Bike Forums - Returning Cyclist

I've been an avid cyclist off and on since around 14, but unfortunately mostly off for a good number of years now. My good bikes have been a Kabuki, a Univega, a Specialized Expedition (the old tourer, not the new hybrid) and my current ride, a GT ZR4000. I picked that last one up about 6 years ago with good intentions, but after one season it sat.

After letting myself get to ~260 lbs. (I'm 5'9") and finding out my younger brother had just been diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, I decided enough was enough. Using the carrot of a charity motorcycle ride across Italy (since cancelled, unfortunately), I returned to exercise and eating much better. I've been hitting the gym pretty much every day since late December, and dusted off the GT in early August, probably logged about 400 miles since then, longest ride a 63 miler labor day. I'm now at 196 lbs. and have a new carrot, a new bicycle. Right now I'm thinking of a cyclocross bike for participating in a local open series and winter commuting. Probably add a carbon road bike in the spring.

My riding is fitness/enjoyment, I have two goals for next year, a century and a 10K time trial averaging 20 mph. I know I can do the century, I have no problem eating up miles, eating up clock is another matter (i.e. I'm slow).

The Expedition is still gathering dust, I have no desire to tour anymore, I like the motorcycle (a Ducati Monster) for that.

Thanks for letting me ramble.

David B.