Hi from Tucson, AZ
 

Hello, my name is Noah, been riding about one month on a road bike, been riding my whole life on BMX as a youth, and mountain bike the rest. Although the last 5 years or so, my riding has become much less frequent.

I tried out a road bike (hybrid) a month ago and a light went off :love:, my eyes widened, I couldn't believe how effortless the bike moved forward, and I was hooked. Then I began dreaming about a proper road bike and the next level. CL led me to my new bike, a very lightly used 09 tarmac sl-2. Essentially my dream bike from the limited amount of research I've completed thus far. It was roughly 50% more than I'd budgeted, but I felt it was well worth it.

I've been training in a limited fashion, as I'm a bit gung-ho right now, and don't want to over do it as a novice. I've been riding 5 days a week, either 10 or 15 mile rides depending on how I feel. That's it. I want a "base" I've read so much about before I start longer rides. Admittedly, I've got my eye on the El Tour de Tucson (haha). I'm not out of shape, but I'm NOT in "bike-shape" either, by any means. It seems I'm training my ass (literally) to sit on the seat more than anything. The non-impact nature of the bike is heaven sent as compared to my usual running, sports, etc.

See you out there. :thumb:

Oops, forgot the picture. :)

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Welcome to the forum and hello from Ohio.

Good luck in your training!

U of A! U of A!

I got my first road bike (old 70s peugeot) for commuting to campus. I just graduated in May and am still hooked on road bikes, even though Tucson is great for riding, and Hawaii... isn't the best.

Bear Down, Arizona.

Hi Noah,

I'm a bike commuter in Tucson as well. I tried out my first hybrid bike a month ago and was hooked immediately. The only comparison I had was the mountain bike I used to commute to/from the U of A when I was in school, so I know what you mean when you talk about the smooth ride. :love:

Hope your riding is still fun, and the best weather is upon us now.

Cheers!
Sarah

Hello from the other end of Arizona.

I'm up here at NAU and I also have my eye on El Tour. I wasn't in "bike shape" but when I decided to go for it, I started doing as much training as possible. As long as you're motivated then it's easy and fun.

Hope to see you there,
Reid
El Tour de Tucson Rider #2631

15 month update is I rode the '09 Tour. 110 miles around Tucson. It was an awesome, extremely beautiful experience :thumb:

Took me 7 1/2 hours to finish, with 6:34 ride time according to my computer, which stops as the bike stops. So many amazing rest stops, volunteers, and spectators cheering. One rest stop had watermelon, and it was like all my dreams coming true.

Go do a century!