Women on Bikes Series: Laree Schouweiler
You first met Laree with her Women Involved blog post, now meet the woman on the bicycle!
When did you first start riding a bike?
I first started riding with training wheels when I was four years old
at my grandparent's home in Northfield, Minnesota under my dad's supervision.
Although, I don't have much memory of that, only the photo attached, I remember
the freedom I felt when I received my first Huffy in middle school. It felt as
though I could reach all the corners of the world; especially because my world
consisted of the convenience store down the block and my best friend, Rachel's
home in the neighboring neighborhood.
What motivated you to ride as much as you
have over the years?
Riding came haphazardly as I was really trying to get my running career
off the ground (aka: finish a half-marathon in under three hours). I found
running endless and boring; not to mention all the ailments that come with
training (sore knees, tight IT bands and blisters). So, after training for
several half-marathons, I decided I needed to break-up the longer runs with
competing in duathalons. I loved it. I picked up my first road bike at Decorah Bicycles
and have continued to ride three seasons out of the year since 2011.
What kind of riding is your favorite? (paved,
gravel, mountain)
Pavement. I'm a wuss and don't like to venture too far off the
road/trails. I'm a city girl at heart.
Do you remember how you felt on your first
mountain bike ride? (If not a mountain biker, how about first commuter ride,
paved trail ride, gravel, etc.)
2011 Honestly, I was wondering if I could "play
the part"? Would people be able to tell that I wasn't a veteran
rider? I was really nervous about understanding the rules of riding on the
road. Wanting to make sure I did all the right signals, road in the right lanes,
etc...
Do you use clipless pedals? If yes, what are
some tips/suggestions for beginners that you would share? If no, are you
thinking of trying it out at all?
When I purchased my bike, I also got SPD pedals (see above about
"playing the part"). They have truly changed my ride since DAY ONE
and I am thoroughly happy with the purchase. I always exclaim that I wish I
could find running shoes that are as supportive and comfortable as my
clip-ins... For beginners: YOU CAN DO IT. Hop on (near a grassy knoll) and go
for it. Don't think too much about it. Everyone falls. There is more
information in falling than there is in riding on the straight and narrow your
whole life. Take that metaphor as you like :)
If you are a commuter what are some of the
challenges you face and how do you overcome them?
I would consider myself a quasi-commuter. The winter riding isn't for
me, but I try as much as I can to ride to the studio (or when I need to run
errands) during the other seasons. With that said, there are days that I teach
several classes per day and my legs need a break or timing doesn't always work
out. We became a one car family last fall, so I am excited to see how that
changes my commuting this spring!
If you live where there is a snowy or icy
winter, do you still commute? Why or why not? If yes, what do you do to make it
more tolerable? See above
Have you had a bike biff? If so, how did you
recover on a physical/mental/emotional level?
Thus far, I have been really lucky and only had several close calls
(where I clipped out at the last minute). I have gotten caught in a few cracks
in the concrete crossing over the green bridge and I remember thinking
"Pull it together so you don't fall in front of oncoming traffic."
That thought can really straighten one out.
What do you love about riding your bike?
2011 It brings me back to the freedom I had when I first received my
Huffy. There is something to be said about putting the work in and feeling like
you've accomplished so much. You can get out for an hour and see corners of
Decorah you've never seen. Not being a slave to the gas pump when you need to
run a quick errand. The possibilities on your bike are endless...
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