My intro...

[Brandy]

I just wanted to introduce myself now that I've jumped in here and started asking questions. I'm Brandy, almost 30 year old stay at home mom to three kids (3.5, almost 6, almost 8) and wife to some guy I never see because he's married to his J.O.B. I love the outdoors and as a family we enjoy hiking, camping, the beach, etc.

I'm currently in the process of becoming a Spinning instructor and my love for indoor cycling led me to NEED a road bike. :D My husband just didn't "get it" and didn't understand why I couldn't just keep riding my GT Windstream http://www.bicycleway.com/Pics.Bicycles/gt_2001_windstream.jpg anymore. I told him it's just not the same and that I feel the need for speed! Fortunately for me, he came home from work the other night really excited about the detail he was on that day. He followed his department's cyclists on a training ride as they prepare for the http://www.policeunitytoursocal.org/ and he told me that he wants to ride next year. I looked at him and said "Oh, they ride ROAD BIKES don't they?" He knew right there that he couldn't say anything to me about wanting to get a road bike! :p

So I feel like I'm doing this backwards, going from Spinning to outdoor cycling, but I'll take it anyway that it wants to come. I've never been an athlete and I feel like it's time for me to have something that I love to do. I'm looking into buying a gently used bike to get me started and I can't wait to get out there! I'm sure I'll be here asking you a billion questions :)

[DrBee]

Hi Brandy,

Welcome to TE! We're a friendly bunch that will be happy to answer your questions and laugh/cry with you when you need it. When you get a chance, stop by the Getting to Know You thread and give us a full introduction.

[Popoki_Nui]

Welcome Brandy! :):):)

~Sherry.

[Lise]

Welcome, Brandy!

You are going to love a road bike. Three years ago, I went from a beater, found-in-the-alley, fixed up Schwinn to a Marin hybrid, and thought I was speed racer. This year I bought a "real" road bike, a Bianchi Veloche. I've had it about two months, and I would not go back. It is a dream. I go so fast.

Is your husband a police officer? This morning I rode my bike downtown, then ran the 5K Run To Remember, a benefit for the Policemen's Memorial Foundation. Then rode home. A duathlon, of sorts! :p

Sounds to me like the spinning is a great base from which to start riding. Have a blast.

Lise

[Brandy]

Welcome, Brandy!
Is your husband a police officer? This morning I rode my bike downtown, then ran the 5K Run To Remember, a benefit for the Policemen's Memorial Foundation. Then rode home. A duathlon, of sorts! :p

Lise

Thanks for all of the welcomes! Yes, Lise...my husband is a police officer and he works for a department in Los Angeles. I predict that he'll catch the cycling bug soon. He seemed very interested in riding in the memorial ride next year and he's talked about applying for the bike detail at work!

I got my bike this afternoon :) I am so excited and can't wait to ride it. Unfortunately, this weekend is packed full of other obligations (I'm taking my orientation to become a Spinning instructor tomorrow!!!) and I have no childcare available :( I'm just going to have sit here and look at her for awhile ;)

My eight year old son is so interested in this new bike. He is amazed that he can pick it up by himself because it's so much lighter than his BMX bike. He's asking questions every few minutes...Do they make road bikes for kids? Do you think I could start riding with you? etc. He has a twinkle in his eye, so I'm thinking I might have a partner in crime here!

[Crankin]

You didn't start backwards! I know quite a few people at the gym who became hooked on road cycling because they met someone at spin who was a roadie.
I was a gym rat for years; taught aerobics in the 80s and 90s. My son started mtb, then road racing and then my husband started cycling. I was thrilled my husband finally was exercising, but it was hard to coordinate our schedules. Then one day he said, "I am going to get you out on the road." He put slicks on his old mtb and my first ride was about 5 miles. He had to PUSH me up a small hill with the back of his hand. It was as if I had never exercised a day in my life. This was in the fall. Then I went to spin with him during the winter and the next spring i started doing 10-20 mile rides. After that season, I got a road bike, and then a year later, another one.
You will be fine. It's a disease!

[Wisconsin]

Welcome Brandy,

I had to laugh as my 8 and 4 yr old boys did the same thing to my new bike. I'm a mom of 3 boys 3, 4 almost 5 and the 8 yr old. I made the plunge after moving to the country and seeing some ladies doing a charity ride. It is a great sport and as moms we need the time for ourselves. I do have to wait for my husband to get home to watch the kids but it is way worth it. Get out there and ride!!
Amy from Wisconsin

[short cut sally]

Hey Brandy, welcome and congrats on your new bike.. The ladies here at TE are wonderful. I have gained so much knowledge from their postings and they are great at answering questions that you might have. Enjoy your riding..shelly