Hi! I've been lurking around the site for a few weeks, waiting until I actually took my first ride before I posted. I'm Ann-Marie, haven't really ridden a bike since I was 11, have about 100 lbs. to lose, and am the proud new owner of a 1964 Schwinn Hollywood -- which is only a year or two younger than I am. Single speed, coaster brake (is this a good place to admit that I've never ridden anything with gearing or hand brakes?). It's just gotten a tune-up and new tires and tubes at my LBS, and today was our maiden voyage of 1.5 miles.

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I've wanted to get back on a bike for a while, and rather than keep on being dazzled and confused by all the shiny bikes and options in magazines and online, I found the Hollywood at a thrift store and got some work done on it. I know this won't be forever, or even for very long, but I wanted to start someplace simple. I've lost about 25 lbs. since the beginning of the year with only walking as my exercise, and when nice weather finally showed up I gave in to the siren song of two wheels. Now I need to start making sense of bike lingo and see if I can grok gears a little before I upgrade.

Hope to participate, learn things and be inspired by everyone here!