Back on two wheels
06-14-09, 12:22 PM
#1
Wood
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Beaumont, Tx
Posts: 2,293
Bikes: Raleigh Sports: hers. Vianelli Professional & Bridgestone 300: mine
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Back on two wheels
Hello ladies and gentlemen,
I'm David Newton in Beaumont, Tx and I'm hoping to become a regular on two wheels after many years of not having the right bike, because of gaining weight.
My first two wheeled bike was a baloon tire bike that I had to lean against the house to climb up on, I had to fall off to stop. JC higgins bikes and Western Auto 26 inchers were my constant companion growing up. Mom always got mad at me 'cause I would strip the fenders and guards off, every ounce of extra weight would end up under the tree out back, where we worked on bikes.
In 1970 it all changed when I bought my first "english racer" a Robin Hood with Sturmey-Archer 3 speed, took me back and forth to class in college. Near the end of my stint in the Navy I bought a "Champagne" Raleigh International, the sweetest ride of my life so far. I could ride the long hills of central Texas, and not be tired at the end of a day in the saddle.
When dating my wife-to-be, I bought her a "Star of London" probably a Raleigh Sport with another label, and we would go on rides together. I had a friend who had a shop and introduced me to racing bikes of the Italian persuasion, with cut out bottom brackets in the shape of a shamrock.
My International was stolen, and since then I have not had a decent bike. I drifted to motorcycles as I needed to go faster and farther. I have gained weight eating my wife's wonderful cooking, and now at 57 I'm losing the battle and have determined to get back in the saddle.
I tried to go on a Miyata Triton, but it felt weak beneath my weight, so I'm put together a hodge-podge of parts and wheels on a Specialized Rock something-or other, that will carry me till I can get my weight down. It is single speed with front wheel brake. I look forward to the day I can ride what I really want to go on, a fixie.
I know most won't read this, so look for me in the "fat guy" area, and in Vintage Bikes, my main interest.
sincerely,
Dave in Tejas
I'm David Newton in Beaumont, Tx and I'm hoping to become a regular on two wheels after many years of not having the right bike, because of gaining weight.
My first two wheeled bike was a baloon tire bike that I had to lean against the house to climb up on, I had to fall off to stop. JC higgins bikes and Western Auto 26 inchers were my constant companion growing up. Mom always got mad at me 'cause I would strip the fenders and guards off, every ounce of extra weight would end up under the tree out back, where we worked on bikes.
In 1970 it all changed when I bought my first "english racer" a Robin Hood with Sturmey-Archer 3 speed, took me back and forth to class in college. Near the end of my stint in the Navy I bought a "Champagne" Raleigh International, the sweetest ride of my life so far. I could ride the long hills of central Texas, and not be tired at the end of a day in the saddle.
When dating my wife-to-be, I bought her a "Star of London" probably a Raleigh Sport with another label, and we would go on rides together. I had a friend who had a shop and introduced me to racing bikes of the Italian persuasion, with cut out bottom brackets in the shape of a shamrock.
My International was stolen, and since then I have not had a decent bike. I drifted to motorcycles as I needed to go faster and farther. I have gained weight eating my wife's wonderful cooking, and now at 57 I'm losing the battle and have determined to get back in the saddle.
I tried to go on a Miyata Triton, but it felt weak beneath my weight, so I'm put together a hodge-podge of parts and wheels on a Specialized Rock something-or other, that will carry me till I can get my weight down. It is single speed with front wheel brake. I look forward to the day I can ride what I really want to go on, a fixie.
I know most won't read this, so look for me in the "fat guy" area, and in Vintage Bikes, my main interest.
sincerely,
Dave in Tejas
06-15-09, 02:50 PM
#3
takin' it to the streets
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Denv-arrrgghhh
Posts: 1,093
Bikes: 1999 Kona Kapu; late 70's/early 80's Araya road bike/commuter bike.
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Welcome! Those "vintage" bike descriptions made me drool.
