I'm so glad I found this forum! It's an amazing resource and I can't wait to get posting. My name is Vanessa and I'm a sophomore in college living in northern Virginia. I live 4 miles from campus, and my boyfriend and I decided to take the plunge and commit to biking instead of driving. With the money we were saving for a car, we both bought bikes (his is a '71 Bianchi Record, mine is an '09 Bianchi Verona hybrid). Better for the environment, better for our health and easier on our wallets! We're also both in the market for mountain bikes for winter commuting, so I'm sure we'll have some new additions soon.

While the boyfriend's a total bike junkie, I haven't really biked since I was a child ... I was nervous that I wouldn't be in shape enough to make the 8 mile round trip to campus (school starts in a month, and I just got the bike), but today I decided to try and I ended up biking 11 miles total :) Easier than I thought! While my boyfriend rides on the road, I've been riding on bike paths, and I'm definitely glad I chose a hybrid - it can get a little bumpy at times. I don't know much about bikes yet, and I plan on taking a bike maintenance 101 class so I know how to do basic maintenance and repairs.

So, good to meet you all!

Welcome to Bike Forums, Vanessa. Check out the General Cycling Discussion and Commuting forums for more information.

There is a Women's forum that you can get access to after you have been posting on BF for a month. Send a PM to Siu Blue Wind (administrator) to get access.

Welcome to bike forums...

I'm in the DC area too, this is my first post.

Sweet! I'm in DC pretty regularly, I love it and I wish I actually lived there (instead of in the metro area).

Welcome! I'm in DC too and started riding today. I did 2milez. Gonna push the limit tomorrow and try to do 4. I have never really road before. Just biked a lot as a kid. Would like to enjoy as well as get in shape. Take care!