New rider, green as the grass
05-17-15, 07:21 PM
#1
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New rider, green as the grass
Hi! I've been lurking around the site for a few weeks, waiting until I actually took my first ride before I posted. I'm Ann-Marie, haven't really ridden a bike since I was 11, have about 100 lbs. to lose, and am the proud new owner of a 1962 Schwinn Hollywood -- which is only a couple of years younger than I am. Single speed, coaster brake (is this a good place to admit that I've only ever ridden a single-speed?). It's just gotten a tune-up and new tires and tubes at my LBS, and about a week and a half ago we had our inaugural ride of 1.5 miles.
I've worked up to a 5.5 mile ride since then. I've wanted to get back on a bike for a while, and rather than keep on being dazzled and confused by all the shiny bikes and options in magazines and online, I found the Hollywood at a thrift store and got some work done on it. I know this won't be forever, or even for very long, but I wanted to start someplace simple. I've lost about 25 lbs. since the beginning of the year with only walking as my exercise, and when nice weather finally showed up I gave in to the siren song of two wheels. Now I need to start making sense of bike lingo and see if I can grok gears a little before I upgrade.
Hope to participate, learn things and be inspired by everyone here!
I've worked up to a 5.5 mile ride since then. I've wanted to get back on a bike for a while, and rather than keep on being dazzled and confused by all the shiny bikes and options in magazines and online, I found the Hollywood at a thrift store and got some work done on it. I know this won't be forever, or even for very long, but I wanted to start someplace simple. I've lost about 25 lbs. since the beginning of the year with only walking as my exercise, and when nice weather finally showed up I gave in to the siren song of two wheels. Now I need to start making sense of bike lingo and see if I can grok gears a little before I upgrade.
Hope to participate, learn things and be inspired by everyone here!
05-17-15, 07:41 PM
#2
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Sharp looking bike. Welcome to Bike Forums!
05-17-15, 07:46 PM
#3
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Welcome....
I got back into cycling 4 years ago on my son's old MTB. After the first year I bought a road bike and now 4 years later I'm 40 lbs lighter and just st finished a 71 mile ride.
Jus keep at it and stay safe.
I got back into cycling 4 years ago on my son's old MTB. After the first year I bought a road bike and now 4 years later I'm 40 lbs lighter and just st finished a 71 mile ride.
Jus keep at it and stay safe.
05-17-15, 07:51 PM
#4
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Thanks, oldnslow -- you give me hope! I'm planning on riding the Hollywood for this summer and fall, and in the spring buy a new bike. I'll just keep riding, and see how much further I can go each time.
Can I ask where you are on Long Island? I grew up in Stony Brook.
Can I ask where you are on Long Island? I grew up in Stony Brook.
05-17-15, 07:54 PM
#5
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Thanks, Bill -- isn't she pretty? Not the easiest to ride (don't tell her I said that), but I figure I'm actually getting a better workout. I think the saddle will be changed out this week, because there just isn't any forgiveness in the original seat.
05-17-15, 07:54 PM
#6
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Thanks, oldnslow -- you give me hope! I'm planning on riding the Hollywood for this summer and fall, and in the spring buy a new bike. I'll just keep riding, and see how much further I can go each time.
Can I ask where you are on Long Island? I grew up in Stony Brook.
Can I ask where you are on Long Island? I grew up in Stony Brook.
05-17-15, 08:18 PM
#7
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Good to see someone from home! thanks for the welcome!
05-18-15, 07:19 AM
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Welcome to the forum. Riding is a good way to get some exercise in while enjoying it....
I lost 80 lbs without being bored to death.
I lost 80 lbs without being bored to death.
