Hello, I'm new here...

Just thought I'd say hi...I'm originally from germany, but living in the uk, so I guess I'm going to be in the minority on here.

Only got into cycling properly last year after signing up for a 250-mile charity ride (over 4 days), completed it, got bitten by the bug, started to do more and more rides, joined a club (a very chilled out, slow one) and completed my first 100-miler last September. All this was done on a fairly basic mountain bike, so I decided the mtb deserves a rest (and I deserve a treat) and have just bought my first road bike, a trek 1.7 (doesn't seem to exist in the US for some reason). Can pick it up on Saturday! :D Very excited although it will take some getting used to - the riding position is just so different and those skinny tyres are scary!!! :o

Anyway, this seems a real friendly forum, so hopefully I'll soon get to know you all a bit better! :)

Hi! I'm new here too, and think that everyone is really nice.
Congratulations on your new bike! I was scared moving to skinny tires too, but it becomes second nature very quickly.

Welcome to TE to BOTH of you!! :)

Treks are great bikes. Take it a bit slow at first, and the fear of skinny tires will go away pretty quickly.
When you have time and inclination, learn how to clean and lube your bike. Then learn how to change/fix a flat. All good things to be able to do and gives you a sense of confidence. If you just bought your bike recently, the LBS (your bike store) should be willing and able to help you with such instructions.

Read this page for tips on safe biking in traffic:
http://bicyclesafe.com/

Most of all, enjoy riding your bikes! :D

Welcome to both of you. I've just been around a couple months and have found this group to be very friendly and helpful.

Oh, and congrats on the new bike! I finally got me a real bike (Cannondale Quik 5) this past November for my birthday after riding my Wally World bike for about 6 mos. I'm totally hooked! I also had to adjust to the newer skinny tires, but I'm used to them now and feel very comfortable on them. You'll definitely feel the bumps more on a road bike, though!

I have spent YEARS hanging out on other cycling related forums, and this one by far is the sweetest and real-est. I barely visit the other ones anymore....

Welcome. I am relatively new here as well.

welcome to TE!!

Hello and welcome!
Where in the Uk are you at the moment? There are a few of us based around the uk. I have just moved to Wales myself, from Essex, although I am originally from Norway.

We love new people! they bring new idea's and new stories! Enjoy!

welcome! :)

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Originally Posted by uk elephant

Hello and welcome!
Where in the Uk are you at the moment? There are a few of us based around the uk. I have just moved to Wales myself, from Essex, although I am originally from Norway.

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Been stuck in Preston for the past 12 years or so...came to go to uni and somehow never left... Nice cycleroutes round here tho! ;)

welcome to new members. I really like this site. Everyone is so nice. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts.

smilingcat

Where abouts in the UK are you ?

I'm a pommy that's escaped to the other side of the world for the past 14 years :) ............

although I'm not a great poster, this board is great for info & hosts some lovely people who are full of ideas ;) I'm always popping in for a read !

But MNZ..you're a cool pommy ;) :D

Tantrumbean..what a cool name!

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Originally Posted by MillieNZ

Where abouts in the UK are you ?

I'm a pommy that's escaped to the other side of the world for the past 14 years :) ............

although I'm not a great poster, this board is great for info & hosts some lovely people who are full of ideas ;) I'm always popping in for a read !

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I take it you have escaped to New Zealand, judging from your user name... I went over to Kiwicountry a few years ago, just to visit, and absolutely loved it - read all the immigration guidelines when I got back. Whereabouts are you? Is that the Bay of Islands in the background on your avatar?

Madame MNZ lives in Jaffaland! (that's Auckland or dorkland, whichever you prefer :rolleyes: ) The cool pic is on the Round Taupo event :cool:

Tantrumbean..are you thinking of moving down to Kiwiland? Mountain biking is AWESOME in enzed :cool: , weather is a different story :mad: :( We lived in Auckland for 4 yrs & although we miss friends/family..the weather amongst other things keep us in Aust..) wages aren't as high as they are in Aust.. You could always live in Brisbane & fly to NZ very cheaply..