Hello from NorCal!

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)

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I almost forgot! Here is me and my beloved. :)

Welcome Ruby! So happy for you that you're discovered your love of cycling.

There are quite a few of us in N. CA on the forum. I'm in Mill Valley. We haven't gotten together for a ride in ages, and it would be probably good to get one on the calendar! Maybe I'll start something in the California forum. Gotta run off right now, though.

Something fun and with food. :D

Maybe I'll bring chocolate chip cookies...

Veronica

Hey, you hijacked my handle!! ;), JK!! However, I can't believe how much we have in common. I too fell in love with my Ruby from the start, love to talk about cycling, and want to get on a racing team, maybe.
(little conflicted over that one, coming up on the big 5-0). My family is SICK of hearing me talk about cycling, so feel free to talk about it on these boards, or back and forth w me. I would also like to buy your Lithia saddle, as that is my size, and I LOVE that saddle. My family is from Northern CA; Antioch, Sacramento and Eureka. I took off for the Southwest of Washington, near Vancouver, WA. I rode the STP last year, and loved it. (Seattle to Portland). Glad I saw your name on the boards today!
The REAL RubyLVR!!:)

I feel awful for taking a similar handle as yours RubyLVR! I'll see if I can change mine, maybe to LoveMyRuby or something. Must figure out how to do that. Anyway, if you are interested in the saddle, feel free to PM. I also listed in the Sale/Want ads for $65 shipped.

Another NorCal Ruby lover here! I bought my 2013 Specialized Ruby Sport about a month ago. I rediscovered cycling this summer after moving from Portland, Maine, to Sacramento, California. Fantastic cycling country!

Funny another Maine transplant. I grew up in Hollis Center - south of Portland. Almost all the family is still there. I'm in Antioch. It's a very flat century to ride to Sacramento and back. :p

Although to be fair, Maine roads have improved so much since I was a kid. We really enjoy riding there when we go back to visit. And there's no chip seal!

Veronica

I really loved Maine - what a gorgeous state. We lived there for about two years. I didn't do much biking in Portland (aside from taking my bike on the ferry and putting around Peaks Island). It helps that the cycling season is much longer here! Do you ride all year?

So far, I have been doing all of my riding on the American River Bike Trail. At some point I need to start tackling hills...

I am fully teasing you, and don't want you to change your name!! We can all share our love of this awesome bike.
RE the saddle, that's a bit pricey for me, especially since I bout a "Winter bike" that hubby is still a bit sore about.
Better not tell him I have my eye on a hybrid/touring bike!! SO ADDICTING!!

Congratulations on your new Ruby! :D Another fellow Norcal rider here. :) I tested the Ruby during my bike hunt and loved it too - ended up getting a better deal for me at the time on a Synapse which I absolutely love. I've been debating whether or not to join the Velo Riders group...I'm not fully geared up with the clothing and clipless shoes though so I'd probably be kind of out of place. Have fun riding! We are truly lucky to live in an area with such great biking weather!