Hello from Tampa, Florida
#1
Nun Bus
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Hello from Tampa, Florida
Afternoon, all.
I'm new to this forum and am getting back into riding road after a decade off a road bike. I've done a fair amount of commuting here where I live (Tampa, Florida) and a small amount of trail riding but after arriving at my 35th birthday last month I was hit by the road bug again. Did this resurgance of personal interest come from a serious dose of media coverage due to the upcoming Tour combined with an urge to mix it up with 'the roadie youngsters" blasting by in lycra?
Sure, I'd be a liar to say it didn't.
Also, I realized that there's a dimension to road riding that I just don't experience from a commute or from riding a trail, and I miss that.
So, long story short, I started searching online for a decent road bike and stumbled across this forum. After reading a good many posts here I think I've found a pretty diverse and interesting online community that shares similar tastes. And that is pretty damn cool.
Thanks for letting me bend your ear, err, eyeballs,
Scotty
PS Oh. If anyone has a lower-priced 54cm road bike they're looking to part with, feel free to PM me. Major repairs on my truck just drained me, so the cheaper the better. It doesn't have to be pretty, just functional.
I'm new to this forum and am getting back into riding road after a decade off a road bike. I've done a fair amount of commuting here where I live (Tampa, Florida) and a small amount of trail riding but after arriving at my 35th birthday last month I was hit by the road bug again. Did this resurgance of personal interest come from a serious dose of media coverage due to the upcoming Tour combined with an urge to mix it up with 'the roadie youngsters" blasting by in lycra?
Sure, I'd be a liar to say it didn't.
Also, I realized that there's a dimension to road riding that I just don't experience from a commute or from riding a trail, and I miss that.
So, long story short, I started searching online for a decent road bike and stumbled across this forum. After reading a good many posts here I think I've found a pretty diverse and interesting online community that shares similar tastes. And that is pretty damn cool.
Thanks for letting me bend your ear, err, eyeballs,
Scotty
PS Oh. If anyone has a lower-priced 54cm road bike they're looking to part with, feel free to PM me. Major repairs on my truck just drained me, so the cheaper the better. It doesn't have to be pretty, just functional.
#2
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Hey I am in Sarasota, Maybe we can get together and ride the suncoast path. From the tampa exit, to the end in crystal river, it is 32ish miles. Fun ride on an early morning, paved the whole way, and fenced off from traffic.
Keep in touch,
Shmanz
Ps. Pm me for anything else.
Keep in touch,
Shmanz
Ps. Pm me for anything else.
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Hey,
There are a bunch of people from the area on the forum. You should be able to find plenty of people to talk about rides in the area. What area of Tampa do you ride in?
There are a bunch of people from the area on the forum. You should be able to find plenty of people to talk about rides in the area. What area of Tampa do you ride in?
#4
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Same here.
I'm technically on the other side of the pond now, in Clearwater, but have spent most of my life on the Tampa side.
Just turned 35 last month, eh? I'm turning 35 next month (oh wait....month after next).
I'm technically on the other side of the pond now, in Clearwater, but have spent most of my life on the Tampa side.
Just turned 35 last month, eh? I'm turning 35 next month (oh wait....month after next).
#5
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Be sure to check out some of the St. Petersburg Bike Club rides. A great one for you would be our Saturday morning group meeting at 8:30 AM at the North Shore Pool. We have various speeds including a training ride (very fast), 26 mph, 24 mph, 22 mph, 18 mph, and a couple of slower groups. We have everything from current pros and ex olympians, national and world champions to recreational riders. Something for everyone.
https://www.stpetecycling.com/
Our big "Share the Road" ride is this coming Sunday at 8:30 AM
https://www.stpetecycling.com/
Our big "Share the Road" ride is this coming Sunday at 8:30 AM
#6
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Originally Posted by shmanz
Hey I am in Sarasota, Maybe we can get together and ride the suncoast path. From the tampa exit, to the end in crystal river, it is 32ish miles. Fun ride on an early morning, paved the whole way, and fenced off from traffic.
Originally Posted by bab
Hey, There are a bunch of people from the area on the forum. You should be able to find plenty of people to talk about rides in the area. What area of Tampa do you ride in?
Originally Posted by KingTermite
Same here. I'm technically on the other side of the pond now, in Clearwater, but have spent most of my life on the Tampa side. Just turned 35 last month, eh? I'm turning 35 next month (oh wait....month after next).
Originally Posted by skydive69
Be sure to check out some of the St. Petersburg Bike Club rides. A great one for you would be our Saturday morning group meeting at 8:30 AM at the North Shore Pool. We have various speeds including a training ride (very fast), 26 mph, 24 mph, 22 mph, 18 mph, and a couple of slower groups. We have everything from current pros and ex olympians, national and world champions to recreational riders. Something for everyone.
If you guys hear of 54cm anything in a lower price range, let me know?
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-Scotty
Originally Posted by V-Rock
I sometimes like to ride with a ferret in my pants while eating blowfish sushi just to up the ante.
#7
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I don't know of any good bike shops on that side as I did my looking on this side of the pond.....but if you want to make the drive, I can recommand a few good ones over here.
In the meantime, maybe this website will help.
https://www.ultimatesupport.com/ussbi...cator.asp?s=FL
In the meantime, maybe this website will help.
https://www.ultimatesupport.com/ussbi...cator.asp?s=FL
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Dude Thames Bicycle shop is on Macdill near you.
Address: 2409 S Macdill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629
Phone: (813) 839-0410
If you are close to Bayshore, then you are only 5 minutes from there..
I bought my road bike there, but I was looking for new. They are a lot of help and might be able to tell you where the best deal on a used 54cm bicycle. I think they might be under new ownership recently because I know the owner was looking to cell last year.. If the employees haven't changed too much, they were always a great source of information even if you weren't buying anything..
Good luck in finding a nice ride.. Davis Island is also a great place to ride..
Address: 2409 S Macdill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629
Phone: (813) 839-0410
If you are close to Bayshore, then you are only 5 minutes from there..
I bought my road bike there, but I was looking for new. They are a lot of help and might be able to tell you where the best deal on a used 54cm bicycle. I think they might be under new ownership recently because I know the owner was looking to cell last year.. If the employees haven't changed too much, they were always a great source of information even if you weren't buying anything..
Good luck in finding a nice ride.. Davis Island is also a great place to ride..
#9
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Originally Posted by bab
Dude Thames Bicycle shop is on Macdill near you.
BTW....isn't it "Dud", not "Dude" ?
#10
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I live in New Tampa. You might want to check out University Bicycle Center. www.ridingbicycles.com is their website.
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Originally Posted by indie kid
I live in New Tampa. You might want to check out University Bicycle Center. www.ridingbicycles.com is their website.
#12
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Originally Posted by King Termite
I haven't been to that one, but my friend (who works near downtown) has...as I recall she liked it too. BTW....isn't it "Dud", not "Dude" ?
Originally Posted by indie kid
I live in New Tampa. You might want to check out University Bicycle Center. www.ridingbicycles.com is their website.
__________________
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-Scotty
Originally Posted by V-Rock
I sometimes like to ride with a ferret in my pants while eating blowfish sushi just to up the ante.
Last edited by Zen Existence; 07-09-05 at 11:51 AM.
#13
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Alright, the fiance purchased a bike for me for our anniversary (now I definitely have to marry her!), which I'll pick up Saturday. So it looks like I'll be ready to ride by next week.
Congratulate an old roady for gettin' back on the bike; here I come!
Congratulate an old roady for gettin' back on the bike; here I come!
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-Scotty
-Scotty
Originally Posted by V-Rock
I sometimes like to ride with a ferret in my pants while eating blowfish sushi just to up the ante.
#14
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I live in South Tampa as well (Harbour island), I ride 3-4 times a week. Suncoast Parkway, Davis Island, Flatwoods Loop and on Sunday I ride in the group ride out in San Antonio. The San Antonio ride is a hilly and long ride, either a 40, 60 or 80 mile ride
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Originally Posted by el diablo
I live in South Tampa as well (Harbour island), I ride 3-4 times a week. Suncoast Parkway, Davis Island, Flatwoods Loop and on Sunday I ride in the group ride out in San Antonio. The San Antonio ride is a hilly and long ride, either a 40, 60 or 80 mile ride
Now I am envious and strive to be that good.
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Originally Posted by Zen Existence
Alright, the fiance purchased a bike for me for our anniversary (now I definitely have to marry her!), which I'll pick up Saturday. So it looks like I'll be ready to ride by next week.
Congratulate an old roady for gettin' back on the bike; here I come!
Congratulate an old roady for gettin' back on the bike; here I come!
#17
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Originally Posted by el diablo
I live in South Tampa as well (Harbour island), I ride 3-4 times a week. ... Davis Island...
I'm also really excited about the St. Petersburg Bike Club rides. That's organized by the Tampa Bay Freewheelers, correct? They sound incredibly well organized. I used to do the ride that met at a school, I believe, then rode to BuddyFreddys and back, in Plant city. It was a fun, low-paced ride with a goodly amount of quick riders thrown in, of course this was a decade ago ...
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-Scotty
Originally Posted by V-Rock
I sometimes like to ride with a ferret in my pants while eating blowfish sushi just to up the ante.
#18
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Originally Posted by Zen Existence
How long a circuit is there on Davis Island? I live, literally, a mile from there and never thought to ride there.
I'm also really excited about the St. Petersburg Bike Club rides. That's organized by the Tampa Bay Freewheelers, correct? They sound incredibly well organized. I used to do the ride that met at a school, I believe, then rode to BuddyFreddys and back, in Plant city. It was a fun, low-paced ride with a goodly amount of quick riders thrown in, of course this was a decade ago ...
I'm also really excited about the St. Petersburg Bike Club rides. That's organized by the Tampa Bay Freewheelers, correct? They sound incredibly well organized. I used to do the ride that met at a school, I believe, then rode to BuddyFreddys and back, in Plant city. It was a fun, low-paced ride with a goodly amount of quick riders thrown in, of course this was a decade ago ...
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Hey,
I live in central Tampa and ride to South Tampa on the weekends. I almost always end up on Davis Island. I use Himes as my main North - South route. It's relatively quiet most of the day. Some people use Westshore also, but I only go on it early in the a.m. From either of those streets you can take some east - west streets like Bay to Bay or Interbay. Its also fun to ride to the Freedom trail off of Gandy or to Picnic Island park off of Interbay. Of course, no ride is complete without braving Bayshore Blvd. If you pull out a map you can put together several combinations depending on how many miles you want to go. I generally travel out of my neighborhood south on Boulevard St., west on Morrison, south on Himes, west on Interbay to Picnic Island, then turn around and head back out east on Interbay. I then hook up with Bayshore and head north till I get to the Davis Islands bridge. I ride to the Davis Is. Yacht Club and then go home. It is about a 35 miles route. Depending on the time of day you'll see plenty of riders. I've only had a few encounters with annoying motorist. I think they are use to seeing bikers in this area. Maybe I'll see ya' out there.
P.S. It's dang hot almost anytime of the day right now so bring lots of water and don't push yourself too hard!!
I live in central Tampa and ride to South Tampa on the weekends. I almost always end up on Davis Island. I use Himes as my main North - South route. It's relatively quiet most of the day. Some people use Westshore also, but I only go on it early in the a.m. From either of those streets you can take some east - west streets like Bay to Bay or Interbay. Its also fun to ride to the Freedom trail off of Gandy or to Picnic Island park off of Interbay. Of course, no ride is complete without braving Bayshore Blvd. If you pull out a map you can put together several combinations depending on how many miles you want to go. I generally travel out of my neighborhood south on Boulevard St., west on Morrison, south on Himes, west on Interbay to Picnic Island, then turn around and head back out east on Interbay. I then hook up with Bayshore and head north till I get to the Davis Islands bridge. I ride to the Davis Is. Yacht Club and then go home. It is about a 35 miles route. Depending on the time of day you'll see plenty of riders. I've only had a few encounters with annoying motorist. I think they are use to seeing bikers in this area. Maybe I'll see ya' out there.
P.S. It's dang hot almost anytime of the day right now so bring lots of water and don't push yourself too hard!!
#20
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Originally Posted by Zen Existence
(re. University Bike Center) Great place, I go there often; they even have a used bike sale area in the back of the store (which used to be the original store about ten years ago) so it's worth a shot. Employees are uber-helpful, too.
Sorry....you were mistaken. They only have a few (very few and mostly kids) used bikes out front under a canopy. That part in the back is their service shop and the used bikes you saw were customer bikes in for repair.
I asked the guy.....the few out front are the only used bikes.
No biggie....just thought I'd make sure everybody knew that. It was a nice bike shop though...hadn't been there before. Their prices did seem a tad higher than others I frequent, but very well stocked.
#21
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Yes, I noticed that when I stopped by University Bikes a few weeks ago. There used to be an area in the back of the store that at one point sold bikes on commission, I believe, but that seems to be no more.
Sorry El Diablo, missed your post -- it ended up being a Motobecane Record with Tiagra, which seems fine for one just getting back on the road. We'll see how that works out.
Truth be told, I forgot how much it takes to get a decent set of gear together, i.e. clipless pedals, cleats, shorts, helmet, gloves, computer. I'm buying things slowly but surely, although it still adds up. Not a problem, though, it'll be worth it to be back on a bike, riding again.
Also, this'll actually be my first time with STI brake/shifters, due to the fact that when I used to ride so many years past it was only a high-end option. Let's just say I'm pretty excited.
Sorry El Diablo, missed your post -- it ended up being a Motobecane Record with Tiagra, which seems fine for one just getting back on the road. We'll see how that works out.
Truth be told, I forgot how much it takes to get a decent set of gear together, i.e. clipless pedals, cleats, shorts, helmet, gloves, computer. I'm buying things slowly but surely, although it still adds up. Not a problem, though, it'll be worth it to be back on a bike, riding again.
Also, this'll actually be my first time with STI brake/shifters, due to the fact that when I used to ride so many years past it was only a high-end option. Let's just say I'm pretty excited.
__________________
-Scotty
-Scotty
Originally Posted by V-Rock
I sometimes like to ride with a ferret in my pants while eating blowfish sushi just to up the ante.
Last edited by Zen Existence; 07-24-05 at 10:42 AM. Reason: Missed a reply to an above post