I've been here a while and've posted a few times. It's probably time to introduce myself:

Real name: Laura

Where do you live? Coastal bedroom community for Silicon Valley (California).

Explanation of your handle: First name + wild card character representing Last name (also a pun on that name).

Explanation of your avatar: None yet.

Age (general or specific): 40something

Occupation: Computer geekette.

Favorite bike: Not enough bikes to have a favorite.

What's in your stable? New Voodoo Sobo XC MTB, 1994 Diamond Back Ascent MTB, 1985 Schwinn World Sport. (My dad's old late-80's 63cm Nishiki is also here - but too big for me.)

What's not in your stable anymore? 1990 Diamond Back Ascent EX MTB (stolen ), 1970's Sears heavy steel "10-speed" (worn out and yard saled), mom's 1970's Raleigh 3-spd (yard saled), and a little kid's bike (?).

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? According to the cable driven speedometer on the Sears bike, 40 MPH in a 25 MPH zone coming down a hill while in college. I'm smarter and more cautious now.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Waiting on warmer and drier weather.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: (Sitting here all silent and innocent looking. )

Most memorable moment on my bike: While I was a teenager, city sewers were installed in my neighborhood. All the roads were a mess and the main road was even blocked off. I was riding no handed. Suddenly I saw I was headed right for a big pothole. I leaned forward to grab the bars - but too late. The front wheel went into the hole - I fell off the back of the bike - bounced on my feet leaping forward - landed back on the saddle and kept riding.

Most fun ever had on a bike? Hmmm.


I've ridden off and on ever since I was given my first starter bike. The off years were because I either didn't have an appropriate bike, or my bike was broken. While looking for repair information, I found bikeforums.net and eventually joined. I also found this site. I joined to get away from the occasional hostility of the former site.