Pops1959

I'm new here, so I figured I'd check in! I was an avid cyclist in the 70s, but with the 80s came a very time consuming career and a family. So my beloved Raleigh 10 speed got put up and collected dust until I finally gave it away. Now the years have come and gone and I am not retired. And I am now quite over weight. Okay, I'm fat. There, I've said it. That and a few health issues led me to look for some physical activity to get me out of the house, which, being an avid reader and tea drinker who prefers peace and quiet, proved to be a difficult thing. But I remembered my days on my bike. And even further back, may days a kid on a my beloved Schwinn Stingray, a bike I've never forgotten (my Rosebud, for those familiar with Citizen Kane). Anyhow, my wife and I went to a local bike shop and bought two used bikes. She got a Mango beach cruiser type bike, and I a Schwinn Hybrid. Our first journeys out were wonderful. A bit painful on the knees, but it was good enough for us to know what we wanted to do this. The problem was that her beach cruiser weighted a ton, and my Hybrid was a bit short for my tall and portly carcass.... so, off to the bike shop we went and both came home with nice new Specialized hybrids that fit us correctly and are a joy to ride. Hopefully between riding everyday and diet modifications I can get slim again. But most of all, we're having fun! Peace to all!

RonH

Welcome to Bike Forums from west central Florida. Which Specialized hybrids did you get?
Stop by the Southeast Regional subforum and say hello to the locals.Lots of FL folks on here. And then stop by the 50+ forum and say hello to the old timers. I hang out there. I'm 71.

Pops1959

Hi Ron, and thanks for the kind welcome! I got a Crossroads, and my wife got a Crossroads Sport. We really love them. I will indeed check out the South East sub forum, thanks for the heads up!

qcpmsame 

Another Florida rider welcoming you, Pops, I think you'll find the place a good source of information and inspiration. Going out on a limb, but judging by your screen name, you are in the zone for our 50+ Forum. The place is full of good folks, lots of us have used cycling for both weight loss (100+ lbs for me,) and for overcoming health issues (multiple surgeries and now Parkinson's Disease.) Drop in and introduce your self there.

Where in Florida are you located? I am in NW Florida, Escambia County/Pensacola.

Bill

Pops1959

Thanks for the kind welcome, Bill! We're in Clearwater. And yep, I'm in the 50+ catagory. Waved goodbye to 55 a couple years ago. At least my body did.... my brain still thinks I'm 21! Often times there is a bit of a clash between the two, but hey.... It keeps life interesting. As for health issues, over weight, poor circulation, border-line hypertension.... all of which I am convinced biking will help me with. And it beats going to a gym!

obed7

welcome to the forums