Back in the Saddle in SoCal
02-07-08, 08:07 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Back in the Saddle in SoCal
After a 30 year hiatus from riding (actually, I've had bikes those 30 years but only managed about 10 miles per year on them), I've rediscovered the joys of cycling. I was shopping for a used bike for my oldest son (who passed me in height last year) and was having trouble finding a decent used MTB with a 22" frame. In early September I located a 1986 Diamondback Ascent with a 22" frame for $40 on Craig's list and went to take a look. Not in the kind of condition I would give to my son. Bought it anyway and gave my MTB (1997 Diamondback Outlook DX with very little mileage) to my son and started work on the Ascent.
As I cleaned, lubed, polished and replaced parts, I kept taking it on test rides. The test rides got longer and more frequent. That was 800 miles ago! Got rid of my toe clips in favor of clipless for Christmas and I'm now riding virtually every day (just picked up a trainer at the thrift store so won't have excuses to miss any days now).
Along with the Ascent, I just finished rehabilitating a 62cm 1977 Schwinn Le Tour II that I dug out of the trash. Rides nice on the street and works great in the trainer.
Glad to have found this forum and, even though I'm not quite there, have enjoyed the 50+ section. Seems to be right about where I'm at. Longest ride to date is 15.5 miles with average speed of 13.8 which is pretty good for an out of shape, overweight, middle-aged guy. I think the out of shape & overweight part of that is changing day by day.
As I cleaned, lubed, polished and replaced parts, I kept taking it on test rides. The test rides got longer and more frequent. That was 800 miles ago! Got rid of my toe clips in favor of clipless for Christmas and I'm now riding virtually every day (just picked up a trainer at the thrift store so won't have excuses to miss any days now).
Along with the Ascent, I just finished rehabilitating a 62cm 1977 Schwinn Le Tour II that I dug out of the trash. Rides nice on the street and works great in the trainer.
Glad to have found this forum and, even though I'm not quite there, have enjoyed the 50+ section. Seems to be right about where I'm at. Longest ride to date is 15.5 miles with average speed of 13.8 which is pretty good for an out of shape, overweight, middle-aged guy. I think the out of shape & overweight part of that is changing day by day.
Last edited by CACycling; 02-12-08 at 04:51 PM.
02-07-08, 08:21 PM
#2
Lanky Lass
Oh, don't forget to check in with us at the Classic & Vintage forum. We'd never forgive you if you don't show us photos of the LeTour.
Welcome to BF!
East Hill
Welcome to BF!
East Hill
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TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...
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TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...
02-07-08, 10:58 PM
#3
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Denver Colorado
Posts: 80
Bikes: 59 Raleigh sports, 72 Raleigh 10 spd w/no original componants, 04 Giant Cypress
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Hey CACycling sound like we get pulled in the same way ,my test rides after minor adjustment are generally followed by words with my wife about my whereabouts ,10 miles can go by so fast to me, and so long to Her.
02-08-08, 12:17 AM
#4
Blasted Weeds
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
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Bikes: Trek 1200C, Specialized Rockhopper, Giant Yukon FX, Giant Acapulco
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Congrats to the getting back to riding!
For some reason I'm hearing some of the old adages - but reversed.
(son) Hey Dad, I'll be back in a bit - taking the bike out for a ride.
(you) Welllll, ok - but when will you be back?
(son) Um, just going to the store, why?
(you) Just taking it out for a quick spin ya know, not long ...
(son) fine, so when WILL YOU be back so I can go ...
hehe
Welcome and welcome back to an awesome sport/leisure ride/healthy activity!
For some reason I'm hearing some of the old adages - but reversed.
(son) Hey Dad, I'll be back in a bit - taking the bike out for a ride.
(you) Welllll, ok - but when will you be back?
(son) Um, just going to the store, why?
(you) Just taking it out for a quick spin ya know, not long ...
(son) fine, so when WILL YOU be back so I can go ...
hehe
Welcome and welcome back to an awesome sport/leisure ride/healthy activity!
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