blackboat

As suggested when I registered, I am introducing myself.

Pretty much the same story as a lot of others I guess. I used to ride MTB when I was younger, but fast forward 20 years and I'm maybe wiser, definitely fatter, and so out of shape it's outright pathetic.

The couple of bikes I have left appear to be made of rust. I'm trying to save them, been scouring CL and eBay for new kit for myself and the family, and then I bought this skinny Centurion thing. The Centurion will be first out of the gate as soon as the new brakes get here next week. Also, a Specialized Rockhopper should arrive next week for my daughter. The old Trek 930 is being set up to be dedicated to pulling a canoe on a trailer, and my old Spec Rockhopper Comp is being single speeded for the wife (who doesn't like the levers, and claims she can't tell the difference between any of the gears. We've been married going on 20 years; I just find the simple solution now.).

Still looking for a newer MTB for me, but kind of excited over this triathlon bike. It occurred to me, whilst looking out the window, that we've a lot more asphalt than MTB trails visible. And I remember my college roomate having some old French roadbike that I enjoyed riding, so my antique CF treasure is hopefully going to be my salvation.

To backtrack a bit, I went to college in New Orleans, didn't own a car, got around by bike. Loved it. Was putting in about 30 miles a day between work, school, going to my studio, grocery store (you have to shop frequently when a small backpack is your shopping bag). The bike was just a part of me; I didn't even feel it most of the time. On weekends I would ride all day if I was bored. I used to catch myself at stoplights, stopped, feet still in the clips, just balancing there.

Fast forward again: That should give you a bit better idea of why I'm disgusted with getting old and fat. Nowadays, I'm scared of the bike; the ground looks real far down there, and hard to boot. Keep worrying about crashing, etc. I'm sure I'll get over it, but geez I feel pathetic.

Anyway, I'm going to try. Feel silly about some of it, like those funny shorts (how do you keep from crushing your cigarettes in those things? ), and probably won't make it up the second hill the first time. And real not looking forward to the "butt hardening" process either, but at least maybe I'll die as fat roadkill instead of a fat couch potato.

To end on a positive note: Trued my first wheel last night and it came out OK. Whoopee.

Thanks for listening if you got this far,

Rob

East Hill

Hello Rob, a great, entertaining introduction.

Now, we need photos of the Centurion, please, over at Classic & Vintage. There's a thread on Centurion serial numbers, so if you could just post over there, that'd be great .

Second, there's a Clydesdales forum, with some great people over there to motivate you to continue in your forward progress, if you think you should need the encouragement (and moderated by one of the nicest guys around, Tom Stormcrowe).

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

RonH

Hi Rob and welcome to BF.
Old?? What's that?? I'm 62 and not quite "old" yet. Although some days after riding (in Atl traffic) to work at Intown Bicycles near Piedmont Park, working on bikes all day, and then riding home, I sometimes get a glimmer of what old feels like.

Check out the local cycling action in the Southeast subforum. Lots of Atl area folks there.

DnvrFox

And I will be 68 in November, and I am younger than RonH - at least I think so!

Welcome. ANd what cigarettes?

Take a peek at our Rogue's Gallery (click below) to see more young "old people."

blackboat

Thank you all; still sitting here watching tracking numbers as packages move ever so slowly across the country. If all goes well I'll have something on the road next weekend I hope. I'll get a post going about the poor Centurion on the next couple of days.

Thanks,
Rob

webist

Welcome sir. I certainly enjoyed your first posting. Here's to many more.