Another newbie from Brighton way

[powla]

I've been lurking for a while and thought I should be polite and say hello! I started cycling bout 5 years ago commuting to work but since then I have absolutely fallen in love with it. I've got a very old Trek mountain bike which I've stuck slicks on and a rack. Its my commute to work (even when the weather is rubbish), popping to the shops and going off on day rides, in short I would be lost without it!

I dream of owning a road bike but thats for a time when I have a bit more money. I've lost loads of weight cycling (another bonus) and can't wait for the summer to kick in...

I live in Brighton but have spent two days in london surviving London roads (dear god its a miracle I survived so will be interested to know how the cycle super highways develop).

Its a great forum and am looking forward to being part of the community!

 

[rusky]

Welcome to the community!

Do you commute far?

 

[bauldbairn]

Welcome to the CC forums powla, I'm glad your enjoying your cycling.

Maybe you should see if your employer has a C2W(cycle to work) scheme - a lot of people on this forum find it an affordable way to purchase that expensive "road bike" tax free! Think there are other cash benefits too!(to your employer and yourself).

 

[powla]

Thanks for the welcome. I live in Hove and work in Shoreham, so not too far and a pretty nice commute by the sea..when its not too windy!

I've thought of the cycle to work scheme and have read about it but I find it a bit weird that I would pay for it monthly then have to buy it at the end? Is it just me that thinks thats a bit bonkers?!

 

[bauldbairn]

Thanks for the welcome. I live in Hove and work in Shoreham, so not too far and a pretty nice commute by the sea..when its not too windy!

I've thought of the cycle to work scheme and have read about it but I find it a bit weird that I would pay for it monthly then have to buy it at the end? Is it just me that thinks thats a bit bonkers?!

I think the general idea is - it's like an old fashioned hire purchase. You don't actually own it till you've made your final monthly payment - the payment to your employer is a token one(I think I've heard 5% / 10% of the value mentioned somewhere). I believe you can save upto half the price of the bike?

 

[rusky]

I noticed that you changed your loation

 

[GrumpyGregry]

cycle down to the Madiera Cafe some Saturday mornings between March and November and you have a chance to meet shedloads of active cc'ers eating breakfast after a FNRttC* London to Brighton ride. You've done Brighton (and Hove), you've done London, now you've got to cycle the bits in between.

see you around and ride safe.

*search for FNRttC in here and you'll find loads of threads

 

[powla]

I did indeed change my location, I always forget I live in Hove actually! And very proud I am too (when I remember lol)

I did the London to Brighton last year. I won't tell you how many hours that took, but it was great, and have done various other rides around Sussex. I think there's a tourer in me waiting to be fully unleashed!

Not sure what FNRttC is but I will check out the threads.

 

[rusky]

FNRttC = Friday night ride to the coast

What bike do you ride?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I did the London to Brighton last year.

Not sure what FNRttC is but I will check out the threads.

yeah but anyone can ride it in daylight..... only a proper nutter cyclist would ride it in the dark.

FNRttC is so much more than a rubbish acronym. It's certainly the most fun I've ever had in the dark.... with 50 other people.... with my clothes on..... on a bicycle....

 

[powla]

A night ride...now that sounds appealing and bet its lots of fun. Think its one I need to work up to...don't fancy getting lost in the dark just yet!

My trusty stead is an old trek mountain bike (sport 800), and although a bit on the heavy side its put up with some heavy riding and has been very durable.

 

[bauldbairn]

FNRttC = Friday night ride to the coast

Never knew that.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

A night ride...now that sounds appealing and bet its lots of fun. Think its one I need to work up to...don't fancy getting lost in the dark just yet!

No one gets lost, (alone anyway, there have been a couple of breakaways that have gone astray) no one gets left behind, and the group waits for slower riders.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

Hello from worthing!