Greetings,

I am excited to be part of this biking forum. I just started biking this summer. I live in Elk River MN. We have a nice little trail - The Great Northern Trail which connects to Woodland Trails Park. From where I live this is a 12 mile ride. My post name "TheBigD" comes from the fact that when I started biking this summer I tipped the scales at over 250 - a bit much for a 5'9" old man (60+ we'll leave it at that). I have logged over 800 miles since June which equates to a weight loss of over 30 lbs (I know, still a ways to go). I really want this to continue throughout the winter months. I decided to join this forum for a couple of reasons. I want to take advantage of the forums with respect to training suggestions, equipment guidance, and just meeting people with a common interest. I doubt I will ever be a "serious" biker. I am more interested in continued progress in the life style change I took on this summer. I ride a 2013 Giant Sedona DX (which is just like new - almost like it was never ridden - Oh, I guess until this year it never was) , track progress on my Android phone with MyTrack. I just received a CycleOps Fluid 2 trainer which I plan to put to use soon (yes, winter will come again to Minnesota). I have been a member of other forums but mostly lurked. I am going to try to do better on this one.

Anyway, glad to be a part of this forum.