Commuting - New Commuter!

So, recently I decided I didn't like walking everywhere anymore (I liked driving even less) and thought it would be a good idea to get into bicycles. I bought an older Schwinn mountain bike at a yard sale on memorial day this year and loved it to death, even though it was at least 6cm too small for me. I learned some quick lessons on bike maintenance and equipment choices and bought a 2004 Specialized Sirrus Sport a month or so ago.

I absolutely love riding.

I have already lost quite a bit of weight and feel much more awake and stronger throughout the day.

Winter proved to be a bit of a challenge at first. The first night it snowed I spent s few hours in the neighborhood testing out what works and what doesn't in snowy conditions. (locking the front wheel in snow is scary, dangerous, and funny at the same time) I don't think I'll give up anytime soon though, as I find riding in snow even better than more "favorable" conditions.

I hope I will stick with this for a long time, I never thought the simple act of travelling from one place to another would be so exciting.

Now I don't need to worry about getting that pesky driver's license :)

From your picture, it appears that cycling has made you look like a movie star. I myself and flocked by admirers, because of my peddling.

[QUOTE=Snordalisk] I never thought the simple act of travelling from one place to another would be so exciting. QUOTE]


Welcome to the adventure, Snor!! Every day is a new one!

Riding is the only reason I go to work most days. I could work from home more than 50% of the time if I wanted, but then I would have to be really motivated to get 2 rides a day in.

Keep it up it only gets better.

The first night it snowed I spent a few hours in the neighborhood testing out what works and what doesn't in snowy conditions.
Um, you are definitely hopelessly hooked.

;)

Welcome to the forums, there's a lot of information out there to get connected to.

Yes, welcome to the commuting Zone (like your Rod Sterling avatar!).

If you were a walker, you must feel like you found a supersonic transporter when you ride a bike!

Good for you! Bicycle commuting is wonderful in just about every way. Just keep at it and don't be weary of cars. At some point or another, most bicycles have a run-in with a car. I've only been hit once, and the car was only traveling about 10 mph, so there was no serious damage (to me or the bike). The best advice I can give you is to never assume a car sees you; use safety lights, hand signals, and give them plenty of leeway. If you follow those guidelines, bike commuting is very rewarding.

When I learned how to ride a bike as a kid, my father was a bicycle commuter at the time. Bicycle safety has been a part of cycling from the beginning for me. I only wish I had stayed with it instead of taking off 6 years to get fat and slow :(

Thanks for the welcome everyone!

When I learned how to ride a bike as a kid, my father was a bicycle commuter at the time.
My dad took up bicycle commuting in the 80's, when he was about 60. He rode about 3 miles to the bus stop, 6 miles round trip.