Introductions - Hello from Vancouver, WA.

I'm relatively new to cycling. I started commuting to work a few times a week about 1 1/2 years ago. I use a hybrid for that. My goal is to keep commuting more often, even when the weather starts to turn wet and chilly.

Last spring I bought a road bike (Trek Pilot 5.0), and have done some long distances (a couple long rides, two centuries, and the STP last summer).

I look forward to chatting with and learning from the folks here.

Welcome..... I lived in Portland and in Troutdale from 1981-1986, both of my kids were born there.... Now live in eastern Washington.... Boy vancouver has grown, do you have a commute away from some of those busy streets? jim

My commute is about 8 miles, and more than half of it is on pedestrian/bike trail. Most of the rest is on secondary roads that have bike lanes. I'm very lucky!

Welcome, there are lots of Nor'westers on the forums, always room for one who likes to fiddle with cycling! I like the avatar, what's the kid reading, sheet music? Glad you're here!

There were no violinist avatars, so I had to go with another hobby - reading!

So, is that half-naked woman skiing on your avatar you??

There were no violinist avatars, so I had to go with another hobby - reading!

So, is that half-naked woman skiing on your avatar you??

Ha ha, I may dance in a grass skirt at happy hour, but not on the snow! Seems to work for her, don't you think?

I can't tell much about her. My eyes don't focus on small things too well anymore . . . :o

welcome, ms. violin :) hope you have fun here!

Thanks. Nice name . . . :rolleyes:

I wonder which is worse: spokes in your poop, or poop in your spokes?

Thanks. Nice name . . . :rolleyes:

I wonder which is worse: spokes in your poop, or poop in your spokes?

Comes from a wheely bad meal.... :D

I think Spokes in your crap would be a bad thing.

Do you guys know what an Avatar is?

Jesus was an Avatar.
I'm no religous freak by any stretch of the imagination, but the word Avatar is usually reserved for Religous Masters like the "Dali Lama" or "Mohammed" or Jesus Christ himself. Don't use the word "Avatar" so loosely. I'm just being anal on the subject but "Avatar" does not mean "expert".

"Avatar" in this context is the term used for little pictures posted by someone's name. It has no religious connotation, just as "icon" in computer use does not have anything to do with a "representation or picture of a sacred Christian personage, itself regarded as sacred."

Just saying.

Welcome. When you get a chance go for a ride on the Columbia River Scenic Highway. Start in Troutdale and ride to the falls. It is about a 40 mile round trip. One of the most beautiful rides a person can do.

I was born and raised in Oregon and have lived out of state for the last three years. There is seldom a day that I do not day dream about doing a Fall ride in the Gorge.

Try to hook up with the Portland Wheelmen Touring Club. PWTC.com. They are a good club that offers a variety of daily rides. Vancouver Bicycle Club is also a good group.

Go Ducks!

Go WHO?? ;)

Thanks for the Gorge ride suggestion. That sounds like a great ride. Maybe I can find someone else here who'd like to ride it (a non-Duck fan?). I've done rides with both the PWTC and the VBC.

Where are you now?

Are there non-Duck fans in Oregon? the duck fans always blow too many feathers for my taste, a non-Duck fan would be of interest after a long ride. The ride does sound fun.

Metal Cowboy, did I see you at the UofO talking books last spring? If it was you, I was ROFL.

There are non-Dawg and non-Coug fans in WA (I'm both), so I'm guessing there may be a few non-Ducks in OR.

Today would've been a perfect day to ride in the Gorge . . . if only I didn't have to work . . . :p