Getting to Know You!

[thinpaperwings]

Real name: Sara Saperstein

Where do you live? Portland, OR

Explanation of your handle: It's part of a lyric to one of the songs from one of my favorite bands, Underworld.

Age (general or specific) 23

Occupation: Biology Research Technician

Favorite bike: My very old (probably 10 or 15 ys) Univega Rover T2.7

What's in your stable? Unfortunately, the above bike is it right now. Maybe this spring I'll buy a proper road bike for my commute. I just love the way my bike fits me, and I have such great memories with it, that I can't see enjoying another bike as much. What if my Univega got jealous?

Fastest speed on a road bike? Never rode a road bike.

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Actually, I'm too honest for my own good.

Most memorable moment on my bike: Last year I went on what was supposed to be a 15 or 20 mile ride with my boyfriend, around the Columbia River from I-5 to I-205 and back. We got lost, got caught in headwinds so strong that we had to pedal hard in order to barely move, and it was hailing for much of the trip. Because we missed a turn, the trip ended up being 30 miles instead of 20. My hands got so cold that when we finally got to the car, I couldn't feel them, and I had to stick my hands, one at a time, fully into my mouth to warm them up enough. I was so freezing.


Most fun ever had on a bike? When I was in High School, before I could drive, I would ride my bike up The Strand, which is a long paved trail along the beach in southern California. By the end of that summer I was doing 50 mile rides, which for me at the time, and in conjunction with my long-distance running, was a lot. I even remember waking up and taking off at 3am because I was so excited about the ride. The freedom of being able to go such distances without a car was fantastic.

More about me: I'm still pretty new to biking. Last winter I took some classes on care and maintenance, fixing flats, truing spokes, that sort of thing. I still don't have a lot of practice with it, though.

I started commuting by bike when I got my job a little over a month ago. I was biking twice a week, 7 miles each direction. Portland is such a great city to cycle-commute in. Before the bike commuting, I just rode weekend rides here and there, usually between 10 and 20 miles, depending on my fitness level. I mostly would bike on paved trails, but this past summer we went on a few mountain rides. I also enjoy running and weightlifting and playing with my Australian Shepherd.

Cheers!

[CorsairMac]

WElcome Luv'n! Sorry to hear your new bike isn't your fav - is there a reason?? And what happened to your beautiful yellow giant? Never been to Austin but I used to live in Chandler and I would hike Squaw Peak every Sun after church. I miss the warmth of Phx and I miss that hike. Never did the Camelback - it was on my list of "things to do". I'm still hanging on to that list!!

Welcome Wings! I saw your ID yesterday and fell in love with it.......I had this vision of you on a bike with thin paper wings to help you along! I also answered your post yesterday about commuting in the cold and was wondering if you decided to give it another try?

Hope to hear more from both of you and nice to have ya'll on board!