crandress 

Hello all, been on the forum for a while, but had not notice the PNW area. I am Chris and live in Bellevue, WA as I have my whole life. Cycled a lot in college, but earlier this year got back into cycling after close 17 years or so. I had lost about 17 lbs and decided to get back into cycling to help continue my weight loss. I have had a racing bike in the past, but switched to a touring bike in 1994 or 1995, which I build up and still have (Mercian Vincitore) as well as mountain biking. Still have my '91 Bridgestone MB-3. Bought a Specialized Globe 3 a couple years ago, but have not really ridden it until this year. Nice for getting started, but don't really like the very upright position or the shocks. So looking for a new bike or to potentially rebuild the Mercian for long rides or light touring. I used what I had at the time which was racing wheels and components. So would upgrade to a triple or compact front with 9 speeds in the rear, up from the current 6 speed freewheel, with rims to accommodate tires larger than 25mm.

Anyway, I like riding around here on the Sammamish River trail or Burke Gilman, but want to try other trails and eventually get back to doing long rides and light/credit card touring, but need to build up strength and lose weight first. Would love to ride in the San Juans again and do the STP or one of the longer supported charity rides in the are like I did when I was younger. Joined Cascade bicycle club and have even been blogging a little about my exploits to get back in shape and to ride more.

Chris

lazyeye

Oh hi!
Corvallis Oregon checking in.

codyjhc

Just found this forum - love to see the PNW represented!

My wife and I moved from Kirkland to the northern end of Bellevue in January, and have just started exploring the area (on bike). I primarily bike for my commute but would like to check out some of trails that I've heard are nearby. I work in the Bellevue / Eastgate area so my commute is pretty short anyways. I'm relatively new to the biking community and definitely have a lot to learn!

If anyone wants to meet up for a short ride to the nearest coffee shop (Cafe Cesura is my pick), feel free to drop me a line! Always love connecting with fellow enthusiasts.

p.s. Find me on Strava if you're in the area, I'm always looking for locals to follow! https://www.strava.com/athletes/codyjhc

crandress 

What is Northern Bellevue, Bridal Trails? I am in the middle of Bellevue near the Glendale Golf Course. Fat, middle aged and slow, but always like a good coffee shop.

codyjhc

Oh yeah I know where that's at, had some friends live that way. I live near Northup and 116th, right on the edge of Kirkland and Bellevue. Well I've got the slow part covered as well so I can probably keep up. This weekend is hectic but shoot me a message and we can plan a time soon!

Fahrenheit531 

Hey all! Gotta confess it's still strange tracking down the "PNW" thread after spending the first 40+ years of my life in southern Arizona (mostly Tucson), but I'm sittin' here in Gresham, OR so I guess I'm qualified.

I've had nothing but warm welcomes to Oregon and the whole family loves it here, so it looks like we're staying. And while we're still pretty much amateurs when it comes to biking, we're definitely out there... we're a stone's throw from the Springwater Corridor, so life is good.

daihard 

Hi from Seattle, WA.

I've had my bike (a 2002 Gary Fisher Marlin) for a long long time but finally started riding it a couple of weeks ago. I currently just ride around home, but I'm planning on getting a bike rack for the car to extend my area. So far, I just love riding!

enigmaT120

I've run a couple sections of that Springwater Corrider in the Hood to Coast Relay. I like it.

Tuscon to Gresham? Have you been through a winter here yet? At least you know our summers are nice!

west coast girl

DJ in Mukilteo, WA here!

So far, my experience has been limited to trail riding (Centennial, Burke Gilman, Sammamish River) but I'm starting to feel more adventurous and getting more comfortable riding, so actual surface streets are starting to look interesting!

I ride a Trek Hybrid and a Cdale Synapse I purchased earlier this month... the cdale is quickly becoming my favorite. I'll likely join a group ride next season (thinking meetup might be a good place to find 'em).

Happy cycling!

Bikerubbish

Olympia WA checking in!

brakedirector

I am in Seattle near the Ballard Bridge. I haven't been on this site for a long time, but I get introductions in my mail. Nothing from this Forum, but we want to support it. Once you have the list, maybe we can meet some of you in Seattle. If that interests you, check out the Mosaic Coffeehouse right behind Dicks on 45th. Let me know what everyone thinks. I'd be happy to help put it together.

RamAlaRag 

I'm just south of Olympia, WA.
In college, so that is subject to change!

daihard 

Welcome! How do you like the Pacific Northwest so far?

RamAlaRag 

Oh, I have lived here all my life, moved from Seattle to come down here. I meant subject to change because I may be transferring to Bellingham or Tacoma for school in a year or so, I currently go to Centralia College.

I love the Pacific Northwest though!

snowcow5

Seattle, WA on the North side of Queen Anne hill! In July, I'll be moving to Honolulu, HI but I would love to be a part of the PNW group until then!

Cheers!

snowcow5

Hey brakedirector! I'd be interested in a get together. I love hanging out with people who love riding as much as I do!

CTZunow

Olympia, WA.

pyratenomad

I am another one living in Boise, Idaho.

scozim 

Welcome pyratenomad - love the Boise area. Some great riding both rode and mtb there.

yftoad

Moved from San Diego to Seattle, WA in 2003, now live on north Beacon Hill. Never rode while I lived down in San Diego since I just started riding last July, but I'm now completely addicted and ride daily!

Lascauxcaveman 

Welcome! I'd like to invite you to come join a group of us planning to get together in Port Angele some weekend in May or June, hopefully to either do a ride up to Hurricane Ridge or our local Metric Century loop. When we get a date or two picked out, I'll PM as many Western Washington BF members as I can with the details. I run the little hotel mentioned in Metric Century blog and will be offering 1/2 off our already cheap rates for BF members on that weekend.

A man of few words, eh?

From your bikes you have in your profile, I'm guessing you are a large man of few words. And since our planned group ride is mostly going to be on bikes of the vintage type, I think you'll fit in just fine, if you can make it. Is this your blog, BTW? I'm enjoying browsing through it.

yftoad

Lascauxcaveman - that sounds awesome! Definitely keep me in the loop on this. Always looking for bigger climbs to tackle in the Pacific Northwest!

CTZunow

Haha, guilty on all fronts. The ride sounds interesting, I once rode through part of it on a tour few years back.

Lascauxcaveman 

^^ Takara Challenge and Lotus Classique are not all that common (I've seen a lot of old bikes; never heard of either of those), so I was curious. Google Image found one really large example of each, both on the same blog, as it turns out.

You just can't hide from the teh googles, I guess.

BTW, if you've always wanted a Univega, there's one close to me in your size. Let me know if you like me to check it out for you. It's been on the local CL for about 3 months, so he's probably ready for an offer. https://olympic.craigslist.org/bik/4292011898.html

Stones 55

Been a long time, so hi! Edmonds, WA, the pearl of Puget Sound