Another intro from a new TE member

[Bad JuJu]

Welcome aboard, Indy!

You need to read the thread about TE Bianchi Girls and get in on that, since you're a Bianchi driver. I've been riding off and on for years now, but I'm getting my new Bianchi in another week or so--it's the Veloce--and I can't wait can't wait can't wait. You'll find there are lots of other Bianchi drivers here. See you around the forums!

[Bikingmomof3]

Welcome Kate. TE is a wonderful forum.

[indysteel]

JuJu: Congrats on your new Veloce. I looked seriously at one, but my LBS had trouble finding my size. Between the Veloce groupset and the wheels, it's a sweet bike. I had to settle for upgrading some of my components. Does your Veloce come with a compact crank? That was my one reservation....

Overall, the roadbike buying process was frustrating in that I had trouble finding one that would fit. Apparently, I have really short legs and freakishly long arms! The Eros Donna is working out fit-wise, although the reach is just a tad too long. I'm working with a professional fitter, and we think it will improve as my conditioning/core strength improves. I also took up yoga this year (which is such a nice compliment to cycling IMO) and am working on my abs/low back. I have seriously atoned for my coach-potato ways this summer!

Cassandra: thanks for the encouragement regarding riding a century. I'm feeling pretty hopeful about it. I'd like to get some 60 to 70-mile rides in this fall before winter hits so that I'll be ready to go next spring/early summer! I also need to become more disciplined about eating/hydrating during longer rides. I get kind of lazy, although the SAGS at club rides should help.

Speaking of eating during rides: I washed a cycling jersey last night that I wore over the weekend. I apparently forgot about the box of raisins I'd stowed in my back pocket because there were raisins (very clearn and fresh raisins I might add) all over my washer and clothes! LOL!

Too funny about the hybrid/roadbike thing. I think my friends thought I was crazy when I bought the roadbike, but I just knew in my gut that I'd end up loving it. I felt better after talking to another cyclist in town who has bought five bikes over the last two years! It makes me sad, however, to look at the Trek (and to think how much money I spent on it). I can't decide whether to keep or sell it. It only has about 400 miles on it, and I haven't ridden it since getting the Bianchi. It would make a nice bike for somebody.

Does anybody have any off-season training advice? I'm going to stick with yoga and take some spinning classes. I used to run and may have to take that up again to just keep from going stir-crazy. I'm not thrilled about using an indoor trainer. Home is just too distracting.

[CorsairMac]

Welcome to the board Indy: if you get a chance there's a thread under Open titled "Getting to Know You" - gives you a chance to learn more about than an attorney probably should! and congrats on the road bike - you, me, who knows how many others all did the same thing.........and I just sold my hybrid to a friend of mine in the hopes it gets him started cycling too.

Lived in Broad Ripple for 30+ yrs btw...never did much cycling while I was there but ran the Canal Path all the time (before it was paved!)