Introductions - Finally found an "exercise routine" that I enjoy; slightly giddy

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nybridgerider
11-13-04, 11:23 AM
Started commuting about seven months ago and keep finding myself beaming over the fact that I'm actually still doing it. I've never, ever done anything athletic with any true regularity for a sustained amount of time, and so the experience of getting "into" biking is new and very exciting. I've been riding my girlfriend's Specialized Crossroads all this time but yesterday I finally let myself buy a new bike and felt completely jubilant riding my new Giant Cypress SX home from the store, over the Manhattan Bridge to Brooklyn (actually took a few stupid risks zipping between cars on Canal street, but couldn't help feeling bold on my new, light, sleek bike).

I know I'm nothing like a "real cyclist" at this point - still riding a hybrid, still primarily a commuter - but I'm pretty happy about the whole thing. Also happy to find this site (I posted about a month ago for bike-shopping advice) where it seems there are a lot of nice people with a lot more experience than I have, but the same enthusiasm.

Hello to all.

don d.
11-13-04, 11:30 AM
If you're riding a bike, you're a "real" cyclist. Avoid buying into the "serious" cyclist BS you'll find in many of the threads here. A Grandma riding a pusher in her clogs is a real cyclist.

I've never ridden over the Manhatten Bridge, but it sounds like fun. Enjoy.
Big Helmet
11-13-04, 04:12 PM
Started commuting about seven months ago and keep finding myself beaming over the fact that I'm actually still doing it. . . . .

I know I'm nothing like a "real cyclist" at this point - still riding a hybrid, still primarily a commuter - but I'm pretty happy about the whole thing.

No cycling's more real than day in and day out commuting.

Got_to_Cycle
11-14-04, 09:42 PM
Welcome & congrats on your new bike!

I too have never been very athletic (completely uncoordinated) & started cycling in a big way (before if it was twice a year I was amazed ) in July. I can honestly say that it has changed my life in a very, very positive way. For one, I am now car-less & I fully intend on never owning one again. As well, I am planning on solo, self-contained touring next spring.

I agree with the other posters that we are all “real” cyclist’s. It doesn’t matter what you ride, in my case, I was riding a 10 year old mountain bike, then I acquired my beloved 24 year Nishiki International & I want to get into recumbents. I can speak from experience (this morning for example) that commuting is challenging (but fun!). You ride in all kinds of weather, which a lot of the so called “real-cyclists’” just won’t do. I also find that if I commute by bike, I am looking forward to the commute which I never did in a car.

Be safe & enjoy your new wheels.

Morry