Growing up, I was taught girls don’t do certain things. They don’t burp, they don’t toot, they don’t snore, they don’t swear, and, by all means, they don’t sweat.

I vividly remember doing something unladylike to make my brothers laugh (probably burping) and my dad pulling me aside to lecture me. I remember him saying, “Have you ever heard your mom do that? Girls don’t act like boys.” And, in fact, I never have heard or seen my mom do anything unladylike.

Because of the way I was raised, it’s taken me a very long time to be confident enough in my athleticism to get out and ride with the boys, even if it means I’m dripping sweat with them. And if the roads are wet? Forget about it! I’ll be gross and dirty with everyone else who rides through puddles of rain and mud. (more…)