jdoe

I grew up in the bay area before the hills were too developed. My BMX took me all over the hills there. I got my first road bike when I was ten or so, and rode it every where. Most of my serious sports was soccer, although I still rode at least once a week. I played fairly seriously until I was about 36, and then took a couple years off. During that time I gained a few pounds, like up to a size 36 waist. I decided to do something about it and returned to soccer. Within a year I strained my calf (grade 2). One of the guys I played with is a PT, and he recomended riding as part of my strengthening. I tried a few more times to play soccer, and realized I would only get more injured given my age and unwillingness to let anyone past me with the ball. So, ride it is.

I raced in a unofficial race series this year, age 40, and am totally hooked. Next year, '08, I hope to enter cat 4 or 5 road races, but I'm mostly into Cross racing. Most of my riding/training is on the cross bike. The roads around here are mixed gravel, chip seal, and paved. There are plenty of single tracks to link these roads, so the cross bike for me is ideal.

I've lurked around this board for a bit now, and really like some of the threads I've read. The information sharing is super. Seems like a great bunch of folks.

Cheers,
John

East Hill

Hi John, if you haven't already done so, don't forget to check out the regional forums. I'm glad to hear that you like what you see, so don't be shy, we like to see new folks posting too!

Welcome to BF!

East Hill