Rookie on Board!

[AZSpinner]

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.

[Luna]

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

[Running Mommy]

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!
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

[AZSpinner]

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. I just did the Tour de Cure, and it was awesome. Great ride up through Anthem, New River and Cave Creek.

Happy riding,
Lisa

[Jenn]

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