Not exactly the most ideal forum, but I'm wanting to hear from other female cyclists out there (and male cyclists too). Why do you think there are so few female cyclists around?
I remember a recently cycling event I did and it only had about 15 - 20% females and the rest were males.

When I'm out on the bike, lycra-clad, I seem to think I attract a few more looks than I do when I am running. Am I a rare sight?
(And no, I don't look particularly stylish or buff on the bike!)

Interested in your thoughts.

For me Sunset I put off cycling for so long as it was a fear of the unknown. E.g. what to do if I get a puncture, scared of riding on the roads etc and lack of confidence, but doing the Cycling Adelaide course gave me the confidence to start riding to work. I have only been riding to work for 3 weeks between 2-4 times a week, but am having a ball. I ride along the Torrens and it is beautiful, so much wildlife and the running water... It is the best thing I have done for a while...

I'm yet to go out lycra-clad and am normally in just gym pants and a t-shirt, but I do notice that there are very, very few lycra-clad girls out there, and only slightly more non-lycra-clad girls like me.

I am currently looking at triathlon and taking the plunge into buying one of those increadibly expensive road bikes so I suppose lycra goes with the set up and I'll be joining the ranks.

I'm only one more, but it'll be a start.

and why was it an unknown?
did you never really learn to cycle?
... or did you cease riding once you could drive and kinda forgot it?
------
i've just returned from riding with my daughter to school. besides the abysmally small numbers of kids riding to school my daughter has asked me why less girls ride to school. at a rough estimate i'd say it's about 1 in 3- 4 of the bikes ridden is ridden by a girl, and this is in a school that has a 50% gender split.

so it starts early.
a few possibilities.
1. girls are less active overall
2. parents are more concerned for girls safety.
3. girls have less aptitude with mechanical objects. (yeah, fire away)
4. fashion/coolness factors?

I used to ride as a kid, but as a kid you are allowed to ride on bike paths and I always rode with my parents or brothers and sisters, but as an adult I hadn't ridden for years, hadn't ever ridden on roads and have to ride by myself so was scared what I would do if my bike broke down, but after getting it setup properly with the assistance of the course, finding out how to to repair things and at worse case scenario the suggestion of chaining a broken bike to something whilst you catch a bus home to pick up your car, were all things that made me confident to ride. I don't have anyone nearby that can assist me if something happens., especially when I start going on longer rides so I have to be self sufficient.

After a few good rides to work I have found it isn't scary and am really enjoying calling into places on the way home (library, supermarket etc), therefore I feared the unknown, when there was nothing to fear...

Hope that makes sense...

I was initially scared of road cycling (I used to do some 'normal' cycling but just little commutes here and there).
Like Fitnhealthy, I took a course and learnt how to do it all, how to repair and maintain my bike, etc.

Rohan, I think there is a 'coolness' factor (at least among the younger ones). Mr Sunset's sister lives only a few blocks away from school (a decent walk but a short ride), however she won't ride as it's not cool. (She must think I'm a total loser!)

interesting thoughts Rohan.

I was alway's discouraged as a child and growing up to ride a bike. In fact, my parents said NO to me having a bike at all. So i was one of those kids who would borrow from others just to ride around the block & have mum yell at me when I got home. Hence, i never really learnt to cycle till just 2-3 years ago.

So for me to take up the challenge at 38 years old. I was scared shitless of a bike. I could hardly stay upright, I couldn't change a tyre & heaven help me try to ride with a group

Come forward a few years and i'm so so happy I have perservered and passed my fears of the road & cycling in a pack.

I'm very lucky to have a great Tues/Thurs morning group. Then we ride on weekends also and although male dominated I love having the few girls along with me. We all encourage each other and stick together when the ride gets tough.

So Sunset - are we a rare sight?? maybe we are but hopefully more chicks will take up the challenge and ride

Cheers,
AK

It's a myth that you need to be able to fix your bike. I'm a male that has ridden most of my life, and absolutely useless with anything mechanical. Credit card and cell phone to call a taxi is all you need.

is that a cop out??

I am so happy I found this thread!

I REALLY want to start cycling (have basically never ridden in my life before) but I am very scared....scared of cars mostly but also of the "unknown". I am so happy to read that others started out the same way and now feel confident riding.

I also have another problem....I have been to many bike shops to try and buy a bike but they don't seem to have anything small enough for me....I am about 5 foot 1-2. I also have very little hands for reaching gears, etc. I want a road bike and I don't want pink, purple or blue....all the women's bikes seem to be in these colours.

I agree with you Sunset....I actually rarely see female cyclists around and I live in a big "cycling" area.

Nope. If you need someone to manage complex IT projects, develop software, or hack an XBOX, I'm your man. No cop out. I know my limits, and I know what I enjoy, and fixing mechanical stuff is NOT on the list...

Something mechanical breaks, "GABI" (Get A Bloke In).

Hi Sunset and others,
I'm male and live in Sydneys northern suburbs and I have noticed an increase in women riding in recent years, both on road and other??? bikes. I totally agree that it's a bit scary out there, but if you chose your time and place (Sunday morning for me) and be sensible and ALWAYS obey the road rules it can be a lot of fun. Also, riding in a small group even with males can help with the confidence and then their is help if you need any.

Good Luck !

Miss Pinky,
Im about your height 155cm, I bought an entry level GIANT women's specific XS bike last year (it's blue!) But I love it, i think it fits me perfectly, much better than the women's specific TREK did. A good bike shop should be able to recommend a brand that will fit you. Good Luck!

The group ride I started off in with my bike shop was usually 4-1 or 4-2 female-male at first.
In the last few months it's almost reversed.
The Tri squad brick session is usually about 50/50 if everyone is in town and available to ride.
I talked about riding/training with Kay and another girl last week, the main thing for them was the feeling they wouldn't be able to keep up with the pack and didn't want people waiting/slowing down to accommodate them.
Kay won't ride alone either, so that leaves her with limited opportunities to get out and ride.

Thanks Ingrid! I have looked at the Trek and really don't like it.....the componentry (sp?) didn't seem very good at all for the price they were asking. I will check out the Giant.
Cheers!

My brother and I used to ride to school regularly in primary school, we had a big long bike rack, probably enough for about 50 bikes and it was full to capacity most days. Though I honestly can not recall the male/female ratio.

I didn't ride in high shcool because I had too much stuff to carry.

Then once I started full time work and lived in the inner city suburbs I rode a mountain bike to work off and on for about 8 years, fortunately I lived pretty close to a bike path and rarely needed to venture onto the road.

Last year I had been toying with the idea of buying a road bike to ride to work (from Blackburn in Melbourne, about 16km from the CBD) but frankly I am too scared

I didn't want to get into cycling in a big way, just looking for a way to get from A to B without catching the train or driving. However I am genuinely fearful, I'd be leaving early in the AM and would be taking my chances in the semi-dark with speeding idiots and then in the afternoon it would be a peak hour slog.

Then a mate of mine had a life threatening accident last year and I also witnessed a cyclist being hit from behind by a car doing about 80kph, these events put the nail in the coffin for me as far as cycle communting goes.

So that is why this girl isn't riding.

Personally speaking I'd love to ride too BUT there are a few things that stop me

1. The cost of a "proper" bike - I have a Trek 7000 hybrid that I snapped up for $200 but they're built for commuting and little else... definitely not for speed!

2. I'm slow, oh so slow, my speed averages 18-30kph and can go down to 10-12kph if I'm riding into wind or up a hill (this is on my current bike, standard pedals ie/ no cleats or toe cage) so bottom line is precisely what Tyno said - I don't want to hold ppl up - it's embarrassing!

3. Cyclists are intimidating... well I'm easily intimidated so the lycra brigade always makes me feel like I shldnt be on the road!

4. I just dont have the time to dedicate to this right now... I mean I want to do some triathlons but anything I do now won't require all the gear and my first port of call is marathons and we all know how time consuming the training for these is!

5. I'l look like a pregnant walrus in one of those lycra outfits!

Edit: the fixing stuff thing is a consideration too... I changed my own inner tube once in the comfort of my lounge room... it took me about half and hour or more... I couldnt imagine possibly doing that on the side of a road/path!

hello MissPinky,

I am rather in the same boat as you. I am 157cm (under 5'2) and have had issues finding a frame small enough. The guys at Northside Cyclery were really helpful and I am thinking of getting a specialized flat bar road bike as they have an xs frame. They are not particularly girly. Unless white is girly.

I am quite scared of riding on the road. I planned to cruise down to the pool in the morning (about 4km) but driving only the pacific highway I have become aware of how narrow it is and how unforgiving buses are. There are not alot of back streets in North Sydney.

Until I am more confident I will take my bike to centennial park.

Would love to hear of any courses in Sydney that might boost confidence on the open road.

I feel as though I am starting *everything* from scratch at the moment.

LaDiDa....Yes, white is good for me! That is my "favourite" colour for a bike. Where is Northside Cyclery?? I am from Miranda but I will go anywhere for some good service. This is the first time in my life that I have ever felt really disadvantaged by my height (or lack of!).

I am also going to start out at Centennial Park until I can build up some confidence. I had a bike for about a week a few years ago (sold it on EBay soon after I got it) and I rode it through the airport tunnel on my first ride ever....scary, scary stuff!

I am a wanna-be cyclist. I feel so try hard all decked out in my lycra, but I love my new bike. (which by the way is actually a men's frame to which I added a lovely Belle Italia saddle!)
I hope it's not missing me too much.... can't be missing me any more than my running shoes....

Click to view attachment

1 - Yeah, I was horrified when I bought my bike. Now I wish I'd sprung for a better one. It's easy to spend money (If you've got it) on bikes and bike related stuff. you could pick up a second hand bike, but make sure you get sized up in a bike shop first, so you know what frame size to look for. No point being 5'1 and getting a 57cm frame.

2 - I'm not sure about the difference from a hybrid to a road bike, but the difference from a MTB to a road bike is substantial. You'll be faster just because you're on a road bike. If you can do around 25kph you should be able to find rides to go on.
I think the biggest thing with the speed thing is to get with the right pack. Some rides are specifically to have everyone stay in a pack, moving at a speed which is comfortable for everyone. Some are go fast and if you can't keep up, then tough. Good bike shops will probably have a mixture of these available, or should be able to point you in the right direction. If not, your state bike association can probably get you started.

3 - I think this gets back to 2 a little bit. Many cyclists are more than happy to share information and help you out, provided it is in an appropriate setting. There is also a strong help those who help themselves feel. Kay has had people stop and help her change a tyre, but said to her they probably wouldn't have helped if she didn't have the right spare/pump etc. You'll get your fair share of riding knob heads, but it's a bit like running - if you look at the people going by in their skins as a non runner, you think they're a bit full of themselves, but if you're one of the skins wearing runners, you know they can be OK. Same theory with knicks and jerseys.

Thanks Tyno... the days of me springing for a road bike are a long way off (unless a long lost rich relative dies and leaves me all their money or I find a sugar daddy!).

I think the point about the skins is a good one... I remember thinking about "those people" that can "just run"... and now I'm one of them!

I think ultimately I'm trying to do too much at once so really need to recognise my limitations and just stick to riding for commuting and a bit of fun rather than trying to be a both a marathon runner and a triathlete... well, for now!

First up this is not a plug for me or what I do.

I coach and the majority of the athletes are women from all backgrounds and abilities. Aunty K being one of them. From my observations over the years I think the following applies amongst other stuff as well.

1. Women are conditioned to believing they are less competent than males as they grow up and go through school. The end result is many fear trying stuff that is outside their normal frame of reference or challenging.

2. Safety, in todays enviroment the percieved and real potential for danger both criminal and accidental injury scares a lot of women away from riding as they do not want to be stranded alone in an unfamilar enviroment.

3. Dickheads, we have all come across the dickhead cyclist who big notes rides like a fool and basically intimidates those around them. This discourages others especially women from riding with that group again and in some cases stops them from riding at all.

4. Lack of skills, riding a bike properly is challenging and many people have no way of being taught how to ride correctly and the etiquette involved in riding in bunches. How to change a tyre, put a chain back on, etc, etc.

I think it is important to find a group you are comfortable to ride with and be taught skills as the need arises.
I hate the "good bloke" who offers to change a girls flat tube for her to be gentlemen.....bugger that.......talk her through it the first few times so that with time she can do it herself. In triathlons there is a "no outside assistance" rule so get a flat in a race andchange it yourself. I coached a girl who took 20 mniutes to do this the first time it happened and I laughd to myself as 7 frustrated blokes stood and watched as she took ages to do it. 6 months later he was riding from Penrith to Ryde and home twice a week and flat changes were down to 4 minutes. She went to Ironman totally confident of her own ability to deal with whatever.

A credit card and mobile phone as your solution is a cop out and soft. If you can't do the basics as a minimum to get yourself out of troubel then you should n't ride at all or if you must stay at home and ride your home trainer. I would only ever inconvenience my family by calling for a lift if I was unable to get home due to a major issues, such as my snapped head stem. I would not live it down from my wife or my mates if I rang to be picked up due to a flat. Toughen up Princess is my atitude to people who don't want to become indepent and impose themselves on others to fix their issues.

In penrith we have a lot of girls who ride plenty of them come on bunch rides of both sexes and also have "female only" type bunch rides happening.

So I say get out and ride encourage your friends and soon you will see plenty of more girls out their riding around and enjoying a great sport.

Train safe

Goodness gracious miss pinky your a much braver lady than I!

Cyclery Northside
815 Pacific Hwy, Chatswood, NSW 2067
p: (02) 9415 1343

When you get set up let me know if you are after a buddy to wobble around centennial park with

As as aside, would those in the know recommend starting with a hybrid or just waiting a little longer and getting a more expensive road bike? It was also just raised with me that flat bars could be worse for aggrivating neck/shoulder injuries but I have no idea if this is true.

B+: Its the teach a man to fish analogy isn't it? There is no way I would be getting a lift. My husband will be driving my car - a FIAT500 and there is no chance of both wife and bike fitting.

Thanks for the info LaDiDa! I will go and check them out. I will let you know how I get on!

I'd say wait if you can and get a road bike, if that's your end goal.
Get the full kit when you start as well, shoes, pedals etc.
A good pair of knicks. Don't have to be $100+, but I won't go near the bargain bin price ones again.
Not much point forking out for a decent hybrid if it's going to be superseded by the road bike.
Or, not much point using money for the hybrid that could be spent getting a road bike sooner or a better road bike when you do get one.
No idea about the injury thing, but I don't think you get fitted up for a MTB/hybrid like you would a roadie.

I reckon my current hybrid bike has caused me some knee pain due to incorrect fitting (and therefore inefficient biomechanics).

After riding a road bike you'll find hybrid bikes to be incredibly sluggish and heavy, but at least they do the job if you need to mount footpaths and the like (it's legal to ride on footpaths in Qld). I wouldn't be using my road bike on anything but the road or well sealed foot/bike paths.

Mr Didge & I bought new road bikes and all the kit a few months ago - we love it!

But here in Redcliffe there are plenty of women who ride - especially with clubs on the weekends.

i see heaps along coro drive.
but i never look...

your nose will grow ucb.....

You'd be surprised what it can handle. Mine goes offroad on a regular basis, and handles small sections of gravel, grass, sand and tree roots just fine.

It's just that I'm scared of flats, tank girl

Gee, thanks for your... err... discouragement. Yes, I can fix a flat, put a chain on, etc, etc. But even if I couldn't, I wouldn't let it stop me from riding if I wanted to. If your point is that people should stay safe and not get themselves into trouble, then I agree. But if your point is that people should not go near a bike until they are certified by their local uber-coach, then I think you are wrong.

And who are you calling "princess"?

Firstly, I'm a guy!! But I've just taken up some cycling and don't see many girls out on the roads on a sunday morning, yet plenty of guys. I know, 'cause I dont' miss a girl in lycra (that sounds really bad I know!!).

And there were never many at school back in my day either. Mostly guys riding.

It's got nothing to do with being approved by the local Uber-coach. It's got everything to do with being able to fix most things yourself in a competent way to be both safe and not impose yourself on others unecessarly. As another poster put it "it's about teaching people to fish"
If you choose to do an activity, any activity, that involves risk or other issues, then you should teach yourself to be as prepared as possible to deal with them, and not have an attitude of "if something happens I will just ring home and get help".

Who am I calling Princess?...........All the softies who refuse to try to become better of their own accord and expect others to accomdate them at every turn.

Train safe

lol - I think it's safe to assume our B+ wasn't referring to you in this way, but just sending out a reminder for all cyclists (guys too) to be independent and able to look after yourself out there. I see a lot of women getting into the sport who admit they have no intention of learning how to change a tyre, and simply 'assume' that some-one will stop to help them. In a really strange way, they're resurrecting the 60's - 70's stereotype of the damsel in distress beside the over-heating radiator. I don't mean this in a sexist way at all, but some of the cyclists that display this expectation up here are otherwise strong career women who would be the first to put males back in their place as the lesser of the 2 sexes. And yet, suddenly fall back on their glass ceiling, pre-bra-burning days when it comes to getting their hands greased up

having said all that (which I'm sure will be mis-read or mis-interpreted in some way and will result in my head getting bitten off), I don't actually see any greater proportion of males to females on the roads up the coast here. The women make up a significant proportion of the tri-club, the cycle club and local bike groups. Perhaps the less intimidating traffic in country areas has something to do with it?

This is an issue dear to my heart.

I got into triathlons and really loved my bike. But I never loved riding it. The best thing about triathlons for me was getting off the bike and getting to run and knowing that I was on my own two feet again. It was one of the biggest outside-my-comfort-zone things that I have ever done.

However, I didn't (haven't) get past feeling uncomfortable on the bike all the time. I was never a big rider as a kid, although I did have a bike. When I got my road bike with clip in shoes I could ride it, and only fell off the first time, but it never felt safe to me. I stuck to Centennial Park (and even that was scary sometimes!) and wouldn't have dreamt of going on the road. Consequently riding was a bit dull... even running twice around CP can be dull... let alone 10 laps....

I also never got comfortable enough to be able to drink while riding or even indicate for more than half a second and only on my left hand (i wasn't an ambi-turner ). Poor uncle dave tried to teach me once but I was a terrible student.

I think I may have gotten better if I persevered but I just don't know. And I have also seen results of some awful accidents which is pretty frightening. it may also have been better if I went for a mountain bike or hybrid to start with for a bit more stability, and perhaps not starting with the clip in shoes.

I would still like to do triathlons, but I don't want to ride and compete with cars, especially in Sydney.

As it is I have an injury that makes cycling a bad idea, and I am sort of relieved, but there is a part of me that wishes I had pushed through the fear and discomfort.

(And I have never changed a tyre or done any maintenance. I haven't had a flat tyre for that matter. The guy who sold me the bike gave me his phone number when I asked if there was an NRMA for cyclists!!)

Cloest bike shop to Miranda that stock Specialized is
Chain Reaction
2/25-35 Kingsway
Cronulla, New South Wales 2230 AU

Specialized Australia Home Page below.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/home.jsp?a=b...amp;language=US
02 95441066

BTW there is a traffic free park at Sutherland which is Waratah Park.

Ellie80, I think confidence comes with practice and more practice, and finding a group you are comfortable learning in/with.

When I first got onto the road bike about a year ago I was terrified, wobbly, and holding on for dear life. It took me a couple of months before I was confident to stop and look behind me to check for traffic before crossing (I used to have to pull over to the side and dismount), and not long after that I learnt how to drink from a water bottle while riding. Now I can do both of these things without any problems.

I certainly wouldn't think of myself as a 'confident rider', but I try to maintain my wits and keep 110% alert. Good work in keeping it up by sticking to some safe paths - perhaps try some of these skills at low speed while you are going around there?

Thanks Thomo!
I have been to Chain Reaction and they had a bike there I loved ("Merida" was the brand I think). The only size they had was too big for me. He said there was an XS in QLD they could get in but I was too scared to commit to something without trying it first. I would love to find something in Sydney so I could try it first. I might head down there this weekend and see if any more stock has arrived since I was last in.

Thanks SO MUCH for the info on that park!!! I have only lived in my area for a few years and I wasn't aware of this so I will definitely check this out!

By the way - I can't help having a quiet laugh over the Thread title each time I log on.

Has anyone else read the fabulous short story "Even the Queen" by Connie Willis? I read it shortly after I left Uni and thought it was a great story (it also won both the Hugo and Nebula awards).

While somewhat off-topic, this excerpt from a review of the book has some surprisingly "on topic" comments

Miss Pinkie, I am 152 cm tall & I ride a Giant road bike. Can't remember the model number & frame size but I can find that info if you want it. I also have a Giant XTC mountain bike which I use for commuting to work and a bit of trail riding. They fit me perfectly and I love both.
I ride to work 2 or 3 times a week to give my feet and lower legs a break from running and for pleasure & recreation. I enjoy cycling but I love running. I stay on the cycle paths here in CNB during work days but on weekends I venture out onto the road on the roadbike. I usually cycle on country roads as much as possible or either stick to roads with a wide shoulder. Sometimes I go alone, sometimes with a few friends. Full lycra gear, no worries, and I am 52 yrs old.
I can do the basics, fix a flat , etc. I'm not a nuts & bolts person but I can do the basics. There are courses offered at many cycling shops in bike maintenance - useful to us not so mechanically gifted people.
Yes, there are plenty of show ponies, dickheads, bogans & rednecks in this world but generally I just ignore them and get on with enjoying my life. Don't let them stop you either.
One thing that is most important though is to get a ladies saddle on your bike. Most bikes come with a gents saddle and believe me the saddle makes a lot of difference as to how long you will ride the bike.
A bike is an investment, yes a good bike is expensive. But if you look after it it will last many many years. So it is worthwhile getting a good bike, one that fits you and meets your needs and then looking after it.
And yes, cycling nicks are worthwhile. Seams in sensitive places are not good for cycling comfort. Cycling tops are good - the pockets are very useful but not necessary. And in winter you will a need warm wind proof top and good gloves. And you definitely need a helmet. Good luck.

Hey Sunset
I see quite a lot of lycra clad girls in our area - sure, not as many as the boys, but still quite a lot. The group I head out with on saturdays tends to consist of 5 or 6 girls as regulars and the odd fella. A lot of women I ride with also have days off during the week and so its not unusual to see us out on the roads mid week as well as or instead of the weekend which may account for women seeming to not be out and about on their bikes since a lot of us are at work when they are on their bikes training.

I think safety is an issue for women heading out onto the highways and freeways - its an issue for all cyclists. We pick our routes depending on the time of day, traffic conditions and weather conditions and generally clock up a couple of hundred kms per week.

I don't think lack of practical 'fix-it' knowledge is an issue for women as changing a tyre is pretty easy to learn and although small is a rewarding sense of achievement once fixed. Its also just one of those things that you have to do if you are in a race etc.

The fashion thing could be an issue - I didnt ever think I'd be part of the lycra clad latte set, but its just a peasant thing to do after a ride and no matter what you are wearing you feel great after a hard ride and the release of exercise endorphins - helmet head and all!

Cheers

I am now a lycra clad female cyclist and I ride a Giant XS road bike and love it !!!

Luckily I live on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula where the roads are wide and the traffic is light.

I don't ride with a group, but do most of my riding here on thePeninsula. I have 10 km, 20 km and 30 km rides worked out and just do multiple laps for whatever time or distance I want to ride for.

For a longer ride - out to Bribie Island (Woorim) and back on a Sunday morning early(ish) is fabulous - the traffic is generally very light.

I did my first sprint distance Triathlon on my $99 Kmart Mountain bike ..... then graduated to a 30 year old Malvern Star road bike from my neighbours shed!!!

When I wanted to do Mooloolaba Olympic Distance Tri - I thought I better get a new bike!!!

What a differnece being fitted for a bike makes - Tom Holland Cycles at Lutwyche were great..

Cheers - Slacko

www.heartracer.org.nz/BrendaNoonan

There is no need to be scared of flats

I got a flat on the way home from work yesterday. In 10 minutes I was back on the road again.

The alternative - phone my wife, wait an hour to be picked up, put up with associated grumpiness. Then have to get the bike to a bike shop during opening hours, wait for it to be fixed (if they will even do it while I wait), pay money, get the bike home.

If that is not an incetive to learn how I don't know what is. It is really not hard. Practise at home a few times and you will be fine

It's all well to say you'll just call for help, but what is the point, when it is so easy to fix a flat??

There is no need to wear full head to toe luminous lycra if like me you are not into that sort of thing . A pair of knicks under regular shorts and T is all I have ever worn and I do lots and lots of kms

Did you repair the puncture there and then or change the tube?

It's not that I can't change the tube - just that it takes me so long to do it!

Fitnhealthy - cyclists usually carry a spare tube and swap them over.

Thanks Southy!
It seems as though I am not the only "shortie" out there.
After reading responses from other short women, I feel much more confident that I will find a suitable bike soon!

I usually carry a couple of spare tubes.

At home (when I can be bothered) I repair the punctured ones if they are not too badly damaged and add them to the pool.

I always have 2 spare tubes with me (including during races). Gives you a more secure feeling when you're riding on your second tube to know there's a third in back-up to ensure you get home. In fact, taking on board what people have said about just wearing normal clothing/shirts etc... this is perhaps the best reason to wear a jersey with pockets. You can easily stuff a damaged tube in your pockets to take home with you for later repair (besides which, you wouldn't be littering our roadways with busted tubes anyway would you?). Just don't mistake it for your food pocket

For those thinking about turning their bike-training into bike-racing & tris, it may also be wise to eventually get familiar with using gas cylinders. These allow you to get good tyre pressure back into the tyre - i.e. up around 100-110 psi rather than the 70-80 you'll be lucky to get out of a hand-pump. They also save on the sweat and elbow-grease you need to re-inflate a tyre by hand - and best of all, they take less than 3-4 seconds to inflate. So in theory, this would be a much better option for those who are intimidated with the whole tube-changing process.

The first attempt will probably end in tears - but then so would the first attempt with a hand-pump. Practice makes perfect - and gas cartridges are far easier to use than pumps when you're used to them, and take up less room. I always carry 2 cylinders with me on each ride. In fact, you can carry 2 x tubes, 2 x cylinders, + tyre levers and park-tool in your average saddle bag or bidon-pack.

Just something else for you all to think about