PA2VA97

Just wanted to say Hi!. I have been reading the forums for about a month and getting a lot of helpful information. Bought myself a new bike about a month ago and have only been out riding a few times. Hope to get out more before the weather turns really cold.

Donna

Suzie Green

Woo hoo! Good for you Donna, glad to have you here and congrats on the new bike. We also have a womens only forum here and if you haven't found it already, just send a private notice to donnamb and she can get you access to it!

Suzie

tulip

Welcome. The Richmond Area Bicycling Association (www.raba.org) has lots of rides. Hope to see you out there sometime (I'm in Richmond).

East Hill

Hi Donna!

What bike are you riding?

By the way, there is a Winter Cycling forum, in case you would like to try to keep cycling even during winter...

Welcome to BikeForums!

East Hill

PA2VA97

Thanks for the welcome everyone! I just wanted a bike for recreational riding so I bought a Diamondback Wildwood Citi. I really like it, but I haven't been out riding much. There are a lot of places I would like to ride to but I am wary about riding the roads where I live. Tulip, I did check out RABA's website; they actually meet Wednesday evening at my church for their ride in Winterpock. I know a couple of people from church are members of the group. However, I am far from being up to their speed; I brake going down hills and am having a problem getting over the fear of going fast (speed). I keep thinking a wheel is going to come off or something; especially when I am going downhill. I think my average speed is about 5 mph. Irrational, I know.Not going to get very far at that speed. Once I get out and going, I am ok. I always liked riding a bike; it has been about 15 years since I last rode one though. I guess I just need to make up my mind and do it. I have been reading the 50+ forum (since I fall into that group) and they are amazing! Hope to talk to all of you again.

Donna

death m3tal

Hello, I am from the Midlothian area also.. well, Bon Air. About a month ago, I decided to try to bike commute a few times a week. I was nervous (and slow) at first, but after only four commutes, I am starting to feel comfortable and am getting alot faster. I've been biking in Hugeunot Park and on Robious Road's bike lanes for fun / workout rides. I am sure you know the busy roads in the Midlothian area, but here is what I've found for your use if you want it. Stay off of Midlothian Turnpike (it's murder), stay off of Huguenot Road (less murderous, but still killer). Good roads that I've found, with good destinations for biking are Robious Road to Huguenot Park (as I mentioned already), the neighborhood streets in Bon Air parallel to Buford Road, River Road along the James River from Huguenot Bridge all the way to the Westover Hills Bridge. The River road is ideal because it is so beautiful through there and a very low posted speed limit used primarily by people who are getting to the parks and aren't gunning to get to work. Also, I've read about a trail at Pocohontas State Park that is about 4 miles or so. I haven't tried it yet, but I've heard it is good. If you try it out, post your thoughts, please.

tulip

The signs on the Nickel Bridge say that cyclists must walk their bikes. Is that enforced?

death m3tal

No, enforcement of walking bikes is not enforced over the nickel bridge. I've seen Richmond City's Finest ride by and say nothing to cyclists riding on the bridge. The only thing that is enforced I think is the sign that says not to ride your bike in the vehicle lanes.

PA2VA97

I am slightly familiar with the Bon Air area; I work in the Arboretum. I live on old 100 by the Watermill development which is where I first actually rode my bike. I did that twice and then got bored and was unsure of where to ride so I didn't ride for about 3 weeks. Friday morning I rode from where I live on old 100 down towards Midlothian on old 100. It was a great ride and I did pretty well considering there is no shoulder on the road. I think I will ride that again a few times until I feel comfortable. My son rode on the trails in Pocahontas Park last summer on his mountain bike and really liked it. I haven't ridden there yet myself. I would like to get to the point where I feel comfortable running to the grocery store or Subway. I would really like to commute to work but I don't think that is going to happen. How far is your commute to work? Have you ever ridden in an organized bike ride like Bike Virginia? There was one up in Ashland 2 weekends ago that sounded really nice. The Route 1 bike route on Charter Colony is right up the road from me. I would like to ride that but I would have to ride on old 100 for about a mile or so before I get to it. Not sure I am comfortable doing that yet. As you can tell, there are a lot of places I would like to ride to when I get more comfortable. If you get to Pocahontas before I do, let me know how you like it. Hope to talk to you again and thanks for the ideas for areas to ride. Be safe.

death m3tal

I know the area you are talking about. I actually live just on the other side of Route 60 from the Arboretum, neighborhood called Brighton Green. My commute is 22 miles round trip. Chesterfield County is tough because most roads are narrow with no shoulders. I don't like riding in the County for that reason, I prefer getting into the city. However, I think the further out from the city you go, the better in terms of traffic. I haven't ridden in any organized rides, but I'd like to, maybe I will ride in one coming up, I'll look into it. If you haven't discovered it yet, Agee's on Midlothian by the Home Depot and Pizza Hut (near Chesterfield Town Center) is a good bike store. That is where I do my bike accessory shopping. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly.

PA2VA97

I know Agee's!!! That is where I bought my bike, from Brian. Also bought a few other things and thinking about a couple of things to get yet. Amazing how much stuff you can put on a bicycle

miamijim

Darn it, If you were a guy I'd tell you to say hi to Scarlett at the Hooters for me.

I worked in Richmond for a week last February and had a good time. Friendly people, lots to see and do.

Welcome to the bike forum and enjoy. There're alot of friendly people here who enjoy the same passion as you.

Jim

PA2VA97

Hi Jim,
Sorry to disappoint you but I won't be stopping in at Hooter's anytime soon, but thanks for the welcome. Glad you enjoyed your visit down here. It is a really nice place to live; and you are right, there is a lot to do around the area. Hope you get a chance to come back again.

Donna

tryfuhl

Va crew!!!

tryfuhl

w. broad or midlothian/chesterfield hooters, jim?