Introductions - Western Mass newbie says hi

Hey all.

Great forum here, I've been absorbing it for the past couple of days and look forward to coming by often.

Hello mrchev, what kind of riding do you do, and what kind of bike(s)?

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

Thanks East Hill.

I'm a recreational rider, been off my bike for a few years, a motorcycle accident, new home and baby kept me away from riding over that time span. We have a rail trail in our backyard and this spring will start out with me and the wife going out for some rides with the baby in a trailer. I've got a 8 year old Mongoose mtb (DX 5.3, IIRC), not a box store special, that has held up extremely well to occasional use, long periods of neglect and a one year stint with my 15 year-old brother, the wife just purchased a used Trek Navigator 200. Baby will be traveling in a Burley Bee, towed by me.

We wanted to find a family activity, get outside in the sunshine and fresh air, and have a little workout to boot - so cycling should fit the bill. Don't know where it will take us, but it should be a lot of fun!

Your Mongoose and your wife's Trek Navigator should do the trick to get you started. How old is the baby? If I remember correctly little ones should be at least a year old before being towed? I'm certain that if I'm wrong someone will let me know, but do check out the Recreational & Family forum for more tips on that. It's really handy for you that you've got the rail trail nearby, that's an easy start that you'll want when you bring the baby along.

It does seem that a lot of members have had a motorcycle accident and wind up riding a bicycle when they get back into the outdoor activity mode.

Enjoy yourselves.

East Hill

Given the choice, all things being equal, I'd rather be on my old motorcycle, but the cost of getting back up and running - not to mention the family-friendly angle - and the fact that two wheels is better than four and here I am.

I've looked at the Recreational & Family forum, it looks like a great resource, and the benchmark on kids in trailers seems to be 12 months, but it really depends on how strong the neck muscles are and if they can handle the rigors of bike travel. Our little one is seven months (today in fact) and by the time spring takes hold for good in late April she will be 10 months so it's really just a matter of time between now and June when she can come out with us.

Family friendly is the key, for sure. Bikes aren't always low cost (just ask a few of us), but you can get started relatively cheaply, it's certainly cheap on fuel, there's not quite the insurance issue, and if you are like many of us, we need the exercise.

East Hill

Lots of new Mass members! I'm glad that you're getting out there on the bike and want to include the family.

Welcome!