Bike Forums - newbie

My name is Tom O. I am a 45 year old lawyer in Chicago.

I taught indoor studio cycling classes for 2 years till I decided it was time to get out in traffic.

I now ride recreationally with friends. Sunday mornings we hit the paved path that runs along the shore of Lake Michigan. It runs through parks for a little over 20 miles end to end.

The section we ride takes us on a 26 mile loop. It is very beautiful during the summer. The winter can be challenging (icy) so we tend not to ride when the temp is much below 40 degrees.

I ride through my neighborhood into some of the suburbs, to the South of the City, a couple of evenings during the week (usually 18 miles).

I started out with a old borrowed Schwinn till I bought a used Trek 700 hybrid which I rode for 1 1/2 years. I got it from a rental place in the fall of 2001. I now have a Surly Cross Check. I loved my Trek but it was way too big for me and having a properly sized bike has made a huge difference.

I plan on doing some commuting by bike. I just have to work on how to do it and still look presentable in court.

I look forward to your replies.

Tom O.