Is bike-borrowing possible?

[Bluetree]

Hi everyone,

I am brand new to this Forum and cannot get over what wonderful advice and encouragement everyone is giving to each other. Whoever said women can't be team members never came to this board before. You gals are great!

I have beeing scouring these boards for helpful tips on how to get into cycling. I haven't been on a bike since The-Day-Before-I-Got-My-Drivers-License, which is over 20 years. (Ouch, I just aged myself.) Two ex-boyfriends were heavily into cycling/tri/ironman and got me obsessing about participating. Plus, the Tour of California's final stage was practically on my doorstep (I actually run on that stretch of beach every week) so I figured I'd better do something.

Trouble is, I don't know how to ride a bike anymore. Sounds stupid, I know, but I really haven't been on one, except for spin classes. I want to buy a bike, but without getting on one and getting used to riding again, I am afraid I won't know what feels "right".

My question is... is there anyone is the Southern California/South Bay area who can loan me one of their extra road bikes (47cm or smaller) for a few weeks? I know I'll have the wobbles for a while, but I am not confident about buying one until I am ready to do a significant test ride. I will gladly pay someone for the rental, as well as any replacement or damage should any occur (knock on wood!)

Any help will be immensely appreciated.

Joy