It’s true. I have been bitten by the cycling bug, and it’s a horrible thing. My food budget has exponentially increased! I guess it has been about 4 months since I’ve started cycling, and it has almost taken over my life. The only thing I think about after work or school is … go to the park. The only thing I think about Friday night is how early I have to wake up on Saturday to get all the miles in that I want to. (I did 125 miles last weekend.) I haven’t fully gotten into racing (although I have dabbled a little bit in them), but shortly, I want to start doing more racing because I finally have the confidence that I can keep up with that speed (around 22mph-24mph) and do well. Heck, the only way you get better is to gain more experience.
I also have the goal of completing 5 centuries before November. After this, I realize that I must put more miles on my bike than on my car on a month per month basis. I’m glad I’m helping the environment out without even trying!
On a side note, cycling has made me realize how attracted I am to male-dominated sports/industries/fields of study. For instance, I’m finally (YES finally!) going to get a degree in Math. There is a male to female ratio of about 6:1. Also, I have a job in the maritime industry, where it is a rarity to have a female, about 15:1. After 3 years of email correspondence, I have finally turn into a “Dear Lady” instead of “Dear Sirs.” Yes, I do recognize that overseas the name ‘Courtney’ may be more a male name than a female name, but it is just the assumption that I am a male in a male’s industry. I’m not even sure how they knew I was a female. Now, don’t even get my started on cycling. That has to be a 10:1 ratio right there.
I think I thrive in a challenged environment. One of the main reasons I haven’t fully gotten into racing is that I don’t feel as much motivation when I’m racing with girls. I feel more challenge when I’m trying to keep up with the boys! Now, I just have to humble myself to realize that girls can beat me too! Losers remorse I guess. I blame it on estrogen.