RubyLover
10-25-2012, 01:25 PM
I've been a long time lurker (about a year now), and decided to join the forum today. I've been biking about a year and a half now, and I am absolutely passionate about riding.
It all started as physical therapy after bi-lateral knee replacement on stationary bike. I got bored riding inside, so purchased a 50 pound dept. store cruiser, no speeds, coaster brakes. I rode that bike every day for a year, eventually putting over 3000 miles on it. I remember early on my big accomplishment was to complete two laps around the building I work at lunch in the parking lot. I was teased relentlessly by my co-workers, (iron men and competitive riders) over that bike. But I didn't let that bother me. I was going to ride no matter what, it was my "me" time, and I loved the feeling of freedom, the stress relief, the wind blowing on me.
Over time the heavy got bothersome to transport (I take my bike to work in the back of my car to ride at lunch), and I could not get it to go over 18MPH without it shaking. Time for an upgrade. I'd proven I was serious enough about riding to invest in a quality bike.
That's when I found this forum, when I was deciding what type of bike to purchase. I wanted women's geometry, so narrowed the choices down to Trek and Specialized.
My first ride on a Specialized Ruby and I was hooked. I made a fool of myself in front of the bike shop, the bike I test rode was too small for me (48), and my toe overlap hit the front tire, turned the tire ascew, and my reaction was to coaster brake instead of using the hand brakes. Slammed right into the bushes in front of a huge audience at the bike shop! Humiliating experience! But, that did not sway me, I got measured and we ordered a 54. The guys at the bike shop were very understanding.
My 54 Ruby came in and I picked her up. She is a beauty! I had the BG Computerized fitting (highly recommended), and set off for my maiden rides. The Ruby handled like a Ferrari compared to the heavy cruiser! I had bike respect from the guys at work. I still rode every day, but braved the streets around work instead of circling the parking lot. I love my daily rides.
I eventually worked up the courage to join the Bay Area Velo Girls on weekend rides (I felt clumsy and slow compared to the seasoned riders), but my motto is to keep fighting! Eventually I would like to join their endurance team, as I plan to ride in a lot of centuries (Cinderella, Tierra Bella, Primavera) in Spring 2013.
I just wanted to finally introduce myself. I've gain a lot of great knowledge from the wonderful people here, I am on a Brooks B68 Imperial, (anyone intersted in a Lithia Gel 155 that came with my bike?), I've gotten great leads on riding glasses, helmets, shorts, jerseys, etc. In fact I always check the forums when making an equipment or clothing decision!
Sorry to go on for so long, don't get me started when it comes to cycling! (Ha Ha)
It all started as physical therapy after bi-lateral knee replacement on stationary bike. I got bored riding inside, so purchased a 50 pound dept. store cruiser, no speeds, coaster brakes. I rode that bike every day for a year, eventually putting over 3000 miles on it. I remember early on my big accomplishment was to complete two laps around the building I work at lunch in the parking lot. I was teased relentlessly by my co-workers, (iron men and competitive riders) over that bike. But I didn't let that bother me. I was going to ride no matter what, it was my "me" time, and I loved the feeling of freedom, the stress relief, the wind blowing on me.
Over time the heavy got bothersome to transport (I take my bike to work in the back of my car to ride at lunch), and I could not get it to go over 18MPH without it shaking. Time for an upgrade. I'd proven I was serious enough about riding to invest in a quality bike.
That's when I found this forum, when I was deciding what type of bike to purchase. I wanted women's geometry, so narrowed the choices down to Trek and Specialized.
My first ride on a Specialized Ruby and I was hooked. I made a fool of myself in front of the bike shop, the bike I test rode was too small for me (48), and my toe overlap hit the front tire, turned the tire ascew, and my reaction was to coaster brake instead of using the hand brakes. Slammed right into the bushes in front of a huge audience at the bike shop! Humiliating experience! But, that did not sway me, I got measured and we ordered a 54. The guys at the bike shop were very understanding.
My 54 Ruby came in and I picked her up. She is a beauty! I had the BG Computerized fitting (highly recommended), and set off for my maiden rides. The Ruby handled like a Ferrari compared to the heavy cruiser! I had bike respect from the guys at work. I still rode every day, but braved the streets around work instead of circling the parking lot. I love my daily rides.
I eventually worked up the courage to join the Bay Area Velo Girls on weekend rides (I felt clumsy and slow compared to the seasoned riders), but my motto is to keep fighting! Eventually I would like to join their endurance team, as I plan to ride in a lot of centuries (Cinderella, Tierra Bella, Primavera) in Spring 2013.
I just wanted to finally introduce myself. I've gain a lot of great knowledge from the wonderful people here, I am on a Brooks B68 Imperial, (anyone intersted in a Lithia Gel 155 that came with my bike?), I've gotten great leads on riding glasses, helmets, shorts, jerseys, etc. In fact I always check the forums when making an equipment or clothing decision!
Sorry to go on for so long, don't get me started when it comes to cycling! (Ha Ha)