Hi!

I've been lurking here for a little while now(searching and reading through old posts), but thought I'd take the time to introduce myself. I'm Cecily, 43 (turning 44 in September), and I live in Vancouver, Canada. I'm also fat, but I view it as a fact, like my height and my skin colour.

Right now my daily ride is a Batavus Fryslan Dutch upright bike. I don't live far from work, and I like that the stature and slow speed of the bike keeps me visible on my short daily commute.

I've always loved riding bikes from the time I got my first big-girl bike at 8 years old until now. I've had 10 speeds, hybrids, fitness bikes, comfort bikes, and road bikes, but haven't really found anything I absolutely loved except for my Dutch bike. But a Dutch bike isn't really practical for long tours.

Last year, I made a deal with a co-worker to take a Rocky Mountain Solo AL 10 off her hands, but after a few 20km rides, I discovered that fast road bikes really aren't for me. I want to put in more miles, but I'm interested in a slower pace. I'm also interested in perhaps doing a fully supported tour in the near future.

I'm looking at purchasing a good do everything bike. The top contenders are a Salsa Casseroll and a Surly Cross Check. I'm still at the dreaming stage until I can sell the road bike.

Anyway, I wanted to say hi, and to thank all of you for the informative posts you've made over the years.