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Old 05-18-20, 06:18 AM
  #3  
fishboat
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Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SE Wisconsin
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Bikes: Lemond '01 Maillot Jaune, Lemond '02 Victoire, Lemond '03 Poprad, Lemond '03 Wayzata DB conv(Poprad), '79 AcerMex Windsor Carrera Professional(pur new), '88 GT Tequesta(pur new), '01 Bianchi Grizzly, 1993 Trek 970 DB conv, Trek 8900 DB conv

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Perhaps you're putting the cart before the horse..or the panniers in front of the rack..or..

I'd suggest you find a nice bike that fits her** and see if she'd like to go for a ride and if so, then another, and another. Make it fun. Stop for a coffee or an ice cream cone or visit a nice park or beach............but get some miles in while you're doing this. If she likes all this then you may have a shot at camping. If this isn't her cup of java, then you'll be hard-pressed to convince her to pedal a loaded bike and sleep at a backpacking-level of comfort. (See if she's into backpacking..that might help)

**The bike doesn't need to be crazy expensive, but it should be good equipment that's somewhat performance-oriented. For the first ride or two..rent a nice road bike or fast hybrid..why? Because you don't get a second chance at making a first impression. If she rides a more performance-oriented bike(not a skittish racing bike..but something that handles well and is fast..no 30 pound sleds with cludgy tires) she'll enjoy riding..as in the words of my GF.."..this bike pedals itself...so much fun!"

Once she understands how fun riding can be, she'll be more open to doing more work to have that fun (as in pedaling a loaded bike for camping). If/when you do get to the camping stage..start with an overnite, then maybe a couple nights..and try to make sure there's a shower handy somewhere in all this..or a motel every day or two.

Of course, while you're doing all this you'll be dating and having some healthy fun..as opposed to slugging out in some bar with drinks and fried food...not that there's anything wrong with that..occasionally.

If she takes to all of this then find her a nice all-rounder bike..maybe the ever-sought fast, light, gravel-road touring bike..in her favorite color.
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