Getting to Know You!

[calliebear9]

Real name: Sam
Where do you live: San Jose, CA
Explanation of handle: my dog's name
Explanation of avatar: n/a
Age: 33
Occupation: Supply Chain Planning
Favorite bike: I only have one bike- a Jamis Coda Sport Femme in red that I got two weeks ago
Fastest speed: um, not very fast, just started out

I am a big girl (Athena) who just started out. I picked up my bike 2 weeks ago and have put just 60 miles on her. My longest ride so far is 16 miles...so I have a lot of room for improvement. Most of you seem pretty experienced so I am hoping I can learn from and be inspired by you.

Are there any other new Bay Area riders out there?

[calliebear9]

Forgot my bike pic. Hope I uploaded it right....

[aviatrix58]

Real name: Deb
Where do you live? Central California
Explanation of your handle: I have my pilot's license and I was born in 1958
Explanation of your avatar: n/a
Age (general or specific): 54
Occupation: Teacher and Grad Student
Favorite bike: Rans Enduro (It's a recumbent!) but I just got a Bacchetta Corsa (also a recumbent) so that may change shortly
What's in your stable? Rans Enduro, Rans V-Rex, Bacchetta Corsa
Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? 40 mph downhill, two years ago, central coast of Cali.
Another picture of yourself or your ride: ?
What is the biggest lie you've ever told: ?
Most memorable moment on my bike: Touring from Seattle, WA to our home in Cali last summer with my husband. 1,254 miles in 24 days.
Most fun ever had on a bike? Go 40 mph downhill, no wait, passing my husband on a sprint, no wait, touring the coast, no wait....do I have to pick just one???


(My new bike the Bacchetta Corsa - I've only put 35 miles on it)

(My Rans Enduro that I tour on)

[poogle]

Real name: Jessica
Where do you live? Kenmore, WA (state)
Explanation of your handle: It is a play on "moogle" from the Final Fantasy video games
Explanation of your avatar: n/a
Age 34
Occupation: Corporate refugee/ Pastry school student
Favorite bike: Hmm, I don't know yet
What's in your stable? Giant Escape
Fastest speed on a road bike? A whopping 24mph downhill, with a tailwind
What is the biggest lie you've ever told: That I totally knew what a derailur was
Most memorable moment on my bike: Getting the stink eye when passing a guy on a fancy carbon bike with team kit
Most fun ever had on a bike? Hmm, every time!

I just got my first adult bike in May, and have been riding the heck out of it, still too much of a weenie for clipless or group rides, but I am having a great time on the Burke Gillman

[Judith_39]

Real name: Judith (Jude)
Where do you live? Lausanne, Switzerland (although plan to move soon to Neuchatel, CH)
Explanation of your handle: My name, obviously, and the 39 is my jersey number for my primary sport, ice hockey.
Explanation of your avatar: I haven't got one yet - I need some pics of me and my bike!
Age: 32
Occupation: R&D Scientist
Favorite bike: I'm riding a Scott Team Issue from 2003, and it's what got me into road cycling so I'd have to say that one!
What's in your stable? As above, a 2003 Scott Team Issue road bike, and a Decathlon Rockrider 8.3 hardtail MTB. I'm currently drooling over catalogues trying to decide on my new road bike for next season!
Fastest speed on a road bike? 68.9km/h coming down the Pas de Peyrol during a trip to France summer 2013
What is the biggest lie you've ever told: When signing up for a 3 day club outing this year - "Yeah, I'm an experienced rider" - I'd done a grand total of 80km on a road bike!
Most memorable moment on my bike: Finishing the above mentioned group ride without needing assistance
Most fun ever had on a bike? First proper descent in the alps, average speed above 55km/h for 22km! Scary, but exhilarating!

[MarieV]

Real name: Marie
Where do you live? Seattle, WA

Explanation of your handle: My name obviously
Explanation of your avatar: Me riding in Poulsbo, WA
Age: 45
Occupation: Community College Chemistry Instructor

Favorite bike: My Colnago CLD

What's in your stable? 1991 Giant ATX 760, 2008 Bianchi Volpe, 2011 Bianchi Vigorelli, 2012 Wilier Izoard XP, 2013 Colnago CLD
(But I need to sell the Wilier and Volpe.)

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when?
36 mph on Gamble Bay Rd NE on the Kitsap Peninsula on July 4, 2013

Another picture of yourself or your ride? At Blaine during the Tour de Whatcom 2013 105-mile ride


What is the biggest lie you've ever told: “You’re right. I totally agree with you.”

Most memorable moment on my bike: The first time I test rode my Vigorelli—a bike that actually fits me—was a revelation. I had been riding a Kona bike that was too big for me, and I was always anxious riding it. When I test rode the Vigorelli around the Lake Washington Loop, I could climb more easily, descend confidently, and just had a ball riding. I had a huge grin on my face the entire time. I finally understood everything my husband was saying about having fun riding.

Most fun ever had on a bike? Doing rollers, especially on the Kitsap Peninsula but really anywhere that has long stretches of open road. I hate climbing, but I love descending. I love any route with rollers where I can pick up enough speed descending that I don’t have to climb very much to crest the next hill.