Introductions - newjack from DC

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patrick8037
09-20-08, 11:04 AM
After a countless number of times of seeing bikeforums.net pop up in google searches, I decided to finally join. I've been riding for just about a year now. Mostly city riding, but I do love going out on trails. I got into biking in order to get in shape, and so far its paying off. I've lost 60 lbs since February. I recently moved to the DC area, and I'm now currently employed as a bike courier. I do not ride a fixed gear, my bikes have brakes, and I don't have any spoke cards.

East Hill
09-20-08, 08:59 PM
Hi Patrick, how many miles a day do you ride for your job? How many miles do you ride 'off the clock'?

And, what are you riding?

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

East Hill
Forum Moderator

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patrick8037
09-21-08, 05:58 AM
It's hard to say how many miles I ride a day on average for my job. Maybe somewhere between 20-30? As for outside of work, I ride to wherever I need to get to, so it really varies, but being in DC, I never really to ride more than 5 miles at a time.

My main ride is a 1987 Bianchi Brava that I converted into a single speed. 46/16t gear ratio. Shimano 105 crank, brakes, and levers. Bontrager race saddle. I recently went to 700x28c tires.

My backup bike is a 1987 Peugeot Triathlon that I paid way too much for it from a guy who rehabbed it, and has been nothing but trouble. It came with mostly Shimano 105 components, but I've had to change out a lot of the components. Now I'm reworking it, thinking about fitting it with fenders and cyclocross tires for winter riding.

Suzie Green
09-21-08, 08:00 AM
Welcome to the forum Patrick! Congrats on the weight loss too, that's really super. And the more fit you get, the more fun your riding becomes. See you around the boards...and remember, sports cards in the spokes are vastly over-rated! :lol:
East Hill
09-21-08, 08:06 AM
It sounds as if you are car-free? Have you done much riding in the winter?

East Hill
patrick8037
09-21-08, 08:14 AM
I'm not 100% car free, but I only use my car when absolutely necessary, such as for grocery shopping and hauling.

And yes, I've done my fair share of winter riding before. I spent all last winter riding my bike to and from work. Although I'm sure things are going to be a little more harsh this winter.