Texas - New to forum and cycling.

Hello,

I am new to cycling (just got a Felt F80) and to this forum. Hopefully I can learn quick and get a lot of tips from everyone here. I am posting in the Texas forum because I am out of Lubbock and am curious if there is anyone else out there from this area. Is there anything that I need to know to get started?

I was going to say just go ride at this point, but I'm curious about one thing. Define "new to cycling". As in never ridden a bike before? Or never ridden a road bike on the road for more than a few miles?

Welcome to BF and enjoy the F-80.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/TMT%20BB%20Ride/t.jpg

Lubbock eh? Watch those winds man. I was blown over a few times when I went to Tech. It may be flat but those winds make up for it.

I am from Lubbock, but now live in Houston.

There is a local forum with lots of information, if you need to know it PM me.

I love the riding there, but hills are hard to find that are worth much, there are a few key places to go to practice them.

Thanks!

First off maybe my screen name is a little misleading. I graduated from Tech a few year ago and still reside in Lubbock. Also, by new to cycling, I mean I have not ridden a road bike on the road for more than a few miles. I am a fitness and wellness coordinator by trade so I stay somewhat in shape (not as much as I should) and plan on trying to lightly train for at least a sprint triatlon next year and possibly if I am doing real well in a year, a half triathlon. Biking seems to be the most fun part of the 3 so far, so I thought I would learn a little more about it, and put a little more time into it.

Racoon,
I would love to know the local forum. PM on the way.

In that case, you're ready to ride. The only advice I would offer is to carry a spare tube, tire levers and a cell phone in case of a flat or other mechanical. You'll need water too, but I figure you knew that already, given your background.

Welcome and have fun!

I relocated to Lubbock for a few months last year and found it to be a pretty enjoyable place to ride. There are plenty of bike routes and lanes to get around the city--I actually found it pretty feasible to live car-free with the combination of Citibus and my bike.

If you haven't already found it, the city has some maps with "official" routes and lanes -- http://mpo.ci.lubbock.tx.us/pdf/pub/bikePlanGuide.pdf

Also, I found Broadway Bikes to be the most reasonable local shop (price-wise) as they kind of cater to students, but Velocity or DFC seemed to have more high end stuff.

Not knowing the Lubbock scene at all, I can tell you that the Tech cycling team has a number of pretty strong riders, so they likely have fast training rides during the week / weekends.

Thanks again. Hopefully I really get involved to give me an enjoyable aerobic exercise.