Introducing myself!

[rij73]

Hello all... Been lurking a few days and thought I'd say hi. I'm SO excited to be getting my first bike since childhood tomorrow. A couple of months ago, my husband decided that he really wanted to get into cycling, so he went totally crazy and bought a Specialized Roubaix Elite Triple. He hasn't ridden much over the years, but he wanted to do it right if he was gonna do it. So, he's been really enjoying himself on the days it has been warm enough to go out in his nifty shorts and jersey.

Of course, I got jealous! I used to love riding as a teenager. I had a 1985 Miyata 10-speed with a step-through frame that I really put through its paces for about 7 years. Haven't ridden since going to college in 1991. again.

I didn't want the pressure of a $2000 bike, and I wasn't too sure about drop-bars this time around. I tried bunches of flat-bar road bikes in the $500 ballpark, and after much research determined that the direct-order company, IBEX makes a bike that has much better specs than name-brand bikes in the same price range. So, it's getting here tomorrow... Here it is: http://ibexbikes.com/Bikes/COR-CT-Details.html

Wish me luck putting it together and taking it out! Unfortunately, it's uphill from here to the park... Hope I don't embarrass myself!

[mountainchick]

Have fun with it! You sound very excited to go out and ride, you've been bitten by the bug!

Welcome to the site, I'm new here too. These ladies are supportive, and funny. I love checking in and reading all the posts.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Hello all... Been lurking a few days and thought I'd say hi. I'm SO excited to be getting my first bike since childhood tomorrow. A couple of months ago, my husband decided that he really wanted to get into cycling, so he went totally crazy and bought a Specialized Roubaix Elite Triple. He hasn't ridden much over the years, but he wanted to do it right if he was gonna do it. So, he's been really enjoying himself on the days it has been warm enough to go out in his nifty shorts and jersey.

Of course, I got jealous! I used to love riding as a teenager. I had a 1985 Miyata 10-speed with a step-through frame that I really put through its paces for about 7 years. Haven't ridden since going to college in 1991. again.

I didn't want the pressure of a $2000 bike, and I wasn't too sure about drop-bars this time around. I tried bunches of flat-bar road bikes in the $500 ballpark, and after much research determined that the direct-order company, IBEX makes a bike that has much better specs than name-brand bikes in the same price range. So, it's getting here tomorrow... Here it is: http://ibexbikes.com/Bikes/COR-CT-Details.html

Wish me luck putting it together and taking it out! Unfortunately, it's uphill from here to the park... Hope I don't embarrass myself!

Hey that's a great price for a bike like that- looks like a good choice for you too. Lovely machine.
My story is just the same as yours....last year my husband (who'd been riding casually off and on for many years) decided to finally get a GOOD bike and devote more time to riding. I caught the bug from him and so we both got bikes and have been riding like nutcases since last summer. I too hadn't ridden at ALL since I was a teenager...and I'm almost 53! So I'm happily biking now, lost 20 lbs and have gotten way more fit all over. But mostly, i just love it because when I'm on my bike I feel like 12 years old again.

You must be dying of excitement right now. Enjoy!!! and GOOD LUCK with getting your bike tomorrow! Be sure to post a photo of it when you can- we'd all love to see it.

[stella]

rij73, welcome to our world! I love your enthusiasm! great bike you are getting, btw.

keep us updated on how things are going and don't be shy about asking questions. this is a very supportive group.

[rij73]

Thanks everybody! Yeah, I do feel like I'm 12 again just at the prospect of getting a bike. I'm sure it will be exhilarating to ride it. I'm 3 blocks from Prospect Bark in Brooklyn which has a great 3 mile loop for getting in shape. It has a hill and everything. So first task will be to conquer one or two laps of the park, and then I get to go explore!

I'm sure I'll have tons of questions, so thanks for the warm welcome!

[Laterider21958]

Fantastic! You won't regret your decision to get back on a bike. Before you know it you will be superfit and totally destressed. Warning though - it's addictive!

Just love my bike. Husband and I bought each other new bikes last year for our 28th wedding anniversary. (I'm 48 & he's 60.) No regrets at all. Love the freedom, you are more aware of the environment and it really doesn't take much longer to get to your destination if commuting. Enjoy!!!:

[FreshNewbie]

Welcome to this great forum and to one of the best sports -cycling. Also, great to see another NYer here, it's great to see women in NY cycling, makes me happy. As you will see cycling is not only a sport but also a way to put your sense of style into your cycling gear
I know there are couple of people from brooklyn here, Lizbids and someone else who can give you advice on where you can ride in brooklyn.

Marina

[cosc]

You and your dh will have such fun biking solo or together. Biking is such a great sport because it accomadates solo, significant other, team and group riding. I enjoy the outdoors at an ideal pace -not to fast or slow. There is many helpful women riders who are gracious to offer their wisdom if you have a question.

[rij73]

Here I am with the bike. Going great!

[Bklynmom]

Hi-
I am from Broooklyn too, and have had my first road bike about 6 weeks. Riding around Prospect Park rocks! I am training (for the first time ever, at the ae of 47) for the Montaulk Metric Century in May, and a 110 mile bike ride with big hills in August. That's the Pan Mass which raises money for cancer research.

This weekend I plan to ride, then watch my son's first baseball game of the season, then ride some more before the Nor'easter on Sunday. Maybe we will run into each other in the park - my fabulous new bike is a white and purple Specialized Dolce Elite -- 44 cm frame. I try to do the park 3 or 4 times a week, then do longer rides on the weekends, with a friend or a local bike club.

This women on this web site are a great support/encouragement system!

[rij73]

Wow that's cool! I'll definitely be riding around the park today. I've been doing it every day (except the day it rained). I haven't tried to go more than once around yet... The hill from the zoo to the plaza entrance kicks my butt!

[Bklynmom]

That hill is my nemesis! It does get easier - I think it is a combination of figuring out when to shift and getting in better shape. I did 20 miles today in the park, and it feels like 30 because of the hill - a nine year old we know calls it "Kill Hill". The weekends do get crowded in the Park - I am spoiled because I can often go during the week.

There is a nice very flat bike path that goes under the Verazzano Bridge - it's a nice change from the Park.

Next weekend I think I will try a training ride with the 5 Borough Bike Club, I think it's to City Island.

[rij73]

I looked for you, but wasn't exactly sure who I was looking for!

I rode 20 miles today too! Broken up into 2 separate rides. I was with my husband. It was great fun, although the morning ride was fraught with peril due to the marathon.

I ride lots during the week too since I work from home. DH is jealous.

Thanks for the tip about the path by the Verrezano. I'll look into it!