Jumping in with both feet...er, wheels
 

Hi y'all, I just wanted to check in on the NW forums, seeing as how I live in Bend, OR. I'm also a Clyde (208lbs) and hope to be a commuter before too long. I'm currently in the process of getting my bicycle (Specialized Allez Sport, '05 model) dusted off and dialed in so I can start riding again. I haven't been on the old girl since last year when I got my motorcycle, and when I walk through the garage I sense her staring accusingly at me and the extra bulk I've added to my belly since last year.:innocent:

Anyway, I just took the old girl for a leisurely spin around the neighborhood, about 1.5 miles total. I was so excited to get riding that I was half a mile down the road before I realized I had forgotten to put on my helmet. Sheesh! I know I need to adjust the seat some, and I'll be doing that this week. I can't find the allen wrenches or I would have done it tonight before I took her out. I have some extras in my work truck and tomorrow I'll bring them home and see if one of them is the right size.

Right now my goal is to ease into riding again, slowly increasing my distance while dialing in the comfort. I'm not interested in competing or anything, just bein' out there soaking in the scenery while feeling the wind on my face as I travel down the road. I AM interested in doing some long rides, and I hope to get in on a couple organized rides later this year. I'm looking closely at the Vine Ride, The Peach of a Century, and the Harvest Century. I'll be keeping a record of my rides over on bikejournal.com under the same user name as I have here, in case anyone is curious about my progress.

Well, that's about it for now. Thanks for reading my ramblings!

You're going to get addicted so much that your motorcycle will be the one that needs dusting off. :lol:

Don't forget that helmet.

Welcome! You may be an "average guy" but you're in an "above average" place to live. I live in the Seattle area but visit central Oregon several times a year, mostly to play. As you've probably found out by now, Bend is an easy place to get around by bike and there's endless riding of all types to be had there. You're wise to start gradually, and if you aren't sure about your bike's fit to you, have that checked out at a local bike shop.

Morris: About the bike fit, yeah I might pay for a professional fitting if my adjustment of the seat doesn't have the desired results. When I bought the bike the salesman did a basic sizing with me standing over the top tube, but that was about all. Hopefully the seat is the main issue, because with money tight right now it might be a while before I can shell out the cash for a pro fit.