New rider

[gatorbait]

Just wanted to introduce myself. Just getting back into riding after 20 years so it will take a little time to get back into form. Currently have a Trek 7500 Multitrack (hybrid) that I need to get on and ride. If anyone has any experience or knowledge about this bike, I would really appreciate your comments. I also have another passion, motorcycles, and have a Harley Night Rod Special named "Gator".

[Velocivixen]

Hi. Welcome. What type of riding do you like to do? Recreational? Commute to work? Roads or paths or? What area are you in?

[gatorbait]

I will be doing mostly recreational. I live NE of Madison, WI in a lake area where there are lots of bike paths. Also hope to do some longer group rides once I feel comfortable and meet some other bicyclists. I had the LBS guy put some gatorskins on the bike based on his recommendation for what I wanted. I doubt if I will ride to work since we don't have shower facilities at the clinic where I work. Are we really not supposed to wear underwear under biking shorts?!! Hmmm, "clammy chamois".......oh boy....

[Velocivixen]

I think the idea with not wearing underwear is that the fewer seams there are the less likely to have opportunity for chafing. I wear underwear, however I've never had issues with rubbing or chafing. Do what works for you.
It sounds like a fun place to ride. Enjoy.

[AnnB]

Hello gatorbait, I'm new around here too.

[gatorbait]

Hi AnnB!
Are you anywhere near Spooner, MN? The other vet I work with is from that area. She over at Houston, MN for the Hoedown days this weekend.

[Nick]

Greetings, gatorbait, and welcome from another newbie. I'm also getting back into biking after many years out of the saddle. Isn't it fun?

[gatorbait]

Between weather and work have not been able to put on very many miles. Hope to change that this weekend. I live on the south shore of a lake that has a bike path that goes all the way around, giving a rider about 26 miles. Really eager to check it out. Are you in the fingerlakes area?

[AnnB]

=Are you anywhere near Spooner, MN?
Nope, I'm on the exact opposite end of the state from Spooner, much closer to Houston, MN.

[gatorbait]

Finally got a chance to get out on the bike for a first ride. Felt very good but was a lot of work as well. Went about 5 miles total. I live on a road that forms a loop off a main county road and hugs the south shore of a lake. My first lesson in using the derailleurs was a matter of survival! I was going up an incline and then around a sharp corner (more than 90 degrees) which continued the incline for another 1/4 mile to get to the county road. I was trying to figure out how to downshift and instead I kept going into higher gears. Then I finally found the right lever to start downshifting right before I was literally at a standstill. Managed to get my wind back and kept going. That was in the first 1/2 mile. I had a short flat area, then approached an area where I had to commit to keep going or commit to a longer ride and decided to go for the gusto. That part of the ride was about a mile of hills but mostly a downhill ride until I turned around. By then I had a much better idea about where I wanted my gears set at and made it up that group of hills, remembering "shut up legs", "smile", and "boobs to the tubes". Almost did myself in laughing when I remembered the last phrase. Have to say it felt great, especially coming down the loop towards home. Just hot enough to work up a good sweat.

[Velocivixen]

Your ride sounds great! Good job. You'll get a rhythm with more outings. Keep us posted.