Hello from the Raisin City!!!
 

Greetings from Fresno, California. Ron asked me to introduce myself, so here I am.

My name is Wynn and I'm 48 years old (am I that old???) and have taken up biking as my newest and greatest hobby. Actually, it's not a hobby but it has become a new way of life for me. for the past year I have been on the Optifast diet plan through my doctor and have lost 250 lbs. Yes, I was the size of a three bedroom house with a pool. Thanks goodness I am now done to a small condo (1 bedroom- 1/2 bath).

So I wouldn't gain all the weight back I decided to look for something that would be fun and healthy. I first thought about a stationary bike but after about a minute I decided to get a real bike so I can breath the 2nd worst air in the country, and smell the coffee being made at all the Starbucks on every corner of streets in Fresno.

My first bike purchase was a Diamondback Outlook (stock) and after about two weeks I decided to get something better (at least it is to me). I just got a Kona NuNu and upgraded the seat (more comfortable), the seatpost (RoxShoc), the shifters (LX STI) and added a Shimano Flight Deck (6500-though from what I have read I should have gotten the 6501?). I love the Flight Deck because of the gear display and the caidence monitor. Having read some of the threads on this forum has helped me too with figuring out which set of gears to use when and what my RPM's should be around.

I usually bike around the city streets (most of our streets have bike lanes) but love going out to Woodward Park and using the trails there. I try to ride at least 8-10 miles per day (7 day's a week). I feel I'm getting more leg power every day and my stamina is increasing too! Soon I'll venture to one of the cycle clubs here in town so I can get involved on the weekend trips. Just need more confidence I guess.

This is a great forum and thanks for letting me get involved.

-Wynn

Welcome! Sounds like you have a great story. You might want to look into local bike clubs, your LBS will have some info or you could look online. I have found that people with similiar interests can be good motivation.

Dave

Welcome. You are just a youmgster ay 48, and I am so pleased that you enjoy biking.

We have some friends in Fresno, and as a kid I used to go through frequently in the summers as our family worked in Sequoia and Yosemite NP's in the summer.

We had relatives there then, and I always remember picking the luscious grapes right off the vines. But, that was in the late 1940's and early 50's. Must have changed a lot since then.

Thanks for the welcome. Yes Fresno has become the "far east side" suburb for the Bay Area. We're waiting to see if we are going to get a Bullet Train from Fresno to San Francisco (if it happens then only a one hour ride) but first we have to help pay off Gov. Davis' pesky electric bill from last year.

The grapes, figs, almonds, olives, etc are still here but a lot of the land that once held this produce has become Starbucks, Sportmarts, Ralphs, etc. I have only been here 3 years and the change from when I first got here is amazing. Hey we just got a Nordstrom Rack! Though I must tell you that when we lived in Seattle I don't think I ever even ventured into a Rack. But at least now I can say Fresno has a Nordy's.

I love Parker! My son lives in Denver and when I visit him we go to Parker all the time. That whole area is just fantastic. I'm looking forward to seeing him in June and I plan to ride the Denver bike trail system (I hear it's very well planned out and fun to ride).

-Wynn

Hey, I KNEW there was a reason I posted a couple of days ago about Denver bike paths. Since only 11 people or so have read the post
(that includes 3 x's by me) you can be the next!!

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...threadid=25248

I read your comprehensive "article" from the link and enjoyed it very much. I am looking forward to the Aurora - Cherry Creek Mall ride myself.

On a different subject - When I last visited my son in Denver for his birthday we went to a shopping mall that had some great stores. I ended up buying some shoes at one of the stores and they charged a "Mall Tax" ********** My son said it was the only mall he has ever seen that pretty much charged you a fee to shop at a mall.

BTW, I may have breaking news on yet another bike exchange (less than 3 weeks). I'm debating on telling the story about this based on the fact that I'm new here and it shows how much I've gotten into the bike thing.

-Wynn

I avoid malls with a passion - but it might have been Park Meadows, on the far south side of town. Very huge and very confusing, get lost easily.

Stay away from malls. They will crush you.:D