petersta

Hi there,

I've been a lurker here for a while and finally got off my butt to register and post. I've been a "recreational" MTB'er for a number of years, but this years Tour De France sent me over the edge and into the world of road biking. During a routine visit to the LBS to get my MTB tuned up in the first week of August I managed to talk myself into buying a 2003 Cannondale R200. It was teh easiest sale the guys in the shop ever had

I love the bike, I couldn't believe how fast it was, particularly the acceleration. I have also developed a sadistic enjoyment of hills and canyon riding! The only downside was the razor that was masquerading as a seat - that took some getting used to.

I ride with a couple of guys who are long time roadies, and occasionally with a local bike club (LaGrange). My longest ride so far has been 60 miles, and my average speed is somewhere in the 16 - 20 mph range, depending on distance and hills.

I am English, 42 yrs old, married with a beautiful 8 month old daughter - she must get that from her mother! I have always been very athletic, and cycling is a great way to extend my fitness regime. I work for 20th Century Fox in Los Angeles, and have a cool job that pays for my new toys!! I am lucky.

Nice to meet you all,

Peter

VegasCyclist

Welcome to the Forums Peter,

gald to hear you have become a roadie

road riding seems to be a big part of california riding, you probably will have a easy time getting together with people to go riding with.

Anyhow I will probably come out to Palm Springs in February of next year to do the tour de palm springs, (not to far away from LA) it's a fun ride that you may want to consider.

bman

Welcome to bikeforums and great to see another mtn biker making the switch. My cousin has ridden with LaGrange recently on their 60 mile Sat run and said they haul some azz. I can see you having fun in the hills. I went out in the hills a few days ago out in Palos Verdes area....I set a new best max mph of 47.80 out there. I'll be back there for sure!! Have fun and keep it safe!!

rjtokyo

Hi Peter,

Welcome to bikeforums! I'm also an ex-pat originally from L.A. but living in Tokyo now. I know what you mean about the nice climbs up and down the canyon roads :thumbup: There are also some awesome rides just south of the border; maybe you've heard of them. I like the Tecate to Ensenada. Start from the sleepy inland border town of Tecate with 10,000 other riders, 75mi. through the mountains, finish on the coast at Ensenada and then feast on some tasty Mexican cuisine! Fun stuff!! (I think that ride is still put on?)

Anyway, again welcome! Congratulations on your 8-mo. old daughter :fun: (I have 3 myself ) Good call on moving to the roadie side. Happy climbing!

r600aero

I agree... and WELCOME TO THE FORUMS!!!
Ryan

Vitamin X

Hi Petersta,

I'm also English and wanting to live somewhere in the States, preferably LA too. I'm currently living in Leeds, Yorkshire... I was wandering, How did moving to LA come about for you???... Was you promised the job at 20th Century Fox, Did you just meet an American woman or did you just want a change of scenery???...

Reading all the threads in the "introductions" board, makes me want to leave England for a few months and cycle around there Countries. I thought Tokyo was just utter conjestion, pollution, skyscrapers and very over populated. But the people who have joined this board who live in Tokyo have opened my eyes.


Please Reply, Cheers...

oldillini

Welcome, Petersta!!

Glad to hear you are enjoying the roadie thing. Some day I may try the mountain thing, although around here (Indiana) not many places to call "mountains" or even good trails.

Mark

petersta

I was moved out to the US over a decade ago when the company I was working for at the time was taken over by a US company. They closed the deal on a wednesday, flew into the UK on Thursday and told me they wanted me to move out tot the states to head up world wide marketing - they had their answer on Friday

I've no regrets about coming out here. I spent four years in Yorkshire, and as much as I loved it (the people, the countryside and the beer!!) I could never envisage leaving Southern California.

Peter

Toki

That sounds like the way I ended up in Tokyo the first time. Called a guy on a Monday to ask about life here. He owned a company, by the end of the call he offered me a job and faxed me an offer letter. I was between freelance jobs so I thought it would be fun to do for a few months. I was Tokyo by the following Sunday-- and ended up staying 7 years before moving to LA.

People who relocate to LA seem to fall into the extremes of hating it and loving it. I fall into the latter category (maybe that is why when my company asked me to move back to Tokyo it took a month to negotiate the contract). In addition to cycling, I enjoy camping, hiking, sailing, diving -all things that can be done very easily while living in LA. In addition, there is great weather, and all the things available to a big city resident (though it involves plenty of driving sometimes). Personally, I am always curious as to why people cannot stand the city. There are certainly things about it not to like, but they seem to be the same issues that one finds anywhere else.

I intend to make the same kind of MTB/road conversion after I get back to LA next year. I hope you don't mind me hitting you up for some advice.

Take care and welcome.

- Jeff

Vitamin X

Damn, that sounds good to me and the company offered you a house to?...

Do you think it would be hard for someone like me trying to setup in LA from scratch???... ie No Job, House etc... or would it be easy to settle in???...

Also did you take part in the "THE 2003 PIUMA HILL CLIMB CHAMPIONSHIP" this year???... I saw it on your clubs website...

Vitamin X

OK, I catch your drift. I have more chance $ucking off the pope than trying to setup in LA...

petersta

VitaminX
Setting up in LA will be no different than setting up anywhere else, although the prices of real estate is getting pretty scary for someone trying to buy into the market for the first time. A lot will depend on what you want to do, how old you are, how flexible you are and what you are willing to do for a living!

LA is a great place to live, but it's unlike any other city I've ever lived in. IT took me a year to get used to LA, and during that year I really didn't enjoy it too much, but once it came into focus there was no going back for me!

Jeff
When are you getting back to LA? Feel free to hit me up for any advice!!


Peter

dirtbikedude

Glad to have you with us. Welcome to the forums. If you have not ridden any of the mtb trails near Rocky Peak (NW end of the valley) drop me a line. A lot of great riding out here.
I used to ride road, sold the bike now I am looking at getting another. If you like climbing there are some good road rides out this way also.

Slainte

Toki

My contract is up for renewal at the end of March so I should be back in April (unless keeping me here is my company's cruel idea for an April Fool's joke). I figure a move is a good excuse to add a road bike to my collection. I will probably hit you up for any advice then.

BTW, I also have a new daughter. She just turned 13 months so she is a bit older than yours, but they might make good playmates while the dads are off cycling on weekends!

- Jeff