Introductions - Hola from way out west!

As you can deduce from my pseudonym, I'm posting from Oakland, CA. I'm just getting back to cycling after a bit of a layoff - my Giant Ranier MTB was stolen some time ago, but I just got a KHS Flight 320 (converted to SS), so I'm back in the saddle again.

Disgust with gas prices/global warming and the desire to get my lazy butt in shape have prompted me to begin commuting to work. In fact, I'm going to try to make my bike my main mode of transportation going forward. I wish there was some kind of anti-theft hex I could cast on my bike, but I guess I'll just have to hope the ugly reflective tape I placed strategically on the frame and my beefy U lock do the trick.

That's about it. Pleased to meet you and ttyl. :)

Hello Oakland Q, does this mean you're going to commute in Oakland? What kind of a route have you got?

I don't know about the ugly reflective tape, but locks do help (a bit!).

Check out the Commuting forum for more tips on how to help avoid losing your bike a second time. Oh, and don't forget to visit the regional forum for Northern California to say hi.

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

Disgust with gas prices/global warming and the desire to get my lazy butt in shape have prompted me to begin commuting to work. In fact, I'm going to try to make my bike my main mode of transportation going forward.

Good for you, and welcome to the forums!

... Brad

Thanks to you both for the welcome!

East Hill,

My route to work is embarrassingly short - approximately 3 miles. (I actually wish it was a bit longer, but it'll do for now.) The only complication is that there are some very steep hills in my area of the city. I can avoid them on my work commute, but I have to face them when I make a grocery run or on any ride to points north or east. I'm planning on replacing my cog with a 16t to make climbing slightly easier.

Thanks to you both for the welcome!

East Hill,

My route to work is embarrassingly short - approximately 3 miles. (I actually wish it was a bit longer, but it'll do for now.) The only complication is that there are some very steep hills in my area of the city. I can avoid them on my work commute, but I have to face them when I make a grocery run or on any ride to points north or east. I'm planning on replacing my cog with a 16t to make climbing slightly easier.

Hehehehe, as you can see from my username--I've got hills! It's taken me some time, but now I get up hills that a few years ago I would have regarded as virtually impossible :D .

If I can do it, ANYONE can do it. Trust me on this ;) .

East Hill

As you can deduce from my pseudonym, I'm posting from Oakland, CA. I'm just getting back to cycling after a bit of a layoff - my Giant Ranier MTB was stolen some time ago, but I just got a KHS Flight 320 (converted to SS), so I'm back in the saddle again.

Disgust with gas prices/global warming and the desire to get my lazy butt in shape have prompted me to begin commuting to work. In fact, I'm going to try to make my bike my main mode of transportation going forward. I wish there was some kind of anti-theft hex I could cast on my bike, but I guess I'll just have to hope the ugly reflective tape I placed strategically on the frame and my beefy U lock do the trick.

That's about it. Pleased to meet you and ttyl. :)

Hello neighbor!!!!
I'm in e-ville, and riding though Oakland has been great for me!
I'm sure I'll be talking to you soon!!

If I can do it, ANYONE can do it. Trust me on this ;) .

East Hill

Thanks for the encouragement. :)

Yeah, I guess I just need to get out there and do it...

Hello neighbor!!!!
I'm in e-ville, and riding though Oakland has been great for me!
I'm sure I'll be talking to you soon!!

Cool! I'm just east of the lake and south of 580. Nice to meet someone from around here. TTYL!

Cool! I'm just east of the lake and south of 580. Nice to meet someone from around here. TTYL!

check out Mandela Pkwy, They've really fixed it up and is the best route from downtown oakland to the bay trail.

You can get there very easily from Jack London Square via Embarcadero and once you get to West Oakland Bart, hang a right on Mandela.

Thanks for the tip, FP. I'll check it out!