Rookie on Board!

Hey Everyone!

Just wanted to introduce myself - finally. I've been getting some valuable info from all of you for a few weeks, and finally decided to stop eaves dropping.

My name is Lisa. I live in Peoria, AZ. I'm 34. As of today, I am no longer a Spinning instructor. I wanted to devote more time to actually riding more outside, but I'm finding that I've been spending more time on my trainer than out on the road - just can't bring myself to put a kid carrier on the back of my bike! I completed my first metric century a little over a year ago on a mountain bike (AKA: The Tank). I got tired of watching all of the people on road bikes fly by on their skinny little wheels so...I gave The Tank to my husband to commute to school and I bought myself a Trek 1500. I LOVE my bike! It's red - I've always wanted a red bike! I've done a couple of metric century charity rides since I bought it and it's amazing how much faster I feel. I'm doing a crit on Wednesday. There is a race that is only 15 minutes and it is for cat 4 women, jr's, cat 5 men and inexperienced cat 4 men. I thought this would give me an opportunity to see what it is like. One of the things I learned from this forum is "Hold your line!" so...that's the plan! I hope with all of us beginners out there, that everyone else does too! I would really prefer to do some individual TT's, but they haven't fit into my schedule just yet.

I've noticed there are a few other riders from the Phoenix metro area. If any of you are on the west side, let me know. I'm always looking for people to ride.

~Lisa

___________________

Don't let whining be your special gift.

Welcome! :) Im new too, but layed up right now due to a back issue.

Goodyear checking in! Where are the crits at out here? I'd love to come watch. But I'm a bit too much of a scaredy cat to join in. Plus I'm slow. I give slow a new name. Call me 15-16 mph Denise!:D
On a good day I can get the legs spinning up to about 20 mph, but thats a REALLY good day!!
Anyway, nice to see another west valley girl on the boards. We'll have to ride sometime. Perhaps the tour de farm or something local.
Take care
Denise

Hi Running Mommy,

There is a crit series that is held every Wednesday at the Phoenix Municipal Stadium on Priest & Van Buren. The D race (that would be me) starts at 5pm and I think the last one starts around 6:15. It would be quite a drive for you from Goodyear. They are official (requires a USCF license - you can purchase one at the race) but appear to maybe be a little less intimidating? I like the fact that they have a crit just for beginners like me. I'm using Wednesday's crit to see if I like it, because I'm thinking about racing the Cinco de Mayo on May 6th in Scottsdale.

You can find the info for this race and others at azcycling.com.

I did the Tour de Farm this past fall. Nice flat ride, but the signage wasn't very good. The group I was with added about another 5 miles. :o I just did the Tour de Cure, and it was awesome. Great ride up through Anthem, New River and Cave Creek.

Happy riding,
Lisa

Welcome AZSpinner. I recently convereted more to road biking now that I finally got my Trek and have given spinning a rest. It is so much more fun and mantra like to be out on the road!! As you can see this is a GREAT board everyone here has great information and alot of fun!! Oh and I'm right next door to you in New Mexico!!
Jenn