Hey everyone, I'm ljwoodw. I'm a grad student who lives in Oakland. I'm actually more of a runner than a cyclist, but we can keep that between us. I've found that my running fitness allowed me to jump in with a nice head start in the cycling world.

I've been car-free since high school and started riding two years ago because I figured out that I could cut 20 minutes off my commute by cycling to work instead of taking the subway. It's been all downhill from there. One day, when my trusty hybrid was in the shop with some major issues, I found an amazing deal on a Jamis Satellite, and well, having a road bike changed my life...suddenly I could go to the mountains, to the beach, to visit friends in faraway towns, etc.

The Satellite has since been stolen but I upgraded to a Jamis Quest, and will be taking it on a bike tour from Port Angeles, WA to Oakland in about a month.

Dear God, a month???

Hello LJ, boo on having the Satellite stolen, but a nice upgrade to the Quest. You're going to be touring from Port Angeles? What's your planned route?

Oh, I am in Kent, Washington .

Welcome to BF, and feel free to PM me with any questions !

East Hill

Welcome LJ! I also run and cycle, and live in the bay area (Foster City).

Have a great time on your tour! Make sure to take lots of pictures.

Why, thank you, East Hill! I've noticed that you're quick to respond to the introductions threads - it's nice of you to make everyone feel welcome

I'm sticking mostly to US-101 (and its various side streets) until Leggett, then taking CA-1 for a while before crossing inland towards Napa and Vallejo. I'm pretty pressed for time, since I start a summer internship almost immediately afterwards, so I'm mainly staying in hostels so I can cover more ground each day.

And hello, neighbor! Is Foster City on the peninsula somewhere? I'm still learning my way around, since I just moved out here in August.

I like saying hi so much that I was made BikeForum's Official Greeter ! Seriously . The more people who join and talk, the more fun we all have!

I can't remember if there are any BF members in Port Angeles, but it's a very scenic spot. You will enjoy the tour! I just drove over much the same route on my return to Puget Sound from having done the Cinderella Classic.

East Hill

Good guess! Foster City is on the Peninsula, near to San Mateo.

If you ever need help finding things in the area, feel free to post up in the NorCal forum, we're a friendly bunch.

I can vouch for that !

East Hill