Finally, what we women have all been waiting for…deOroDivas!  Every season I am introduced to an ever-increasing female population of cyclists out on the North Carolina roads, and I am loving every encounter.  When I first started cycling in Greensboro, I knew of three or maybe four other women who had taken up this wonderful sport.  We were always out numbered by "the Guys" and while, I do love you Guys, it is refreshing and exciting to be in the company of inspiring athletic female counterparts.  I recently revisited the reasons why my female comrades and I enjoy cycling so darn much.   

Cyclists around the world have discovered and fallen in love with the sport for how it has most likely, enhanced their lives.  Cycling has certainly changed my life, positively, of course.  My love affair began in 1999; however, it wasn't until 2002 when I bought a mint green steel Bianchi from Greensboro's own Robert Carter at Cycles de Oro when my infatuation took flight.  My life split at that moment, kind of like a "Before & After".  Cycling has become a medium for self-exploration and self-discovery.  It has secretly yet firmly introduced me to personal attributes I had only hoped existed: confidence, toughness, and the ability to live "in the moment"…just to name a few.  I also noticed gradual shifts in my priorities, small and large.  Suddenly, blowing drying my hair before graduate school classes or a little eye shadow before work was no longer important, because if I omitted those "primping" steps I could get in just a few more miles or race Robert up one more hill repeat.  Wait, race Robert?  Who would actually think they even had a chance at catching Robert?  Surprise, that's when I realized that cycling even improves self-confidence!  

Another bonus that cycling provides, besides a killer set of legs, is the development and cultivation of friendships.  There aren't many activities in which you can spend one, two or six hours with total strangers and engage in conversations including such topics as intestinal permeability, crotch chaffing, and snot rockets.  Ewwww! Snot rockets?  Yep, you got it.  "But that is not very lady-like", you might say.  Well, I decided that I am just not going to care about what others might say about my crude way of clearing blocked up sinuses while riding 20 mph down Alamance Church Road.  And you know what, you shouldn't either.  I suppose I could accredit my new-found-disregard-for-others-opinions to the whole confidence-building thing I mentioned earlier.  Sure we may not exude feminine glamour, beauty, or allurement pedaling up a hill, sweat pouring off of our faces, and vocalizing the kind of grunts that would frighten even the Incredible Hulk.  But, hey, I have an idea!  Let's redefine the often-perceived notion of beauty.  It isn't always about manicured nails, highlighted hair, and the little black dress.  Beauty is strength, confidence, and the will to manifest what you want in life.  It is, believe it or not, beautiful to sweat and yell, "On your left!" giving the guy you are passing a crafty, yet, "lady-like", grin.              

So, other than enraged, oppressed motorists, neurotic dogs, and potholes, I cannot seem to identify anything negative about cycling.  Sit down tonight and ask yourself, "What does cycling do for me?"  You just might come up with some things that will surprise you. 

Well, ladies, I realize that the cold-weather is approaching and we are tempted to hang up our bikes until we see at least 60 degrees in the forecast because that cup of hot chocolate, glass of wine, and a movie is, I know, oh so tempting.  But wait, stop right there, head down to CDO, pick up some winter riding gear, and get your butts outside!  I promise you, you will love it.  We can meet for a glass of wine after the ride!  I look forward to seeing you out on the roads as we continue to inspire one another to be better women and better cyclists.  Ride On!       

 Marisa Pirih

Marisa offers testing and analysis using the famous CompuTrainer provides the most interesting indoor bike experience yet created. It increases your cycling power by 20 to 30% and your speed by 2 to 4 MPH. Whatever your starting point, you’ll improve significantly.

CompuTrainer is best in its class by a wide margin. It sets the industry standard for accuracy (± 2.5%), power (1500 watts), quality, and service lifetime (10+ years). Exclusive performance features like SpinScan™ electronic pedal stroke analysis and Adjustable Aerodynamic Drag Factor are unique to CompuTrainer. Cycling and triathlon coaches worldwide use CompuTrainer as their primary testing instrument. USA Triathlon, USA Cycling, and the Canadian Cycling Association test and train their team athletes with CompuTrainer.

Contact Marisa for coaching, testing, advice:   rissp27@yahoo.com