Introductions - Hello in Sunny (read:HOT) South Florida

Hi everyone.
I just signed up for the forum. Seems like an interesting group here.
As for me,
I am a new rider. I don't know quite yet how serious I am going to be. I started riding only a couple weeks ago as a way to change up my exersize routine. I am a Weight Watchers member that is doing very well but still has a way(weigh?) to go. Biking is helping me get the pounds off and I have a tendency to get very involved once I find something I like to do.
Yes, I ride a lowly Roadmaster Road/touring/mtb/POS that I bought on the cheap from "Bikes USA". The front gear changer barely works. The rear one works most of the time. (except when going up a hill any trying to downshift.) And the brakes make a godawful squeal when applied. Most of you ride bikes that weigh less than my front wheel. Eventually I'll get a new one, but for now she'll have to do.

I am looking forward to some interesting conversations and helpful tips.

Welcome to the forum. Glad to hear you are enjoying this great sport.
Slainte:beer:

Hi from the other side of the country. Are the south Florida drivers still extremly rude to bikes?

Welcome! It's good to hear you're trying to loose weight with the help of bicycling. :)

If you post some of those problems with your bike in the "bike mechanics" forum, here, you should get some quick and easy fixes!

velo

Welcome to BikeForums. :beer:

Originally posted by ChipRGW
I am a new rider. I don't know quite yet how serious I am going to be.
Don't worry. You'll be addicted like the rest of us very soon. ;)


Yes, I ride a lowly Roadmaster Road/touring/mtb/POS that I bought on the cheap from "Bikes USA".
Better get your checkbook ready. Once you get hooked you'll want a really good bike (spelled: expensive). :)


The front gear changer barely works. The rear one works most of the time. (except when going up a hill any trying to downshift.)
Hills?? In Florida?? When I lived in Orlando the only hills I could find were near Mount Dora.


Don't mind me. I've been on "vacation" for a few days and am feeling a little frisky. :D
Glad you're here.

Of course a hill to you is totally different than a hill to me. I am of course referring to bridge hills. The only other type of hill down here is made of garbage.

Chip, I can relate to "bridge hills". I'm in Boca just up the road a piece from you. Those bridges can be a bit frightening and taxing on someone used to riding flats. There's no shame in walking the bridges. Because of the excessive heat and because I'm carrying extra weight too, I've taken to walking up some of the steeper bridges. There's no need to bring on a heart attack or try to bail in the middle of a vehicle blitz.

As for the bike, it's great that you're out there pedaling the pike. The rider is the biggest factor on any bike. Welcome and keep up the good work.

Welcome to the forums. The sport is addictive. Looking forward to your posts as you get into it.

West Coast Floridiot checking in!

Believe it or not, there are some hills in FL, you just have to get to the northern part of the state to find them!

Welcome to the forums and I hope you keep riding and keep losing the lbs! I'm down about 40 lbs from last year!

L8R

Hi There!
You'll love riding you can earn lots of WW points. I joined WW last January and started biking in Florida end of March 2002. Since then I have logged over 2,500 miles. I really love it! And yes, the weight fell off. Between changing my eating habits and riding consistently, I lost the weight.
Best of luck to you! Take care.