Hi from La Salle,IL.
 

Just wanted to introduce myself. Just found the forum and am loving it. I'm a novice rider, love the road and mountain. Just not much mtn close to home. I've worked in a bike shop for the past 4yrs( getting better at the derailleurs) can change a tube with the best of 'em. The bike shop closed Dec. 24th, am now working on my business plan to open my own shop. My brother will be the head wrench, since I still have so much to learn. I ride a 2003 Spec. Allez Vita, a 2004 Raliegh Retroglide, and still haven't decided on a mountain bike. I had a 15" Hardrock A1 spt., would like a xs womens epic. Just can't afford it yet.

Looking forward to talking with you all.

Hi, Midgie.

Was that Tullio's you worked at? It's a shame about them closing up.

Not a lot of mountains in LaSalle, but hop on the canal path and pedal over to Utica, then head north on Clark Street (if I recall correctly). It's not a long hill, but its plenty steep.

I lived in a crummy rental house in the north end of LaSalle for about 6 months some years ago. I also lived in Utica for about a year and a half.

Welcome to the forums. Go Cavaliers.

I see my original post on this thread was deleted for some reason, so I will just say welcome to Bikeforums, Midgie!

WOW, I didn't realize it had been so long since I visited. That was back in January. But, I have been busy working on my business plan. And I spent a week in Texas, just to get away from the cold.
To regular guy: I'm not climbing clark st. hill, I don't like climbing starved rock hill. Actually the last time I tried starved rock I walked up it. I'm a self proclaimed pansy, and do not ride nearly as much as I could or should. When did you live in La Salle? We're you in Tullios? Tullio's owner is running for mayor of Utica.
Tullio's will be missed, but my brother, sister-in-law, and I are opening a shop in Jonesville.(just southwest of Utica) Its not quite the prime location of Tullio's, but we're pretty sure its a good one. Alot easier to get to from Utica and Ottawa, and of course Oglesby.

Thanks for the Hello. Both of you. Midgie

I lived in LaSalle in 1984-85, and in Utica for about 18 months after that.

I visited Tullio's, but (obviously) only after I moved out of the greater L-P metropolitan area.

Clark St. hill isn't that bad. It only hurts for a little while.

Good luck with the new business venture!