Bike Forums - Back in the Saddle (Reston, VA)

After a 25 year hiatus, I decided to buy a new touring bicycle in April 2014, set a "Century" day goal, and hope to do some bikepacking overnight trips next year and perhaps try the C&O/Gap trail from DC to Pittsburgh.

Happy to report I've pedaled 850 miles the past 4 months, achieved my Century goal (115 miles in 6.5 hours), and totally loving the freedom and adventure that cycling delivers.

So far, all I've added to the stock build is a Lezyne Alloy Drive Hand Pump, Spurcycle Black Bell, Abus Phantom Lock, and a German Handlebar Mirror. Considering adding a randonneur-style integrated front rack/decaleur and front handlebar bag, but still undecided.

Slowly learning how to maintain the bike (Park Tool manual, YouTube videos, REI classes), but it's still a challenge.

Then I made the "mistake" of watching 3 weeks of Tour de France coverage, and now I want to get a used, fast, vintage road bike too :) Alas, maybe next year.