Introductions - Hello from the Florida Suncoast

My name is Dagna. I'm closing in on 50, and just getting into cycling after not being on a bike since the mid-80s. I'm lucky to live within a couple of miles of a really nice paved bike path (Starkey Park). After running with my dog out there and exchanging greetings with all the cyclists, I started thinking that would be a good thing to do when it's too hot for my dog--which is all summer and part of the spring and fall.

I've been going to the gym for spinning classes and riding the Lifecycle, just to doublecheck that I'd like cycling, before taking the plunge and buying a bike. Turns out I like it just fine, but would really prefer to be actually moving. So, when my LBS has its big sale at the end of August, I'm taking the plunge.

I've been reading the forum posts for a couple of weeks and have learned a lot of good information. Thanks to everyone who posts--it's been a great help in narrowing down what kind of cycling, what kind of bike, what kind of components, how much to spend, where to buy, etc. etc. etc.

Dagna in Florida

Hi Dagna...welcome.

I live just down the road in Clearwater and have ridden the little trail through Starkey park twice. I think it is one of my favorite little "hidden" trails (not many know about it...so its not very crowded). First time a friend of mine and I found it by accident when we decided to do the Suncoast for the first time and hit it from SR54 and found the entrance a few miles up from SR54.

Since you are such a beginner, you might want to ride with us some time...I am not very fast and both of the ladies I ride with are just over 50. Shoot me a PM some time if you'd like to chat.

That trail along the Suncoast Parkway looks mighty hot since i don't see much shade while driving from Tampa. I am going to be in New Port Richey for a meeting in a couple of weeks and thought I might get out on it after the meeting.

That trail along the Suncoast Parkway looks mighty hot since i don't see much shade while driving from Tampa. I am going to be in New Port Richey for a meeting in a couple of weeks and thought I might get out on it after the meeting.
The Parkway is a little on the hot side I'd say as its alongside the Suncoast Parkway and they have planted trees to provide shade, but they are all still saplings and not big enough to provide shade. So the only shade are from the few trees that were already there.

Welcome to Bile Forums.



So, when my LBS has its big sale at the end of August, I'm taking the plunge.
Why wait. You'll be missing out on some great road miles by waiting 4-5 more weeks. :o

Why wait. You'll be missing out on some great road miles by waiting 4-5 more weeks. :o

Actually, it was you guys (the Bike Forum) that convinced me to wait :) . It's the balancing act: buy a lower grade bike now, and be unhappy sooner, or wait and try to buy the bike I really want when there's a better chance I can afford it.

But you're right, the Lifecycle and spinning classes aren't doing anything for my urge to MOVE. Need a real bike for that.

Dagna