New rider from bothell

[grethor]

Hello,

First, I want to comment on how great this site is. It's been a great resource so far.

I've started cycling for these reasons:

1) I'm training to climb Mt. Rainier and running isn't good on my clydesdale frame (6'2" 245lbs)
2) My pickup truck is aging fast and I don't want to replace it with another car
3) I was an auto mechanic for the better part of 10 years and I harbor a passionate hatred of cars
4) I like how simple bicycles are compared to other modes of transportation

My ride of choice is a 2006 Specialized Allez triple. The LBS gave me a deal on it and i'm sure it'll make for a nice commuter.

I'm also interested in bike mechanics. My project bike is a Specialized Allez M2 Comp. I'm unsure on what to turn it into.

Thanks again for the great site!

[MillCreek]

Hey, welcome aboard! I am just up the road from you, and ride often in the Bothell area. Do you know about the Sammamish River/Burke-Gilman trail access close by you at Bothell Landing? I am not so keen on the BG, but ride Sammamish often. And of course, I hope you know about the Centennial trail, extending from Snohomish up to Arlington.

[2wheeled]

Welcome to the forums grethor. Where in Bothell are you? I'm up in Bothell/Millcreek border. Are you doing your Rainier climb through a charity or through RMI? Good luck with it, I wasn't so lucky. :(

[CliftonGK1]

I'm in Redmond and ride the Sam. River and BG trails pretty often. They're nice if you get out there early before the crowds, or just in cruddy weather when they're less crowded. I usually try to stick to the roads for any big distances though.

Have you checked out the Clydesdale forum yet?

[kpug505]

Hey!
Welcome to bike forums! Like you I worked in the auto trade after years as a car addict. It turned into car hatred when I decided to get paid to work on the infernal contraptions. I have been car free for over a year now and its great. Its like getting a $400 a month raise that has the added benny of keeping me in shape. Keep it up! It pays in so many ways.........As far as the bike mechanic way is concerned I've found that like cars I like classics and it has turned into an addiction. Now I fix and flip bike to pay for my habit. It certainly takes less room and cash than cars!

Peace,
Kelly D

[unixpro]

Welcome to the forums and the PNW section, Grethor! I'm sure you'll find lots of friends here to talk with, ride with, and help you out with your project.

I'm a southender myself, so I can't help you out with info about your area, but if you need to know anything about my neck of the woods, feel free to holler! East Hill hasn't checked in yet (I'm sure she will), but she's our all-around-the-sound rider. She seems to know every trail, back road, path, and MUP from North Bend to Olympia.

[KingTermite]

Welcome. You will see there are many here from your area (I live in Bellevue). Many of us are Clydes as well. :)

For your interests, check out:
Clydesdale sub-forum
Bike Mechanics sub-forum
Commuting sub-forum

And as always...join Foo sub-forum when you want to have some fun. :)

[jackcoke]

I'm from Bothell as well. I still own a car but nothing fancy. My bikes on the other had...very cool. I learned to hate cars years ago when I moved to LA for one year. Too much!