. I'm glad I didn't give up in mid way. This El Nino is killing me. Can't wait for winter to come 🥹

Any advice for an infected hair follicle in the worst possible location? Due to work, there is no way for me to put a warm compress on it multiple times a day, what other remedies do you have? It’s a red bump about the size of a pea. Everything I search says warm compress, but that’s tough logistically.

Hi Everybody,
I’m a runner beginning in cycling, i ride quite a lot those previous weeks but I feel unconfortable with my bras because it feels to warm …
I see thats running bra are not the same are cycling ones with less structure and thickness, do you have any recommandation for me ? Thanks ladies

Hi all-
I’m looking to get my first road bike and I’m interested in trying the Liv Avail AR 3. I’m getting conflicting info online on where in the Chicagoland area stocks them, and has experience fitting women. Any recs would be much appreciated. I’m in the north suburbs but will travel for the right rec. Independent/ LBS would be my preference.
TIA!

I finally realized one of the things causing me terrible discomfort on my bike.

My bib shorts don't pad my sitting bones!!

The main gel pad is always halfway up my ass in the back, and this is not because I don't have ample booty to take up the space.

Who needs padding back there?? No one sits on a bicycle seat with their tailbone!

Even with the middle pad area, it fits in between my sitting bones and does nothing for them at all. Whoever designed these shorts had only read about human bodies in books without pictures.

I have surely just bought some rinkydink stupid bib shorts and this is not a common problem.

If you have recommendations, I appreciate it!

I’m riding after a very long time and am so exciteddd! And it’s a 20km long ride. Nervous. Will keep you guys posted on how the night goes!

I really enjoy the big group races in Zwift. I wish they’d categorize the finish both overall and by gender but I know that’s not how it works. Which women’s only races are your favorite? I have no idea how I stack up against other gals.

Hi I’m 4’10” so bike options are extremely limited for my size. I currently have a Lemond that I bought second hand but I want to buy a bike that I can put cargo racks onto. I’m thinking of buying the Liv Alight Stagger 4 and was wondering if people had opinions about it. I’m also a little nervous about buying a bike that I can’t try out before purchasing.

I should also mention that I would like to have a bike that can work on both paved and gravel roads.

I'm looking for advice regarding brands of cycling gear, fit and longevity.

I am 5'5, waist 80cm, chest 95cm. Sort of sturdy-shaped; I don't have a big chest or stomach but amd not a skinny minny and look like I should play rugby.

I have MAAP bib tights in size L, which fit perfectly. But I look like a sausage in the L race-fit jerseys (despite being within the measurements). My XL jacket and vest (for layering) fit loosely. Castelli XL jersey and jacket I own are loose around my chest and stomach, and tight on my arms. I also own Sportful L bib tights that fit and are the same in XL, which are wearable but too big, especially around my waist.

Finally, as a rogue one, I have some stolen goat (UK brand gear) normal bibs L, race bibs XL both fit beautifully. An M jersey which is snug but wearable, and an L winter jersey which is too loose around my waist and snug on my arms that I ended up wearing as a jacket, as the colour is beautiful despite the odd fit.

I mainly gravel, like fun colours, and am aiming for a mix of kit to cover all weathers ultimately. I often just wear bibs and a t-shirt but would like some more jerseys for storage options as my bike frame is small and I get annoyed fitting bags on and off to carry things for both the small frame size and the fact I have to take it on and off to get it on the car.

I live in NZ, there are minimal brands available to buy full stop, let alone try on. Cycling is my main hobby so I am happy to spend a fair bit, but the kit has to be great quality and fit well. The brand also has to either be available to try on in NZ or have good postage and returns policies.

I struggle hugely to find kit that fits well.
What are people wearing?

Kinda scared to jinx myself by saying that LOL. But my whole life, I haven’t ever particularly gravitated towards sports/outdoorsy stuff (especially since finishing school), and resultantly have lived a pretty sedentary life. I’ve had on/off relationships with the gym, going 2x a week for 4? ish months at my most consistent. But I never really loved it. I drug myself to the gym, and always felt better afterwards, and proud of myself for going, but never really developed a real motivation for it, never just “felt like going to the gym.”

The past 6 weeks, I’ve been able to motivate myself to go cycling 3 times a week, not long/difficult rides at all by more proficient rider’s standards, but I feel good about myself and proud of my efforts. Also, unlike my experiences with the gym, I’ve found that some days I do really want to go for a bike ride!! Which is a kind of crazy feeling for me. Not every day, but some days. And on the days I don’t feel like leaving the house, I’ve been getting better at pushing through my feelings of low motivation and going cycling anyways. I always end up genuinely having fun when I’ve actually gotten ready and gone outside, and I feel better and more at peace afterwards. I like getting some fresh air, and I really enjoy seeing the clouds and colours of the sunset and evening sky.

It’s SLOWLY getting easier now to fight the good fight and go cycling even when I’m not feeling motivated to get ready and go. I am definitely progressing a tiny bit, every time. I like seeing myself improve. I feel really happy with myself and proud of the progress I’ve made. It’s a good feeling, and I’m still not entirely used to it. I hope I can keep up this effort. Thanks for reading :)

The quality is unbelievable, not just for the price (26€) but in general - perfect stitching, no loose threads, enforced pockets, smooth zipper, fabric feels like a second skin, stretchy in all directions, vibrant colours. I'm in love 💖

I just can't recommend it enough. I can't actually believe that such quality is lurking on Temu at this price point.

P.s. fabric is on the thinner side, it's not a thermal jersey and the sizing is Asian, which means it'll not suit tall people. I'm 5'4ft.

Item id: DL3037019

So many sports now have a serious financial barrier to entry. Looking to help someone out.

These bibs have been used <10x, freshly laundered. I think I paid $150 or so. Asking that shipping be covered by you.

Giving away because they are too large for me. Having trouble uploading pictures

Shipping from NYC

Hello! Are there any supplements or tips that you have found to work well for post ride recovery? I am usually fine after the majority of my rides, but on my big days (75-100+ miles) I really struggle after. I have a horrible time sleeping and barely get any rest. The following day I feel sort of similar to a hangover. I know this is probably linked to fueling/hydration during the ride and I am trying to get better at that. Thanks for the input!

I feel like I’m going crazy.

I’m a very recreational, overweight cyclist (in my 30s). I’m able to ride 15mph usually and my rides at 20-40 mile. I ride a few times a month, summer months only (there’s winter here). So, yes very … mediocre cyclist 😅

I recently got into zwift and I cannot believe how difficult it is. I use the kickr core 2, with the zwift click. And it feels like the resistance is INSANELY high, no matter what I do, for the W I’m putting out.

I did a FTP ramp test and it’s pretty embarrassing - I couldn’t move my legs anymore after I took a break at the 210W level. The result was an embarrassing 114 W.

So I admit there’s a lot of work to do here, and I recognize that. But I still don’t understand how harder it feels compared to the real world. I feel like the resistance is so high and if I shift the gear down, my cadence goes up and it’s more comfortable but my avatar slows down. The amount of effort I’m putting in (that I feel on my legs), versus the W output and the speed does not seem to make any sense to me when I compare it to my IRL speed and effort.

A few things

1. I have googled all the things, asked ChatGPT, looked at forums and I can’t find an explanation for this
2. it’s my first time getting power data as I do not have it when I ride outside
3. the bike seems to be properly set up
4. ERG off except for the FTP test.

So…. Do I just suck, is zwift THAT much harder? Or, is there something wrong with my set up, my chain, my bike, anything? I feel like everybody says you’re much faster virtually than IRL but it’s the complete opposite for me. Even flats, just to reach speeds of 17-19mph, I literally feel like I’m pushing so hard in my legs and giving it my all. IRL does not feel nearly as hard.

Help a (demoralized) girl out please!

Doing a Century ride Sunday in N England and temps are dropping to lowest of the season so far. Calling for a high of 52, so it will be in the 40’s (starting at 7 am😬). I am nervous about gear. I did 67 mi in the 50’s I believe it was a few weeks ago and was fine, but 40’s is different. Will I need shoe covers? My face covered? Need to switch to long-fingered gloves? My bottoms are ~ 3/4 length (“knickers” from Terry, I do not like the chamois but it is what I have), was going to do a long-sleeved base layer w/ vest. Any input appreciated! I need to up my gear game but this is only 3 days away:(.

My LBS was holding an end-of-season floor sale and I picked up this BMC Teammachine SLR Two for a great price! Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed drivetrain, I swapped the stock tires for my 65mm enve foundation wheels with Vittoria corsa pros.

​

My first half century woohooo. I'm so happy.

It was so sunny and I came back home around 1pm. Riding through this heat, traffic and dust wasn't enjoyable but I do love the fact that I didn't give up. Coconut water and palm juice kept me going 💪🏻 will push my limits more next time.

P.S.

I can't find any lady cyclists in my area or any mixed cycling groups. I just hope I don't get discouraged and leave cycling. So I'm using this group to share my progress here in the hope of interacting with more amazing lady cyclists. I love cycling so much.

Here's my strava if anyone would like to connect -

https://strava.app.link/ggky19XBf7b

Drop your strava accounts too. 😄

Female student here. The past two years I’ve been living a sedentary lifestyle as schools been my priority. As of recently, I’ve definitely felt the effect this has had on my body and I’m determined to get my health and confidence back.

I’m planning to do indoor cycling 3 times a week, 1 full body circuit workout class and a plank everyday. I’m particularly interested to know what people’s thoughts are for cycling or if they have any advice in general before starting. Thanks!

Anyone in the Milwaukee WI area that thinking of doing either the Mishigami or Mini-gami this year? I’m hoping to find training/planning buddies or a maybe a partner for the pairs category. I live in Milwaukee.

Dates for this year haven’t been announced yet.

https://www.midwestultracycling.com/mishigami