whiskeyboarder

Everyone,

My name is Steve and I am a former active duty Army soldier. I am currently a student at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

I am 23 years old and interested in endurance events of all types. However, I completely new to the genre and excited for any information you are all willing to share.

I have posted a few threads looking for guidance in other areas of this site.

Thanks everyone.

Steve

East Hill

Hello Steve, thanks for your service, and good luck with your studies (what major?), and with your goal.

I take it that you don't have a bike, then?

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

jsharr

Howdy Steve, please accept my thanks too for your service. It is appreaciated. Tell us what kind of endurance events and we can point you in the right direction. Road Cycling and Triathlon forums would be great places to start.

springerlein

Hi, I am Heidi and live in Seattle. Looking for people to go cycling with. Good shape, born in 1949

East Hill

Hello Heidi, you should start your own introduction thread .

Also, you might want to check into the Pacific Northwest regional forum, and let us locals know that you want some cycling partners. Are you looking for road/MTB? Are you north end or south?

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

whiskeyboarder

Hey All,

Thanks for your replies. Also appreciated are your kind compliments RE: my military service.

To answer your questions:

Currently, I do not have a bike. Once my financial means make a positive turn, I will pick one up. However, I will probably choose something very economical.

My short term goal is to complete a "century." I feel that my conditioning, despite a lack of actually cycling lately, is still pretty strong. The century seems doable with a little work. In the long term, I would like to ride a multi-day event for charity, especially something focusing on military veteran needs. Eventually, I want to complete a leisurely paced Tampa to DC journey.

These may sound like lofty goals, but I love a challenge and I thrive on physical fitness. In lieu of cycling, I do a lot of running. My routine is usually every other day, skipping a day here or there, with routes of about 6-8 miles.

Thanks everyone. I look forward to all your advice and support.

Steve

East Hill

Steve, even an economical bike can get you to your goals--and may well provide you with even more of a challenge .

There is a gentleman in the Tampa Bay area (whose username here is TheSquirrelGuy) who refurbishes bikes for a reasonable price. Here's his story:

https://www.sptimes.com/2006/07/20/Fl...r_a_spin.shtml

He advertises on the Tampa Bay CL as Dave, in the Tampa - Lowery Park Area. You might want to check him out. I would bet that he can get you a good ride that will help you achieve your goals.

Make sure that you post your charity ride information in the section here in the Community Connections for Charity Rides when you get to that goal.

East Hill

Guy Retreau

East Hill ( Kent, Washington) seems you know more about Tampa than those of us that live here. How is that?

Whiskeyboarder: Need an economical ride? Suggest you visit Ken at Northeast Cycles on 4th street in St Pete. He always has an assortment of pre-owned steel road bikes in addition to all his new products. Something in there will meet your budget.

East Hill

TheSquirrelGuy was mentioned once in the Classic & Vintage forum. I happened to remember the story because it was such a nice thing to read about. He somehow learned about getting mentioned, and joined up, although I don't know that he really has time to visit us and post.

East Hill

bac

You came to the right place, Steve. Welcome!

... Brad

whiskeyboarder

Again, thank you for all your recommendations and advice. Will look into places as suggested.

Thanks!

Steve