Hey from SC Kansas
 

HI everyone,

I'm an out of shape mom of 1 who is trying to get ready to bike across Kansas. I've set the goal to do it in 2011.

I just got a cheap bike from Walmart ~ but plan to get a "good" bike as I can afford it.

I've decided to ride in the Walnut Valley ride on Sept 27. I'm taking the 35 mile option ~ hoping I'll be in good enough shape by then.

I am really loving riding again after such a long time ~ look forward to getting to know everyone.

Welcome to Bike Forums. Riding across Kansas is quite a goal to accomplish!

There is a women's forum that you are eligible to access after you have been posting for a month. Send a PM to Siu Blue Wind (administrator) to gain access.

The 35 miler is a good choice. I hope you have the "good" bike by then. Riding 35 miles on the Walmart bike would probably seem like torture. :eek:
Let us know what "good" bike you get. Pictures are always good.

Thanks for the welcome. :) While it isn't my dream bike I did get a new (to me) bike this weekend. I picked up a 2007 Giant Boulder. Went to take it for a quick spin last night and ended up doing 5 miles which actually turned out to be a pretty quick spin.

I can't believe the difference!! I was thinking on the old bike there is no way I'm gonna be able to ride 35 miles, but it doesn't seem so impossible at all. :)

The previous owner put new tires and wheels on it. They are dual purpose instead of the big knobby ones, so it goes much faster on the road. It's a little harder to get through the gravel I have to get through to get to the road, but I'm managing.

Here's my new bike:

http://www.roadtobikeacrosskansas.co...antboulder.jpg

That's a pretty bike. It's amazing how different components can make a ride so much easier.

Welcome to bike forums...

Welcome from a fellow Kansan...now in Great Bend...too far for a short bike ride... I can easily see ya doing the BAK in 2011 if you are not interested in speed. That is enough time to get in some good riding and enjoying before the big one... your 35 mile ride will be fun, caus I know you will take it easy, especially with that new ride.
Enjoy and again Welcome.

Thats a nice bike without the excessive weight of suspension. The tires will be able to cushion the cracks and potholes. You should put a water bottle in the cage because you dont notice how much you lose through perspiration - it might be easier if you mount a bottle on the handle bars. For longer rides, bar end extensions allow you to change hand positions - pointed forward you can get your body lower facing a headwind.

Though I'm in California now, Salina, Kansas is where I learned the wonders of bicycling. That was mainly on a 2-speed Schwinn. I've been thinking about going back after I retire and doing some riding in Kansas because I never really explored the state, as I have others.

I hope you have a good time on the upcoming ride... and the one across the state!