Hello everyone,

Native of rural eastern California here, been in Arizona since December 2017. I'm in the north-central part of the state – high elevation and not too hot most of the time. I'm a middle-aged guy, fat and somewhat crippled. I did some mountain biking (and a heck of a lot of beer-drinking!) in the 1990s, but got away from the bike after a move and some other situational changes. I just bought a new entry-level mountain bike last weekend. Nothing too radical for me – I just want to get in better physical condition, enjoy nature and spend time with my family. I'd also like to become proficient at bike maintenance for myself, family and friends.

Since the minute I got the new bike, all I want to do is ride (even though I can't do it for long stretches at this point). Working from home, I find myself constantly coming up with excuses to take short rides.

That's my daughter in my avatar photo. She's a little older now and riding a bigger bike, but I've always loved this picture. It was the day we got her much-older sister's bike fixed up for her.

I look forward to learning a great deal from you all!

Welcome aboard!