Meet Ride Society Leader Sara Jarrell!

Hello Deanne, Sara and Tiffany!

Thanks so much for coming to Portland. I enjoyed the ride and the clinic sessions immensely. The hands-on flat repair clinic was especially helpful -- I had sat through several flat repair clinics before, but this was the first time that I actually did it. Now I know I can do it, and I no longer have to worry about getting flats. It sure feels empowering.

Moreover, after the clinic, bike mechanics does not seem so intimidating anymore -- after I rode in the rain for an hour yesterday (I bet you don't get to do that a lot. ), I took both wheels off, and gave the bike a thorough cleaning and lubrication. I also noticed that one of the brake pads was not aligned correctly and the brake was off-center so one side of the pad did not retract from the rim when the brake was released (I was sure that the wheel was centered) , and I managed to adjust the brake. It feels good not having to take my bike to the bike shop for minor adjustments like that (Besides, the guy at LBS messed it up in the first place after I complained about braking noise and he took it off and cleaned it). I also learned that I should always double-check after having works done by a bike shop. It's all started with the flat repair clinic -- thanks to you!

It is wonderful what you girls are doing to bring more women to bicycling. I love bicycle. I feel that it's the most elegant machine in the world, and I believe that the world will be a better place if more people ride.

I hope to see you again soon. When you come to Portland next time, please let me know. I will show you some of Portland's great bike routes instead of swerving around ugly strip malls and boring suburbia (I hope whoever planed the route at BnH was not offended. I did have a good time, and it was my first ever group ride, so it means a lot to me).

-Joyce

Joyce--

It was great to meet you and the other local ladies this past weekend! Glad we were able to give you some tips.

We'll definitely contact you next time we're in town for the (urban) Portland bike tour

Cheers,
Tiffany

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