Introductions - A New San Diego Bike Commuter

Hello everyone! I've just started riding a bike from being off one for quite some time. I am a full-on newbie, but I've done my homework. Wow! Bicycles sure have changed alot since I last looked at them 12 years ago. Back then I thought I'd never have to ride one again, having gotten my licence and all. But now that it costs me $40 to get a full tank of gas for my car, I've changed my tune. :D It's actually quite nice taking my short commute to work these days. I have also started running errands around town on my new little bike. And I feel more fit already!

My sweet little ride is a 2002 Fuji Supreme hybrid I got a Performance Bicycle shop. I got it for a song because I guess their clientele looks down upon non-performance bikes. Doesn't bother me: I'm no speed demon, nor am I a massive adrenaline junkie. In fact, I've converted my humble bicycle into something of a European city bike. I get weird looks now and then, but I don't care. I enjoy starting my day with a short bike ride to work.

Currently I only commute to work and run around town on my bike, but I may try my hand at mountain biking if I really get into this, which seems the case now that I'm on a forum. :) I'll also have to purchase another bike as my Zefal fenders and generator light would probably look a little out of place on the trails. So expect to see me asking some questions about that soon as well.

Hope to caht with you all soon!

Welcome to the forums! May you get addicted like the rest of us!

I'm in and around San Diego often on my bike. Infact, I've got a person in my office who does the same. (I'm his boss, so it's points for him, well not really, but it's fun to ride with someone.).

Where do you commute to?

I'm in the La Jolla/UTC area, right off of Genesee. Actually, I have it REALLY easy: I only live like a mile from work! That will probably change in a few months, as my company thinks about moving somewhere in the area with more space. That won't stop me from commuting, however.

My little Fuji Supreme hybrid is now looking alot like their Kobe city bike. I added the weird butterfly handlebars and a lightweigh chain cover. It's really comfortable and fun to ride to work on, but it's no speed demon. That's why I'm in the process of making a faster bike for weekend rides. Just an old 12-speed that I'm adding a triple ring and flat bar to. Once I finish it, I'll work on the whole speed and endurance thing. Maybe enter a 25+ mile ride in a few months...

Bicycling is really starting to turn into a big part of my life! I still need to get into shape, (5 miles still seems like a workout), but at least I'm doing it. None of my bikes will gather dust, that's for sure!

I used to live in Pacific Beach and every day I commuted to La Jolla, where I worked in the Scripps Oceanographic machine shop. This was the best shape I was ever in. That long hill going up to Scripps really helped me to get in shape.

Ooo! I know that hill! I worked over at the Salk Institute for several years, and I've been up and down that hill a few times. I prefer going down it! Actually, I prefer staying away from it!!! Too many cars driving too close to you too quickly.

A few weekends ago, I thought I'd test my new-found energy and love for bicycling by riding over to Torrey Pines State Park. It was loads of fun, but I now know I need to get in a little bit better shape if I plan on riding home faster than 2mph.