towncop

Hello there everyone. I've recently been bitten by the bicycle bug. I've ridden bicycles off and on all my life, but have only had the typical old-school 10-speeds and mountain bikes. I'm looking to seriously get into road biking. I'm looking for the best bang for my buck as the wife won't let me spend a ton of money on one, LOL.

I'm looking forward to getting started in this sport and hopefully next year, I want to ride on a police charity ride that benefits the families of fallen police officers. Last year, a very inspirational person to me died on that charity ride, Lt. Gary E. Dudley of the Indiana State Police. I only knew him briefly, but he changed my life and the kind of police officer I am. I hope to be able to carry on his love and passion of biking and helping those families.

I look forward to reading and learning as much as I can from these threads. Go easy on me - I'm a NEWBIE!! lol.

Dchiefransom

Is that the ride near New Jersey?
You need to put out a "budget" that you want to hit.

towncop

The ride is all over the country. However, this particular ride was a "special" ride as they were just doing it for the Indiana Chapter of COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors). I guess the budget I'm looking for is probably around $500-$800, if that helps anyone for suggestions!! Thanks again.

deputyjones

Welcome! I am a Sheriff's Deputy from MI and I commute to work by bike, but I don't think I would be much help with road bike suggestions as I am more of a MTB guy. Check out the Road forum and read through stickied and old posts and I am sure you will find the information you are looking for.

East Hill

Hello towncop, when you get ready, there's a forum just for Charity Rides (included in the Community section, of which Introductions is a part). Make certain that you put in a post there, it's a great way for us in the cycling community to help others .

If you are any good at wrenching, you could try looking at your local Craigslist to see if there are any gently used older bikes for sale there. If it's old enough (as in steel with lugs), you can post a question in the Classic & Vintage forum and get some feedback as to suitability. Don't forget to check into the Great Lakes regional forum as well. Perhaps a member close to you has a suitable bike they aren't using that they could get you at reasonable cost for your ride?

Welcome to BF, and good luck!

East Hill