Hi all, nOOb here.

Involved in competitive sports all my life until a broken shoulder took me out from raquetball about four years ago -- tried walking but found it really boring after the second cycle of repeated songs on my 2GB Ipod,. I am currently 53 y.o., stand 6'3" my weight went up to 235lbs from an almost life-long range of 200/210lbs. Sedentary life/weight gain didn't sit well w/me, specially my back which was finally diagnosed with spondylolisthesis IInd degree after many years of aches and pains. That was this past November and have been in therapy and rehab since.

Found the bike again after a fifteen year layoff and after four months back in the saddle, I am simply loving it. It has the right amount of competitiveness -- which, frankly, I need if I am going to stay active -- and, obviously, the fitness benefits are great. Down to 215lbs as we speak and my goal is to eventually settle at about 200, which my neurosurgeon says will be great for my troubled back.

Ride an '09 Jamis Citizen 2 presently, but the good folks at the hybrid forum have helped me design my next bike, which will be a modified Jamis Allegro 3X.

All in all, things are going very well for me at the moment, more so considering where I was back less than a year ago. Must say I love both riding and all the encouragement/positive reinforcement/information I find in this forum.

So thanks for having me and happy trails to all.