That is, I bought my first fixie yesterday. It's also the first bike I've owned in 15 years, give or take. I moved here (Albuquerque) and just finally had to admit that I couldn't skateboard everywhere like I could back home (Chicago). The pavement is too rough, and I'm walking at least half of the trip with the combination of hills and pavement. So, I bought a bike. There are a few reasons for this. First and foremost I just ended the relationship that brought me to ABQ. This leaves me pretty anxious, and I can't stand being in my apartment. Having a bike gives me an escape route (easy means to get somewhere), a distraction (something to do) and some form of a club. I know a couple fixters in town, and I hope we can meet up for rides soon. The second reason I bought this bike is that it was cheaper than a tricked out road bike or mountain bike, and the simplicity of a fixie is quite appealling. One thing I admired about the messenger crowd back home was their D.I.Y. attitude, building their own bikes and such. I'm not going to pretend that I know anything about the "cool" fixies. I don't even know if it's cool to actually say "fixie." I don't care, really. Well, kind of I do... (if only all these people accused of being hipsters could admit that maybe they wouldn't catch so much ****, but then you aren't your own martyr anymore...) So, to be honest, I bought a bike because I wanted to ride. I got the fixie because I think they are cool, yet knowing full well that I won't be impressing anyone with my choice of bike and had absolutely no intention of doing so anyway. And, at least for now, I'm glad my bike is a brand-new Pista; I'm not looking for any status symbol with some vintage steel or something. I just want to ride and hang out with people who ride. That's my introduction.

Now, I ask for advice. You know, anything you think might be helpful for a new fixter. And if you want to make up things that aren't really helpful, i.e. "dude, you should totally _________ (insert embarrassing or painful thing here)" go ahead, I won't know the difference other people who know more than me can either laugh or think you are a turd. So, the first things I've noticed are that my neck and my ass really hurt. I'm not used to riding, so being stretched out over the bars like that and keeping my neck/head up is more tiring than anything else so far (though I did get a little mushy-legged coming down some stairs yesterday after I bought the bike and rode 6 miles or so). And my bootay where it sits on the saddle feels like it might be bruised. No matter, not like I don't think I'll get used to these things. What else will I get used to physically? I do have some minor tears in my LCLs from running, though they haven't bothered me in about 6 or 7 years and are probably as close to being healed as those types of things can be. Another thing that I noticed is while slowing down (especially coming down hills) I was pushing down on the handlebars pretty hard, putting my whole body into stopping. I have no doubt that as I get stronger that will become easier. I'm wondering, though, if that's normal or is it more of a leg thing? I don't want to put extra stress on my bars or anything, or learn something that is a bad habit. So, I can't really think of anything else for now. I just want to hear thoughts or ideas or share words with people who understand or whatever.