Introductions - Hi from Port Angeles, Washington

I have actually been reading posts for awhile and became a member this year. I decided to join because like a lot of us bike riding just started out as a little recreational activity. My wife said to me several years ago that we should get bikes and have a good healthy family activity. So I kind of agreed and bought Giant Sedona's for the whole family and we started some weekend rides and then progressed from there. Boy in the beginning it was tough. Thought I was in shape but I was sure wrong. Anyway we did this off and on for a few years and then some of my ski buddies decided the wanted to start riding so we can stay in shape for ski season. Well this morphed into the "A" typical competition among men. They ended up getting road bikes and my wife I ended up on a Giant's FCR1. We bought the FCR's because we didn't want a full blown road bike. We thought a more upright riding position would be best. Well needless to say we are now looking for a road bikes so we can keep up with the pack. We ended up putting different tires, rear cassette, and derailure hoping this would give us an edge. But we just keep beating ourselves up on longer (30+ miles) rides. So we just got done doing another metric century ride in 90 plus weather and we are done beating ourselves up and are looking to move ahead. So as you can see like all other things we have morphed into bike nerds. The bad thing is if I upgrade then I have to buy one for my wife. So if I spend $1800 it's $3600. So that's the biggest problem I have now. Anyway that's it.

Oh come now - just admit it.

You have the bug ....

All of us here got it in some way or fashion, perhaps it was the challenge of someone saying they can do this a little faster or, more likely, having a friend show you their new bike and - the jaw drops and you want that too, etc etc. This bug is such a creeper. I have it, and embrace it.

Glad you found the website! Fun site with lots to offer. Definitely check out the regional threads - hopefully you can meet up with people in your area - that's always fun.

In fact, even while I belong to two bicycle clubs (one touring/roadie, the other mtb) - I have really ended up meeting and riding with more bicycle forum people (I'm on a "few" bicycle forums) and have met some extrordinary people - including my totally best friend in the world who lives in Toronto.

These internet havens have lots to offer.

And Welcome!

Don't forget to check out the regional PNW sub-forum.

...and welcome!

Hi Malcom, are we going to see you at some of the organised rides later in the year? There's quite a few of us in Puget Sound. Oh, I'm in Kent, by the way.

Welcome to BF, and feel free to PM me with any questions :) !

East Hill
Forum Moderator

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t162/dminorwa/pinkstar.jpg

You probably have seen us at some rides. The last one we did was the Ann Weatherill cycling classic in Walla Walla. I am planing on doing the RAP 150 out of Burlington in a couple of weeks. We would like to do the Tour de Whatcom but conflicting schedules right now. We are interested in more rides and are open to any suggestions.

Been looking for new bikes for my wife and I online and we went and test rode a few this past weekend. So we know what we like and dislike. Thanks for all the great input.

You might want to check out the Tacoma Wheelmen's ride schedule. Lots of nice rides, some of them shorter, some of them longer.

I've been on some of their organised rides, and have really enjoyed them. Check the PNW regional forum--we usually post queries as to who will be riding for the larger organised rides.

Hope to see you soon :D .

East Hill