have you changed your life for cycling?

[Trek420]

Jobob - Niles and Fremont. Man, I sure liked Niles. We walked a little on that trail along the canal (Alameda Creek?). Then went to this really cool coffee shop a block from the mission in Fremont. Looks like a great area for biking. Is that where you are?"

Knott, here's the TE gang on the bay side end of that same trail.

"Seattle biking is good, too; but I gotta admit I saw more bikes in CA recently than in WA! Kept forgetting it's December. You guys can ride more easily in December than we can.

"

California weather is great, we can ride year round (given enough lights and wool).

Your drivers may be saner.

Back to gift wrapping.

[jobob]

Ah, but in all fairness, when I went out for a ride yesterday morning before sunrise, it was 38 degrees out.

[KnottedYet]

Trek, dear, you have GOT to figure out how to use the quote function on that Mac. (remember what I taught you, or do I have to come back there and teach you again?)

[Trek420]

Trek, dear, you have GOT to figure out how to use the quote function on that Mac. (remember what I taught you, or do I have to come back there and teach you again?)

mwahhahahaha, yes you do

wrapping, wrapping, where's my tape?

[ClockworkOrange]

I am curious to find out how many here have changed the way they live because of their love of cycling.

Well, taking up cycling 6 years ago changed me, by 3 stone.

Last year my BF and I bought a place together but we chose it specifically because of our love of cycling. We are strategically placed between two small nature reserves, also whatever direction we go in, we are off road, which is rather good considering we live in a very busy town.

Went out early yesterday morning and it was 2 degrees and it was lovely, frost all around.

Yes, we are all mad but so much fitter than most, especially us slightly older ladies...................lol

Sally

[hellosunshine]

too much so!i train until 11am means i have to work until 11pm,means ive zilch social life really apart from the bike,which is prob a healthier option!sleep is the new sex and i dont buy "going out clothes"

i also find ive a preoccupation with the weather!and what was a converted garage into a dining room has been gutted and is filled with bike hooks,weights etc etc,so no one can come round for dinner

[Crankin]

Road raven, I understand your feelings exactly (looking out the window and being jealous of the cyclists going by when you are at work). This is why I'm quitting my job at the end of the school year. Yes, it is my 30th year of teaching, but because I moved and took my retirement out of my AZ account, I would be about 67 until my full retirement from MA kicked in. I am lucky that my husband makes plenty of $; I was ALWAYS the one who worked in my social circle... right from the delivery room back to school almost. In fact, I was career addicted and could never picture myself not working. People are constantly asking me what I am going to do. Let's see, Wednesday and Fridays are already taken up with club rides which I started doing this summer. .. Yes, I will look for a flexible part time job, but to start, I will do some tutoring and be able to make some good cash $. Our whole life revolves around cycling (or X country skiing, snow shoeing, hiking) and it might be weird, but I'm happy. We still go out to eat a lot, theatre, etc. I admit, my non cycling friends get on my nerves now, but I know they can't help it! (whining about how fat they are and not doing anything about it). None of them even said congratulations when I did my century!

Sorry for getting off topic here.

Robyn

[TrekJeni]

Yay, Jeni!

(and I think you left out one of the best changes you got by starting biking!)

I think Knotted Yet is refering to the fact that I now date the greatest guy who's family owns the LBS. He just bought me a mountain bike for Xmas. Rode Sunday and supposed to ride today if the weather holds. A lot of the same interests and we've been riding friends for almost two years.

Little did I know that he had liked me for a long time. Never once hinted, alluded, or tried anything with me while I was still with the ex and we've ridden hundreds of miles together. He's an Eagle Scout (no really) and a gentlemen.

Jeni

[KnottedYet]

Robyn - Congratulations on your Century, by the way!

[fretwes]

Thanks everybody, for your replies. I enjoyed reading your stories, even those that were off topic, heh heh.

My partner and I need to sit down and revisit our life goals and decide what we want to do. We're hoping to retire or go to a part time situation very early (we're currently 41 and 36) to give us more time for cycling and other pursuits. And in addition to not having good proximity to cycling in our new place, it costs us a lot to live here. Yes we can 'afford' it and yes, it's a beautiful home but we're coming to the realization that it may set us back in terms of other life goals that are more important.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

[Geonz]

I, too, make decisions with cycling in the process. In Richmond, my house was chosen in part because finally I was close enough to bike to work (though I didn't do it religiously like I do now). I don't want to have to drive.
When I need to travel... how will I work in some cycling? (If necessary, how will I find a different way to exercise?)
When I bought a car: will the bike fit?
Bicycling is a big part of who I am and what I do now.