chilewheel

Hello from the Willamette Valley. I'm an older rider , not whippet thin, 55, who has been biking since I was a kid (Schwinn), then brought my transportation (Motobecane) to Oregon for college from the east coast. After a sojourn of 25 years on motorcycles, I came back to bikes again (LeMond). I ride 3-5 days a week, and I'll never stop. Bikes like skis, allow me two be two things I wouldn't normally be-fast and graceful, and I absolutely love their efficiency. On a ride this summer, I went into tachycardia, though I didn't know that at the time (I thought I was just bonking.) I rode home about 5 miles and went to the hospital when I realized something was wrong. Short version? I went into v-fib and was paddled twice back to life. I was told I had a genetic condition affecting part of my heart. The docs were amazed I rode 5 miles while this was going on, since apparently, after 5 minutes or so, most folks just collapse and die if not immediately attended to. The doc said if not for my condition from biking and hiking (mostly uphill) on a regular basis, I wouldn't be here now typing this. Talk about motivation! Anyway, I guess I'm a two wheel guy for life-literally. I'm a road guy and I love to watch racing on the tube. I'm a professional cook with a need to feed, now looking for the next opportunity.

old and new

Hello and WELCOME ! I like all that you've written; the old, the whippet blurb, the LeMond.. all of it. Except the health scare, you conquered that too so ....

CbadRider

Welcome to Bike Forums. Your story is a great testament to staying in shape! Check out the Fifty Plus and Pacific Northwest regional forums.

chilewheel

Well, we all can't be just legs and lungs. I used to coach college runners and have tried to keep up with some of my mountain hiking charges, so envy is a pretty constant state. But then I get that golden opportunity to ride up behind someone riding only because their license is suspended. Those guys I can usually zip past! (Though I don't think they're ever impressed with me.) And why is it they always seem to be on mountain bikes? Good to hear from you.

lbear

Welcome to BF! There is something here for everyone.
We have a bit in common, I live in the Willamette Valley (Hillsboro), I had Atrial fibrillation, I am 55 and ride a Lemond Sarthe. Welcome abroad - check out the Pacific Northwest forum.