Good Evening from Beacon Hill
 

Hello all,

After spending countless (work) hours on this site, I finally took the plunge and re-dedicated a part of my life to cycling in the form of an '05 Specialized Tarmac Pro.

It turns out that years ago, during high school and college, I was cycling regularly. My daily commute was from Ballard to Shoreline Community College and after classes, to Sam's Club on 137th and Aurora, where I worked at the time.

Once I discovered the joys of driving at the age of 22, I promptly went from 135 lbs to around 185 lbs. Moving out and getting married did not help either. My weight went up swiftly to a nimble 210. Sure, I have had a lot of fun driving and building some fun road race cars during those years and I do not have a lot of regrets. But at this stage and having recently turned 31, it's time to focus on number one.

Enough is enough.

So here is to the baby steps that we all must first take. I look forward to any input that any of you can give me while I wear out the search feature on this forum in the meantime.

Take care all,

JT

Hi JT, I said hi over in the Introductions, but it never hurts to welcome people again...I suspect that even though you may fit into the Clyde category now, you probably won't be there for long.

Just mind the ice this week!

East Hill

Hi JT.

The first thing you should do is get the bike out of the window and put it on the ground. You'll find you can ride a whole lot further if you'll take that first step :)

Welcome to the forums!

I think I'll be going for a ride this afternoon after I run some errands and buy a bike pump. It really is gorgeous out, except for the cold. :(

Welcome. Nice bike. Red bikes go faster.

And, if you haven't purchased already, I would like to be the first to provide an unsolicited plug for Topeak Road Morph. It has changed my riding; I can actually pump a tire now. Before, I needed to use a dedicated floor pump.

So, update us!

East Hill

Have you read "Heft on Wheels" yet? Bigtime motivation read for new/returning cyclists with a...cough...insulation issue.

Congrats on the neat new bike...use it in good health!

JT....
What part of Beacon Hill are you on?
I live at 42nd Ave South and Cloverdale.
I've been looking for a riding partner, and since I have some broken ribs that are nearly healed, it might be a good time to get back on the bike.

Let me know if you're interested.
There are some good flat rides close by to start on that I can show you.

Cheers!

No Kidding!? I live on 37th Avenue S. between Cambridge and Benefit. In other words, I'm right up the hill from you... wait, let me count... exactly 8 blocks from you. And yes, I am extremely interested. So between your mending ribs and me being completely out of bicycling shape, we'll be ready for the STP in no time :D

Let me know when you would be available!

Take care,

JT

I finally did it...

On Sunday my brother inlaw and I rode about 6 miles over the Chief Sealth here on Beacon Hill and on Monday afternoon Rob (waybehind), his wife and I rode 32 miles on the Green River trail.

Next step? Do this 3-4 times a week.

I have to give props where props are due. Rob and his wife are a fantastic pair to ride with. They were nothing but patient with my slow and uncoordinated riding.

All right all right, I'll go dry my eyes and jump back on the bike this afternoon. :D

JT

Hurrah! I was on the GRT today :) . It was beautiful out there!


East Hill

So when are we gonna do another one JT?
And you weren't slow. Just need to get the stamina up. Sheesh, i felt slow, but broken ribs kinda do that to a person. But your power is fine. I imagine if you got out of the saddle and hammered I'd stand no chance of catching you.

Let men know when you're ready, dude.

Hey Rob!

I think I PM'd you on the 22nd about riding this weekend but on Saturday I lost my cell phone... Anyways, per your recommendation, I had fitness testing done at CycleU in Magnussen Park. The testing consisted of two 5 mile time trials and two 0.2 mile sprints. I've included attachments with the results.

So Rob, I might get out of work a little early this afternoon if you would be up for a ride. I did 20 miles yesterday with my cousin and man! After the fitness testing and the riding I did last week I can already feel that my stamina is getting better.

JT