Introductions - Hello from Central Ohio!

I am new to the forums and thought I would drop in and give an introduction as it seems to be the thing to do. I have been lurking around the forums for about a month not reading anything and everything I could before I made my first (major) bike purchase. The information although sometimes clouded in the mist of a lot of BS is extensive and very helpful.

So I made my trip the Eddy's Bike Shop in Stow, Ohio this morning to check out there '07 Trek 1500. They only had a triple and I was really looking for a double. The sales person directed me to an '06 Trek 2200 (double) and I pretty much fell in love. The bike has the full Ultegra group set bontrager race wheels along with things like the OCLV rear stay. I got the bike for $1099 and 10% off any accessories. It's probably not the best deal but I don't think I got ripped off either. It's a little older but I couldn't get anything close to full ultegra for less than $1700 in an '08.

I bought a set of SPD clipless shoes, the bike came with the pedals. I have tried them out inside but have not given them a go on the road yet. I only got a quick 5 minute run at home before it started to poor. Although I am sure it won't hurt it I instantly thought rust and ran back to the house to dry it off. The bike is very smooth and I think the gentleman who helped me did a nice job with the fit because surprisingly with this being my first road bike I felt very comfortable. He had me on a trainer in the shop and made quite a few adjustments before we decided it was in the sweet spot. The bike is a 56cm version and is red. I will try and get some photos up before too long. I can't wait for nicer weather tomorrow so I can get out and rack up the miles.

Hi Josh, it sounds as if you found yourself a great bike and a great local bike shop!

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

Hi Josh.

You got your bike from my neck of the woods. Eddy's In Stow.

I have the '06 1500, Good choice on your ride.

Hey, being from Central OH, Have you ever ridden TOSRV?

If not, it's great.

Be cool.
Frank

No sir I have not, I just go into biking so it's completely new to me. That might become a goal of mine for next year though. It is back to back centuries so we will have to see.

I did go on my first ride today though, I road only 6 miles but it felt great. I absolutely love the bike and can't wait for tomorrow. I am going for 10 miles tomorrow. Six didn't nearly exhaust me, I just wanna break into it over some time.

Oh, thanks for the welcome EH!

Hi Josh.

You're welcome. It's fun to have cycling buddies. Everybody else eyes glaze over when we talk about riding.

Excellent. let me know how day 2 goes.

Keep on pedaling.
Frank

Well day two went well. I road 14.5 miles around the neighborhoods. I found a 1 mile loop that had a pretty steep grade and that I went around for about 6 miles. Other than that pretty ordinary.

Day 3

I want 16.2 miles and got my first taste of the open road. I was instantly hooked. No stopping, less turns, and much more interesting. Road around a local 2 lane road for about 3 miles and really enjoyed this. The rest was again neighborhood riding.

Day 4

I really decided it was time to push it on day four. I had not yet been to the limit of my legs and each time had to stop do to- numbness in the sitting area, and hand pain. I made an angle adjustment on my seat, and got some gloves. I headed out on a night ride, helmet lights and so on I did some riding on another local 2-lane road (richland) and road for about 6 miles until it ended then I turned around and came back to town. I then took 423 for about 10 miles to the next town up. This was a goal I had set that I wasn't sure could be reached. I made and even went 1.5 miles past town to get an extra little bit. I headed back and my legs felt great. At right around 20 miles I figured I would be more fatigued. At the 27 mile point I really started to feel some pains in my lower neck, again the sitting area, and hands. I pushed home and finished with 32.4 miles. An awesome accomplishment for me without any prior long distance cycling, running, or swimming.

Story does not end here though. As I pull into the driveway I see that my house has been toilet papered, pretty well to. As I pull up the driveway to my car I see TP all over it. I am looking for car paint or any other vandalism, and since I am going up all I loose all speed. As I go to put my foot down I realize I am still clipped in. Down I go to my left side, people talk about this happening in slow-mo, mine was like FF, I landed in the attack riding position and wondered what happened. I was geared in the low cog so the back of my calve got destroyed by the large cog. It bleed for about an hour and still as small amounts of bleeding today. I also scratched the tip of the handlebar (drops) on the left side, the end of the pedal, and the rear wheel release. Lets just say I am not happy. It has also prevented me from riding today. I am going to try to ride in the morning but we will have to see how it goes. Thanks for listening.

Oh, bummer about the fall, and you'd been doing so well, too.

I hope you are all right now, and also that the TP has been removed from your house (I didn't know people still did that...haven't seen that in my neighbourhood in years).

East Hill