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What ta do, what ta do? Girl on a bike suggestions.

BIGHITR

BIGHITR

WINNING!
Nov 14, 2007
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Maryland, east coast.
I just started seeing an old girlfriend of mine, someone I use to date years ago. I keep trying to get her into the idea of riding a bike in the woods. She seems afraid and finally today admitted she's scared to go into the woods with me as she sees my bikes are hard core and I think she either intimidated by them or thinks it's dangerous and she complains how I'm going to go riding off and she's not going to be able to go over logs etc. I started out not knowing and learned. I see many girls in the woods, getting all muddy. Any suggestions to get this girl on my other bike this summer and into the woods so she'll get bit by the mountain biking bug?

Ladies, feel free to comment.
 
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RUFUS

RUFUS

e-douche of the year
Dec 1, 2006
3,480
1
Denver, CO
Is she also scared of your lack of punctuation and run on sentences?

Just messing.

I dealt with the same thing with my wife for a few years, I ended up getting her a road bike.:(

Good luck. Take her on some mellow trails in a nice scenic area and just enjoy your time out there. Do a picnic, make it memorable for her, etc. Gradually move to trails that are a little more advanced but still have some easier trails around.

Be nice and respect her boundaries, yelling, screaming and peeling off with just make her hate riding more.
 
jebfour

jebfour

Turbo Monkey
Jun 19, 2003
2,065
1,411
CLT, NC
Mine HATES road bikes. She didn't even like XC - she likes (mellow) DH (although on her last ride she broke her wrist and shoulder).

Like others have said - start off slow and build her into it slowly. If you have friends with wives/GF's that ride, introduce her to them so that she can talk to others that may have been in the same situation.
 
buildyourown

buildyourown

Turbo Monkey
Feb 9, 2004
4,832
0
South Seattle
Take her to Whistler. There are trails that ANYBODY can ride. If she tries it and hates it, there is plenty of other stuff to keep her entertained for a few days while you ride hard.
Try doing a multi-day all women camp. My wife did one and learned a lot. Some times it's hard for more advanced riders to teach beginners. Being in a group of first time women riders is about the least intimidating atmosphere.
 
DirtMcGirk

DirtMcGirk

<b>WAY</b> Dumber than N8 (to the power of ten alm
Feb 21, 2008
6,379
1
Oz
She's scared to go in the woods with you.
Not because of the bike, but because of you.
Stop wearing the clown suit.
 
demo 9

demo 9

Turbo Monkey
Jan 31, 2007
5,910
46
north jersey
I got my girlfriend into downhilling by telling her id (insert what she would love u to do but u dont do) if she tried biking. sometimes bribery is just the best way. The first time was a little rough (diablo with pedals down) but after she got the hang of it she got hooked.

PS i ended up having to go shopping and try to understand fashion :twitch:
 
Damo

Damo

Short One Marshmallow
Sep 7, 2006
4,603
27
French Alps
Girls think that because you can ride fast that you will ride fast.

I'm kinda happy mine isn't interested in riding. Boys need a boys club.
 
DirtMcGirk

DirtMcGirk

<b>WAY</b> Dumber than N8 (to the power of ten alm
Feb 21, 2008
6,379
1
Oz
I got mine into it by giving her a Fat Chance as a high school graduation gift.
It didn't fit for much, too long of a top tube, but she was a trooper, so during med school I got her a fitted specialized. Down the road I rebuilt it to make it girly. Lots of pink parts.

I got her into DH by getting her a Demo 7, and then making it for her.

Mind you now we're getting divorced, and I suspect she'll sell them if she doesn't meet some guy who takes her biking and deep dicking in the woods, but it was pretty cool while it lasted.
 
geargrrl

geargrrl

Turbo Monkey
May 2, 2002
2,379
1
pnw -dry side
(female chiming in...)

Unless she's super competitive strong athlete and thrives on thrashing through challenges -

Bike that FITS, not some cobbled together leftover.
Super easy trail
You probably need to slow down, no wait and blow.
Skip the picnic
Not too many miles
Proper seat and shorts
Skip the "teaching" bit unless she specifically asks how to do something.

Now, if she likes it and it bitten the bug, she needs to find a women's group to ride with and or a skills clinic. The dynamic that occurs when you end up a) slowing your ride to ride with here and b) teaching (unless you can get out of the couples dynamic) will really suck and has the potential for unpleasantness and resentment.

We did it all wrong here. DH took me straigh up the towers for my first ride. Our teaching/learning styles were completely incompatible as was our fitness and skills levels. What got me into riding ( I knew I would like it if I could start having fun which I wasn't) was to ride with some other gals who were really good. I spent two years following a racer friend of mine around trying to keep her butt in my line of sight on the trail.

What really changed my biking life was to go to an all women's weekend long skills camp. I thrive in that kind of teaching environment. My skills improved over 100% in teh weeks after camp.

Best part is, DH and I now ride together. I'm seriously hooked ( more so than him) have 4 mountain bikes, bought him a Kona Dawg because he needed an upgrade, and took him to coed camp last year.

gg
 
Toshi

Toshi

Harbinger of Doom
Oct 23, 2001
38,312
7,738
why does this thread have "ta ... ta" in the title yet have no boobs? shameful
 
TreeSaw

TreeSaw

Mama Monkey
Oct 30, 2003
17,670
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Dancin' over rocks n' roots!
johnbryanpeters said:
Oh, there are some boobs in this thread, no question about it.
Click to expand...
:stupid:

Take it easy. I wouldn't make a picnic of it, but I would definitely make sure she has a bike that fits first and foremost. Then, make sure it's not too long of a ride (for her...it's going to be VERY short for you) and that she has the right shorts (no panties). Most importantly, have no expectations other than to have fun. My husband and I didn't start out biking together...he left me in the dust a bunch of times and I hated it (too technical) but I found my way to the trail and started joining him on rides later.
 
dante

dante

Unabomber
Feb 13, 2004
8,807
9
looking for classic NE singletrack
1) Go easy, start on a fireroad and work up from there.
2) Make it about her, not about you having fun. You'll be going really really slow, and probably a lot shorter than you would normally go. Riding on your own is for having fun, riding with her is to introduce her to the sport.
 
bitingback

bitingback

Turbo Monkey
Jan 16, 2007
1,351
1
somewhere between poison ivy and the trail
some good advice already given...just an added few cents...make sure you don't push too hard the first several rides. it takes awhile to feel comfortable riding trail. a fireroad would be a great start. lots of encouragement and praise on your part. don't make her feel she's got to try anything she's not comfortable trying but offer suggestions on how to tackle it if she's interested and get off your bike and spot her so she has the added comfort knowing that you're there to catch her if she falls.

i have found that the best rides in the beginning were group rides where there were 2+ people spotting me as i tried something. i knew there was no way i would crash with a few good people surrounding the climb, log, teeter totter, etc. Plus group rides allow her to ride with other beginners while still riding with you. takes off her own personal pressures she may put on herself.
 
BIGHITR

BIGHITR

WINNING!
Nov 14, 2007
1,084
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Maryland, east coast.
Thanks for the input TreeSaw and Geargrrl and any other ladies in the group. Loved the Whistler comment. The group ride thing made me remember I took a friend back in the woods a few years ago as she said she wanted to try it. She did okay and I waited for her. I normally ride hard alone, and when I ride with a friend or someone that hasn't ridden a lot, I take it easy. I would never ride off. Months later, my friend got married and her husband bought nice bikes and I took them both riding, and again I took it easy. But, my girl, she likes walking.:hmm: End of season last year I talked her into going back into the woods with me just to look at the trails and see where I ride. But the other day, she finally admitted to me she is afraid. I obviously will not ride off. I simply want her to try it as I know she'll love it. As to camps and groups of women, I live in Maryland. There are no camps or groups I know of. Plenty of easy trails to take her on, and I did notice the girls said, NO PICNIC, so NO PICNIC! (saves me cash too):brows: Not sure what the right shorts means and the reason for no panties as one stated. I take it spandex bike shorts is what good shorts meant. I also have a bike that would be good but I just need to lower the seat and she'll fit it fine. I just think she's intimidated by the suspension and mods that make it look race. So it's silver and raw aluminum, I mean it's got pedals ya know? If she likes it, I'll strip it next winter and paint it pink. But making me remember my friend and her husband gave me a great idea to ask them out the same day and let her see another girl riding and that might ease her concerns. Thanks for the input. Will keep you posted!:banana:
 
TreeSaw

TreeSaw

Mama Monkey
Oct 30, 2003
17,670
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Dancin' over rocks n' roots!
BIGHITR said:
Thanks for the input TreeSaw and Geargrrl and any other ladies in the group. Loved the Whistler comment. The group ride thing made me remember I took a friend back in the woods a few years ago as she said she wanted to try it. She did okay and I waited for her. I normally ride hard alone, and when I ride with a friend or someone that hasn't ridden a lot, I take it easy. I would never ride off. Months later, my friend got married and her husband bought nice bikes and I took them both riding, and again I took it easy. But, my girl, she likes walking.:hmm: End of season last year I talked her into going back into the woods with me just to look at the trails and see where I ride. But the other day, she finally admitted to me she is afraid. I obviously will not ride off. I simply want her to try it as I know she'll love it. As to camps and groups of women, I live in Maryland. There are no camps or groups I know of. Plenty of easy trails to take her on, and I did notice the girls said, NO PICNIC, so NO PICNIC! (saves me cash too):brows: Not sure what the right shorts means and the reason for no panties as one stated. I take it spandex bike shorts is what good shorts meant. I also have a bike that would be good but I just need to lower the seat and she'll fit it fine. I just think she's intimidated by the suspension and mods that make it look race. So it's silver and raw aluminum, I mean it's got pedals ya know? If she likes it, I'll strip it next winter and paint it pink. But making me remember my friend and her husband gave me a great idea to ask them out the same day and let her see another girl riding and that might ease her concerns. Thanks for the input. Will keep you posted!:banana:
Click to expand...
Just PMed you back. No panties = no chafin' the sensitive parts. Definitely invite friends and have fun. That's what it's all about!
 
MikeD

MikeD

Leader and Demogogue of the Ridemonkey Satinists
Oct 26, 2001
11,689
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chez moi
There's also the possibility that she simply might not enjoy mountain biking, whatever you do or however you present it, as alien as a concept as that might be for those of us who live(d) for it.

If she doesn't, roll with it and don't make it some kind of key issue in a relationship. There are a lot of other things you can do together, and it's sort of nice to have something to do as your own, too.
 
OGRipper

OGRipper

back alley ripper
Feb 3, 2004
10,653
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NORCAL is the hizzle
Consider renting a tandem mountain bike for a day too, that can be a great way to show someone how much fun it can be - and there's no way to ride away from her!
 
Ian F

Ian F

Turbo Monkey
Sep 8, 2001
1,016
0
Philadelphia area
I tried getting my grl into riding... got her a bike that fit properly (old one was way too big)... she bought clothes she liked... even bought a silly trailer so I could tow her cat around (don't ask... :redface: )... we did ONE ride together on a tow-path with me riding my D/S bike and that was it. The most time her bike has spent out of the garage attic since (5 years ago?) was when she lent it to a coworker for an MS ride. She's just not into it (also does not like sweating).
 
jimmydean

jimmydean

The Official Meat of Ridemonkey
Sep 10, 2001
41,192
13,339
Portland, OR
My wife doesn't really get into riding although she says she would. She has tried and I commend her for it, but our daughter loves it and I hope to get her out a lot more this year.

I wish she would at least support my efforts, she's never been to a single race.
 
Barbaton

Barbaton

Turbo Monkey
May 11, 2002
1,477
0
suburban hell
I think it's intimidating sometimes to have a strong experienced partner teaching someone new. One of the strategies I've seen work is to get her involved in a beginner women's group so they have other people of the same level to learn with and they don't feel like they have to keep up with you. And they can complain about their men while they're out too :biggrin:
 
DirtMcGirk

DirtMcGirk

<b>WAY</b> Dumber than N8 (to the power of ten alm
Feb 21, 2008
6,379
1
Oz


Just threaten her with one of these if she doesn't get her worthless womb over the saddle post haste.
Works every time.
 
mandown

mandown

Poopdeck Repost
Jun 1, 2004
20,261
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Transylvania 90210
geargrrl said:
(female chiming in...)
You probably need to slow down, no wait and blow.
Click to expand...
my inner 12-year old is dying of laughter right now :brows: :banana: :brows:

yeah, easy trails with not much incline. i took an ex on a fire road ride once that i thought was super mellow and she freaked on the "slight" inclines and declines. easy does it.
 
dexter

dexter

Turbo Monkey
Sep 23, 2001
3,053
99
Boise, Idaho
buildyourown said:
Take her to Whistler. There are trails that ANYBODY can ride. If she tries it and hates it, there is plenty of other stuff to keep her entertained for a few days while you ride hard.
Try doing a multi-day all women camp. My wife did one and learned a lot. Some times it's hard for more advanced riders to teach beginners. Being in a group of first time women riders is about the least intimidating atmosphere.
Click to expand...
fact. I was a guide up there and took a 70 year old couple who had not ridden bikes more than a handful of times in their lives.
 
MikeD

MikeD

Leader and Demogogue of the Ridemonkey Satinists
Oct 26, 2001
11,689
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chez moi
demo 9 said:
Any ideas how to make your girl do better in real life situations-like traffic-mines just hella oblivious
Click to expand...
Have you considered going teh gay? 'Cuz then she'd be a dude and your problems would be over.
 
TreeSaw

TreeSaw

Mama Monkey
Oct 30, 2003
17,670
1,855
Dancin' over rocks n' roots!
MikeD said:
There's also the possibility that she simply might not enjoy mountain biking, whatever you do or however you present it, as alien as a concept as that might be for those of us who live(d) for it.

If she doesn't, roll with it and don't make it some kind of key issue in a relationship. There are a lot of other things you can do together, and it's sort of nice to have something to do as your own, too.
Click to expand...
Another very important thing to consider.
 
Yelo

Yelo

Monkey
Aug 3, 2008
290
1
Quebec city, Quebec, Canada
OGRipper said:
Consider renting a tandem mountain bike for a day too, that can be a great way to show someone how much fun it can be - and there's no way to ride away from her!
Click to expand...
As a fairly new owner of a tandem mountain bike, as good as you might be at handling a bike, yoy'll need at least a week of riding before you can think of going off road. Start with side streets around your place then gravel road as you get better (the both of you) then large open trails and then you could think of going single track....

You'll have to talk a lot to your partner too, she NEED to know what comming to her as she can't see in front.

And one last thing, I'm someone who's fairlly fit and after half an hour the first time on the tandem, I was toasted so don't plan too long of a first ride....
 
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