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Thinking of coming back...

Old 01-28-12, 06:20 PM
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I need more cowbell.
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Thinking of coming back...

Hi everyone,

I've been MIA for probably over a year. Haven't been cycling much at all, and in fact sold Ruby, my Specialized Roubiax last year.

I'm getting the itch again, and thinking of getting me a Surly Long Haul Trucker. Took a short test ride today and was reminded of how much fun it is to ride!

I've moved to a much less bike-friendly area of San Diego, between Santee and El Cajon. It will be much hotter in the summer than my old haunts. That, and far less scenic unless I head further east to ride, into the countryside, which will introduce me for the first time to long climbs.

I haven't pulled the trigger and am still weighing the pros and cons, but I am leaning in the direction of returning to cycling.

Good to see all the old-timers!
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Old 01-28-12, 06:30 PM
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Pedaled too far.
 
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You're welcome any time DG. Glad to see you back.
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Old 01-28-12, 06:36 PM
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It's always good to see you, Gary.
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Old 01-28-12, 06:46 PM
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Do it. You will be happier and fitter.

You can get used to heat and long climbs.
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Old 01-28-12, 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Digital Gee
I'm getting the itch again, and thinking of getting me a Surly Long Haul Trucker.
Do they come in white?

Good to see you back, DG!!
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Old 01-28-12, 07:02 PM
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I need more cowbell.
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No, no white, sorry to say! The 2011 comes in a fairly bright blue which I didn't like at first, but it's growing on me. The 2012 is a dark green, which I liked better. I'd love to hear comments from any LHT owners.

Originally Posted by doctor j
Do they come in white?

Good to see you back, DG!!
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Old 01-28-12, 07:07 PM
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Nice you see you post again. White, blue,...if your ride fast enough, it's all a blur anyway.
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Old 01-28-12, 07:11 PM
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I need more cowbell.
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It's really fun to be back here at the forum. I look forward to renewing old (VERY old) acquaintances, and making new friends.

I was also surprised to discover how much terminology I'd forgotten when I visited the LBS. I kept describing things as, "You know, the thing that..."

The LHT is a 9-speed, which I like. I was shown a quite fancy bike computer which comes with GPS - something I've not had in the past. And I have to remake all kinds of decisions like saddle, pedals, helmet, etc. I'm staring to do the on-line research now. This will keep me busy until I have the cash on hand (I don't want to charge anything).


Originally Posted by NOS88
Nice you see you post again. White, blue,...if your ride fast enough, it's all a blur anyway.
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Old 01-28-12, 07:11 PM
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I am glad to see you back! I have truly missed your humorous insights!
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Old 01-28-12, 07:13 PM
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I need more cowbell.
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Aw, shucks! Thanks, Miss Kenton and everyone above!

Hope I still have my sense of humor, since I'm now eligible for the Sixty Plus forum! (Is there such a thing?) And is pie still required eating?

Originally Posted by miss kenton
I am glad to see you back! I have truly missed your humorous insights!
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Old 01-28-12, 08:17 PM
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Didja bring any pie?

Welcome back.
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Old 01-28-12, 08:18 PM
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just keep riding
 
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Welcome back, DG. The Long Haul Trucker is a very nice touring bike. Are you planning to do some loaded touring?
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Old 01-28-12, 08:38 PM
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I need more cowbell.
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Not sure. But I figured if I did decide to do some touring, I wouldn't have to start with another bike.

Originally Posted by BluesDawg
Welcome back, DG. The Long Haul Trucker is a very nice touring bike. Are you planning to do some loaded touring?
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Old 01-28-12, 08:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Digital Gee
Not sure. But I figured if I did decide to do some touring, I wouldn't have to start with another bike.
You've forgotten the N+1 imperative?
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Old 01-28-12, 09:03 PM
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Welcome back, DG.

It's hard to stay away from biking
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Old 01-28-12, 09:26 PM
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I need more cowbell.
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How could I forget? I just don't have the space these days. (or the budget!)

Originally Posted by NOS88
You've forgotten the N+1 imperative?
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Old 01-28-12, 09:28 PM
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I need more cowbell.
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Indeed. Having been sedentary for a while now, I've put on some pounds, gotten lazy, forgotten the joy of being out in the weather (any weather), having a routine which got my heart pumping, and mostly forgotten how serene and alive I can feel, simply by climbing on a bike. I'm leaning even more since this afternoon - I know me. Once I start leaning, I fall quickly. I'll be back on a bike in no time.

Originally Posted by Beverly
Welcome back, DG.

It's hard to stay away from biking
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Old 01-28-12, 09:29 PM
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DG demonstrates that n+1 is active even if n=0.
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Old 01-28-12, 09:57 PM
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I've had an LHT for about 3 years and like it a lot. It is good for touring, hauling groceries, communing but it is heavy and not too fast. I did ge a number of complements on the last century I was on - the LHT has a pretty good reputation even among the go-fast set. Check out the touring section of the forums for more LHT reviews.
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Old 01-28-12, 10:39 PM
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Welcome back, didn't you have a mountain bike, too?
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Old 01-28-12, 10:44 PM
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I need more cowbell.
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I've had lots of bikes over the past seven years, including two mountain bikes bought fifth hand. They're all gone, except the Globe. I didn't enjoy mountain biking as much as I had thought I would. I might even sell the Globe, because where I live now, it's impractical as a "grocery" bike so it doesn't get much use. I think I want one ring to rule them all.

Originally Posted by big john
Welcome back, didn't you have a mountain bike, too?
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Old 01-29-12, 01:32 AM
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Time for a change.
 
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Sanity returns.
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Old 01-29-12, 07:34 AM
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Originally Posted by stapfam
Sanity returns.
SANITY returns? This is the Deege that we're talking about. May the falfulling recommence. I'm stoked!
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Old 01-29-12, 07:36 AM
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Hey Deege. Have you ever tried a (gasp) recumbent?
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Old 01-29-12, 08:20 AM
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Just a thought- if your rides are going to involve long climbs, try for a light bike.

And another thought- riding conditions vary tremendously. I hear lots of good things about California cycling in general. You may have gotten spoiled by whereever you lived previously. Anyway, you may find that local riding conditinos are still better than what some other people have in other places. But check it out, learn to deal with the heat and you can get a lot miles in when other people are sitting at home. Start shucking some pounds while you're shopping, too, no reason to wait. If you have some good long steep hills, go walk up 'em every day, that's good exercise that helps with some of the bike muscles.
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