Hi guys, I live in Virginia Beach, VA. I've ridden a bike throughout different stages of my life, and was given a free bike two years ago. I dabbled around on it on and off, but never really got into it. However, after being unemployed for a few months, I sank into a depression, and biking is the only thing that got me out of it. It started out as a few miles here and there, but I had to keep my trips brief because I would experience numbnuts and backpain.

Inspired, I finally dug myself enough out of depression to get a new job which afforded me a new bike of the proper size. With a bike that fit properly, I began doing even longer rides, and my record for round trip while the weather was good is about 35 miles. As the weather's gotten colder, I've finally started using my bike in the way it was intended to be used: I ride a Gary Fisher Gitche Gurnee, and I've finally begun doing some off-road biking.

I love biking, but I hate the guys who get TOO much into the silly spandex get ups. I love wicking clothing, but most of the stuff I see in the shops seems overpriced and overspecialized.

I've probably got less than 50 miles off road to my name, but riding a good bike on the trail is so incredibly invigorating... I've always been a nature-lover, and so I'm really loving the excursions I've made.There's a lot of great information to learn about here and a lot of expertise, so I look forward to getting to know you all


Me mid-ride stopping to take a photo

Hi VABikerGuy, I too have found that cycling is a good way to stay out of depression--been there, done that .

Getting out in the woods is a great way to see the world from a different perspective, so I'm happy to see that you got yourself a nice MTB .

Welcome to BF!

East Hill