Introductions - Chris from Troy, MI

Bought my first bike since my teen-aged years. Come to think of it, as my parents bought THOSE bikes, I guess I've bought my first bike FOR ME period.

It's a 2004 Gary Fisher Utopia. Troy Michigan is a pretty flat and paved landscape, so unless I want to drive (or ride) a fair distance away...most of my enjoyment will be sidewalk surfing in the evenings.

At 48 years, and 6' and 265 lbs...I'll be hanging out in the "stable" with most of the other Clydesdales, but thought I'd say "thanks" to whomever maintains and mods the forums.

Chris

Bought my first bike since my teen-aged years. Come to think of it, as my parents bought THOSE bikes, I guess I've bought my first bike FOR ME period.

It's a 2004 Gary Fisher Utopia. Troy Michigan is a pretty flat and paved landscape, so unless I want to drive (or ride) a fair distance away...most of my enjoyment will be sidewalk surfing in the evenings.

At 48 years, and 6' and 265 lbs...I'll be hanging out in the "stable" with most of the other Clydesdales, but thought I'd say "thanks" to whomever maintains and mods the forums.

Chris

Hi Chris,

Welcome to the Forums. I'm a native of the East Side of Detroit, and lived in Ann Arbor and learned to appreciate the cycling lifestyle there in the 1970's, so I always like to say Hi to Michigan cyclists. Most of my family resides in Macomb and Oaklnd counties now, so we visit frequently and that's where I ride; we stay in Fraser.

I was mostly a cycle tourist for a long time, including in Michigan and Ontario, and now I'm a a year round commuter and occasional centurian here in Boston. I know the area around Troy and the difficulties cycling there. FYA, you may be interested in this thread on Macomb and Oakland County riding:"Question for Detroit area commuters"

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=524828

In the past I have ridden with a group called the Clinton River Riders and they used to assemble for rides in Troy; they have a website: http://www.lmb.org/crr/

Sincerely,

Jim

Thanks for the information Jim,

I wasn't really COMPLAINING about the Troy rides. As my backside and I get reacquainted with the pleasures of a bicycle seat...I imagine I will remain grateful for smooth rolling pavement.

You'll recall though, that Troy is a very urban setting and my biggest concern will be remaining visible and wary of motor vehicle traffic.

Perhaps as my riding confidence grows...I'll venture further away and look for more non-paved surfaces to ride on.

I appreciate the kind welcome.

C

Hey there, I'm in Oakland county myself (Farmington), but I have some friends by Somerset mall.

Hey there, I'm in Oakland county myself (Farmington), but I have some friends by Somerset mall.

Last nights ride took us down Big Beaver to Somerset. As Big Beaver is the main artery through Troy's commercial area, they'e got a really nice double-wide sidewalk which runs the entire way.

We were pedaling into a slight wind and up a small incline nearly the entire route (about 4 miles one-way).

The ride back was with the wind at our backs and for the most part...down a gentle grade.

It was a nearly effortless ride back home. There were a few stretches where I bet I pedaled for about a minute over a 1/4 mile run.

Not the greatest of workouts...but darn pleasurable for the ride home.

C

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