Introductions - Howdy

As others have said, I am here and I can't leave. It's like an addiction. I stumbled on the forum by accident and can hardly get any work done for sneaking peeks during the work day.

I'm a computer programmer/analyst with a major telecommunications company.

Love my bikes more than is probably healthy. Have two hardtails, a Specialized and a Connondale that I ride plus the obligatory hodgepodge of parts and partial bikes.

Got a wife of 17 years that I am trying to assimilate into the biking family. Not having much luck, any success stories or suggestions would be welcomed.

Two children of the age that what I like to do does not interest them anymore. ahem!

Look forward to 'talking' to all of you. Well, enough of the ramblings of a mad man. Until next time.

Hardball,
Welcome to BF. We'll listen to your cycling tales even if your children won't. :D

My #1 son rides around his neighborhood with his wife and son. That's all he has time for. :(
My #2 son likes mountain biking, whatever that is. ;) Just kidding.
I'm trying to get my wife into cycling. She says work wipes her out. She works in healthcare. But she supports me 110%. :thumbup:

Regarding wives.

My wife started riding at 61, and just love(d)s it. She and I regularly did 20-25 mile rides, including Vail Pass (Frisco - Copper Mountain - Vail Pass and down the other side just a bit ad return). Just this last year we got a Cannondale Roadie in addition to her Specialized HR.

Very sadly, complications from knee surgery (totally unrelated to biking) led to her back going completely out and intense and continuous pain, including her SI joint. Biking is one of the things you don't do when trying to get a SI joint to rehabiliiate. So, no biking this summer.

But, she is walking 5 miles per day, and things just look hopeful for next summer.

Tell your wives that if my wife can learn to ride a bike at age 61, they can do it also, and it is the most wonderful exercise there is. And, don't wait too long!!

Originally posted by DnvrFox
Regarding wives.

Very sadly, complications from knee surgery (totally unrelated to biking) led to her back going completely out and intense and continuous pain, including her SI joint. Biking is one of the things you don't do when trying to get a SI joint to rehabiliiate. So, no biking this summer.

Thanks for the words of encouragement. Sorry for your wife's complications and inability to ride. The best wishes and a speedy recovery to her.

Originally posted by HardBall
As others have said, I am here and I can't leave. It's like an addiction. I stumbled on the forum by accident and can hardly get any work done for sneaking peeks during the work day.



Hardball, I know where you are coming from. When I first happened on to this site last year, I was hooked. I too, work in front of a PC all day and find it very hard not to spend all day posting here...just don't let the boss catch you. ;)

Originally posted by HardBall
Got a wife of 17 years that I am trying to assimilate into the biking family. Not having much luck, any success stories or suggestions would be welcomed.
Well... if she has some athletic background, it shouldn't be too difficult. Point out that cycling is the perfect way to push your aerobic/anaerobic limits.

If that doesn't work, take her with you to the bike shop next time you go. Insist that she try out a couple of the bikes, just for fun. I think a lot of people avoid cycling because they think it's work, or they associate the sport with clunkers they may have had as children.

My 67-year-old mum resisted getting a bike for the longest time because the last bike she had was an old, heavy, slow Raleigh ladies' bike. She really dreaded the idea of riding something like that. When she tried out a new hybrid with shocks and a suspension seatpost, she just HAD to have it. Now we can't get her OFF the bike... fer cryin' out loud, she just went and bought herself a pair of lycra bike shorts!

My partner got intersted in cycling when I bought her a MTB to replace her old bike about ten years ago. Now she has a newer MTB and a road bike, and she rides about 250 km per week. She loves the speed and the freedom and the sensation of pushing her limits. She also likes the way cycling, more than any other sport or exercise activity, keeps her trim.

Once you've got your partner casually interested in cycling, its only a matter of time before she gets into it in a big way.

Welcome to the Bike Forums!!:D

I've been seriously into bikes since I was about 11 years old when I started racing BMX bikes, as I grew older, my love for the bikes grew as well. In college I started to road ride, and then I got into mountain biking.

After graduation, I took a hiatus from the bikes, too much work, other priorities...etc. When my bro-in-law got a bike, I got all jazzed about riding again. I told the wife I was going riding with her bro and she asked,"Where's my bike?" That was all I needed to hear. She got a new bike for our first anniversary.

That was only the beginning. She now has three bikes and competed in her first triathlon this spring. She is more addicted than I am. She rides her bike on the stationary trainer three times a week for excercise and usually goes for a ride on the weekends.

The freedom a bicycle gives is unmatched in any other sport I've tried. Windsurfing is close, but there is too much equipment, and too weather dependent.

Cycling is as easy or as complicated as you want. You can leave right from your house and clean-up is usually a quick rinse upon your return. It's immediate satisfaction, and your results are directly related to your input. You can ride in a group or solo, both are wonderful. There is very little impact damage, unless of course you crash, and the benefits are spectacular.

I can't think of anything easier yet challanging at the same time.

Are those enough reasons? If not, I'm sure I (we) can think of more.

L8R G8R