Pete here from Portland Oregon. I am 44 years old, about 6' and 195 pounds (down from 215 in January - I quit drinking alcoholic beverages then). I am the complsive obsessive type and decided that I wanted to try commuting to work via bicycle. I drive a Chev 2500 truck, all by myself, over the west hills and into downtown Portland every day! I felt a little irresponsible about this. Soooooo, this weekend I went out and purchased an awesome mountain bike. I went with a mountain bike because I have done a fair bit of that in my past (4 kids put the kabosh on consistant riding about 10 years ago) and I figured it would be more versitile. After only a day and half of commuting, I already have plans to get the road bike (there is the compulisve obsessive behavior showing itself).

I have a 9-1/2 mile ride each way. In the morning it is 3 miles up hill and the balance down. Of course, the afternoons are just the opposite. I am really getting a good work out from this. I am glad it is tough as it gives me plenty, and I mean plenty, of room to improve.

I love this. I can really see that it is a complete lifestyle change for me, all for the better (except that my rear end is pretty sore at this point!!!!!!!!).

I stumble accross this forum and really enjoy it! I hope in years to come I can be a contributing member.

Take care!

Pete