Ride Society Leaders

Kelli Poindexter
Co-founder of Women on Wheels
Kelli's a great friend and tireless supporter of women in cycling. During her management of Alameda Bicycle, she created Women On Wheels (W.O.W.) in the Bay Area. W.O.W. has educated hundreds and continues to be a benefit for women in Northern California. This popular instructional series demystifies cycling by offering basic tips to improve riding skills, mechanical knowledge to help women feel safe on their bikes, and connects a network of women to the world of cycling.
Check out Kelli's latest posts from the Ride Society below:

Pushed to the Limit

My goal was to finish an Olympic distance triathlon this year, so I’m trying not to get down about my time (an hour slower than the winner). I was going for experience and I gained a bunch! The day was an adventure. We got to the race early and got our transition spots set up in enough time to see some of the pros start their bike time trial. As each wave before me started on the swim, I got more… »
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The Golden Riding Partner

The most enjoyable ride I have on a bike is the one that makes me push myself and lends itself to good conversation and laughs. I find this most often occurs with that perfect riding partner. Once in a while that person comes along when all the stars align for a season of your best cycling. I am having this experience this season with my friend Jen. We met last year at Baby Boot Camp. She was training… »
(0) Comments Permalink Training Wheels

Mermaid Triathlon

I had the wonderful experience of racing and supporting the Mermaid Fremont Triathlon on June 7th. I’m proud as a Giant For Women council member to be partnered with such a wonderful organization. Their program and races provide something for everyone. From training clinics to bike tours to races, they offer a unique experience to the female athlete. Heidi, Marisol, Carlo and their team of volunteers… »
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One Tri Down, Many More to be Conquered!

I did it! I have successfully completed my first triathlon. It was so much fun. I feel good about my results. I finished in the middle of the pack (54th out of 84 women total and 19th out of 30 in my age group) with a sprint finish. The swim was the worst part. Thank goodness it was the first leg of the race. It was my first swim wearing a wet suit and in open water (San Francisco Bay). An entirely… »
(3) Comments Permalink Inspiring Women

The First Triathlon

I’ve signed up and my training is underway for my first triathlon. I’m very excited to expand my fitness into three sports. I think I’ll always have a soft spot for my bike, but training in three sports has kept me motivated and on a tight schedule. The Stanford Treeathon is now three weeks away. It is a sprint triathlon. Distances for each sport are short; 500 yard swim, 12 mile bike ride, and… »
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Postpartum Weight Loss Success

This is my final note on my postpartum weight loss. First, let me just say, “I feel great”! To briefly review the goals I set back in January, “I want to lose 35 pounds, four pant sizes, be back in small size shirts, and be fitter than I was before getting pregnant”. Lofty, but doable, I thought nine months ago. Rylie is now 13 months old. I’m seven pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight,… »
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Adventures in the Baby's Bike Trailer

There are lots of new mom challenges out there. I’ve spent the last two months getting my daughter Rylie in the bike trailer. In a word, patience is the key. I was very excited to get my new Giant FCR 1w this past February. I had illusions of riding miles and miles with my daughter in tow, so I had my bike built along with a brand spankin’ new bike trailer. Rylie was then 8 months old. We strolled… »
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Postpartum Weight Loss Journey

As promised, here’s my progress report on my postpartum weight loss. First, let me say, I feel great! I have discovered strength training. In February, a Baby Boot Camp class started up where I live. I had heard of it shortly after Rylie was born, but the closest class was not convenient for me. If you haven’t heard of Baby Boot Camp, it’s a class for moms to get in shape using resistance training.… »
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Cycling Safety Tips

As in any sport, cycling can be dangerous, but you can reduce your chance of injury with a bit of preparation and forethought. It is important to know your own limits. For example, if the longest ride you’ve been on is ten miles, you don’t want to set out on a 50 miler with your local club. It’s a great goal and cycling is all about challenge, but you’ve got to build up strength for longer… »
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Postpartum Weight Loss Challenge

Like all substantial weight loss, it’s a struggle. My daughter, Rylie, will be five months old on January 17th and I started my weight loss plan three months ago. I gained 45 pounds during my pregnancy. That was a lot of extra weight for me to carry around. And so far it’s true what they say, “Your body is never the same”, but we can tackle that another time. At least 15 pounds of my 45 was… »
(0) Comments Permalink Inspiring Women

Checklist for Cycling Enjoyment

Here are 10 quick steps to prepare for and recover from your cycling adventures. Pre-ride prep: Bike: 1. Do a quick check over of your bike (tires, brakes, chain, pedals). 2. Pump tires to appropriate pressure. Attire: 3. Make sure your cycling clothing is appropriate for the weather. Layering works best. 4. Check your helmet for wear and tear. Food/Hydration: 5. Be sure you’re prepared with… »
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Commuting Tips

Commuting on your bike is a great way to get fit, save money and the environment, and build strength. If you’re currently commuting or have been thinking about starting, here are some basic items to consider. The most important item is to make sure your bike is in tip top shape. Check your bike for safety or go to your local bike shop and have them check over your bike (many shops will check your… »
(1) Comment Permalink Training Wheels

Pregnancy… To cycle or not to cycle?

I’ve been working on the challenge of cycling while pregnant for about 6 months now. In the beginning, I did some reading; I talked to my doctor, and determined I would continue cycling throughout my pregnancy, no problem. And then pregnancy set in… Before I knew I was pregnant, I was training to dabble in the road racing game this season. I found out I was expecting and then my belly started to… »
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It’s a New Year… Foster Your Cycling Passions

The weather is crisp and clear here in California. With proper attire, the cycling is beautiful. The turn of a new year prompts us all to forget the pitfalls of the past year, and embrace promising endeavors for the future. Cycling goals are the fun resolutions to make. What will you choose this year? Maybe to start cycling, commuting, maybe complete a century, dabble your feet in the racing game,… »
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Saddle Sores… They're not pretty, but

the more you ride; odds are that you will experience at least one, probably more. If you’ve already experienced the ugly discomfort of a saddle sore, you know what I’m talking about. Having a recent bout myself, I was motivated to shed some light on the subject and share it with you. I’d like to break it down like this: What are saddle sores? What causes them? How to prevent and treat them? What… »
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Get to Know... Your Bike's Tires

So you walk into your local bike shop thinking, maybe I want a bike. You scroll through the racks of bikes. Your eye catches the flash of shiny new colorful bikes. Your heart beats a bit more intensely and a tingle rushes through you from the increase in blood flow. Then, your eyes catch the eyes of the sales associate walking towards you. The conversation begins… You test ride lots of bikes and… »
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Get to Know... The Types of Bikes

This is the first in series of blogs Sara and I are putting together to help you get familiar with all aspects of your current or future bike. We will start with the basics and build from there… Types of Bikes There are lots of types of bikes out there and every year manufacturers introduce new developments in bike technology by upgrading their bike lines and launching entirely new models. Categories… »
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The Perfect Bike is Just the Beginning…

You've done it! You've found a bike that you love, that feels and looks great, and now you want to start riding. The community element of cycling is one of the biggest joys of the sport. It helps to instruct, foster lasting friendships, challenge and open the doors to exploration. However, unless you're very lucky, you won't find a ready-made network right outside your front door. A cycling community… »
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