Hi there! Newbie here! :)

[alb_photog]

Hi everyone!

Very excited to be here! I'm 33, wife and mom to 3, 2nd grade teacher and photographer. I am a complete newbie to Road Cycling. I've been doing some road biking this summer--- but on my 10 yr old Kona Mountain Bike. I can do about 13 miles at 14 mph in 50 min or so. I have a Cannondale Caad10 5 waiting for me at the LBS, for my birthday in a couple weeks. I CAN'T WAIT!

Quick story to share about why I'm getting into cycling....

I've been an avid runner for years. I've done (and podium placed in several) 10k's, Halfs, and a Marathon. When I was training for the Marine Corps Marathon (3 years ago) when I started having pain in my hips. The orthopedist told me I had roughly 5 yrs of running left in me. See- I have shallow hip sockets paired with pointier-than-normal hip bones, which means that they rub severely on my IT band. The problem just resurfaced again this summer, so I needed to find another high intensity exercise, but one that would relieve my joints.

Pulled out my Kona MB, went for a few rides and LOVED the freedom and speed I felt. We used to live in rich GA mountain country, but now we live in rich MD country roads, which actual long-distance bike routes. :)

So, all that to say, I'm so stoked to get my Cannondale Caad10, and my husband will be getting a Specialized.

[alb_photog]

PS-- how do I edit my signature? I can't seem to find it in my profile or settings...? Thanks!

[thekarens]

Congrats and welcome! Post pics when you get your bike.

Up top click on "Settings" and then on the left hand side will be the option to edit your signature.

[ny biker]

PS-- how do I edit my signature? I can't seem to find it in my profile or settings...? Thanks!

Click on Settings in the upper right. Then on the left you will see a menu. Edit Signature should be one of the options.

Welcome aboard. Depending on where you are in Maryland, I might be able to suggest places to ride. If you're in or near southern Maryland, the Oxon Hill club is very friendly.

[alb_photog]

Thanks for the welcome. :)

I do not have an edit signature option. Hmmm...

[murielalex]

Welcome and congrats on your new bike. I have a couple friends with CAAD 10s, and they're wonderful bikes.

[Eden]

I think it may be an anti-spam function... you may have to be a member for a certain amount of time or have a certain amount of posts before you are allowed a signature.

[alb_photog]

Thanks-- I think I found it? And Eden- that makes sense. :)

[lph]

Welcome, Andrea! Enjoy your lovely new Cannondale :-) After biking, running feels like you're standing still... ;-)

[TigerMom]

Congrats! If you are already going 14mph on a mountain bike, you'll definitely start at 17mph on your road bike without any problems over those same 13miles.

Wish I was as athletic as you.

[tealtreak]

Hello!

Welcome to biking! I am also a former runner- though I still get a fix by helping with my daughters xc team (:......The main thing that helped me be completely happy with other sports is to have fun! Screaming down hills and shooting white water have replaced running totally! There was a time when I never thought I would quit missing running...so take heart! (:

[aponi]

That's pretty fast on a mountain bike.

I want to do tris and was getting a bit nervous about the bike part since all I was riding was a mountain bike. It's amazing how much faster a road bike is, but it is taking me a bit to not be terrified by those really skinny tires.

[rebeccaC]

Welcome!! Road bicycling is the next endorphin fix for a lot of people with runner injuries :)...hopefully you can share your experiences of a positive new bicycling journey with others who need to make a move out of running!!!
Country roads should make it even more enjoyable to share the experience with your husband too!

What kind of photography do you do?