anniebikes

I have just joined the bike forums after another bike forum I was using did not seem to have much traffic. I started on a MTB in 1999 and immediately fell off and broke my collarbone! But, I started back two months later and then in 2004 went for a bike trip in Ireland to celebrate my 30th anniversary. It was on that trip that I fell in love with road bike riding and I bought one the day I came back. I also learned about an all women's bike tour company https://www.WomanTours.com that did cross country bike rides and I signed up to ride the Southern Tier, which I rode in the spring of 2007. The trip was so much fun that I wanted to do another long trip and so I am doing the Adventure Cycling Association's Underground Railroad Route in May-June this year with the same women's tour company.

Some of my other long rides have been the Cycle North Carolina in 2006 and 2007. I plan to do the Bike Virginia in June, 08 and Bike Ride Across Tennessee (BRAT) in September.

East Hill

Hi Annie, no fear that this board does not have much traffic! We are a very vocal bunch here, and generally pretty friendly as well.

Do you have photos of the ride in Ireland? And what bikes are you riding now?

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

anniebikes

I am riding a Diamondback Master road bike but it is a double crank, and although I did fine across the country, I would like to get a compact or triple. My husband and I want to do some touring (long time backpackers) and we need a touring bike that is not too heavy or a regular roadbike which has eyelets for racks. We are both lightweight and could use a regular road bike.

Yes, I have pictures of Ireland but have never uploaded them to a web site but I may look into that! I have a friend on the cross country trip right now and she is using Picasa. Since I use that on my touring computer, I might have to try the website.

flyor64

I think I know what forum you speak of...lot's of spam...not regulation...this one has been great to me in the little time I've been a member.

What part of East Tennessee? I have family in Knoxville...and I used to live in Huntsville, AL...and Clarksville, TN before that!

Check out the Surly Long Haul Trucker...if (and hopefully when ) I convince my wife that I need another bike, that's the one I think I'll get. I can't find anything negative about it anywhere, except that it's a little heavier as it's steel...may not be your cup of tea, but as far as long distance comfort and rackability, it's apparently perfect!

Welcome.

HandsomeRyan

Welcome to BF!

Where in East TN do you live? I'm in Knoxville but we have BF members from just about every town in east TN running around here someplace.

AndrewP

If you dont carry much of a load when touring, a cross bike may suit you well.

anniebikes

Thanks for all the advice on bikes. I want a lightweight bike, too. I live in Bristol.