A quick hello to the cyclechat forum folks 
I've been lurking on your forum for a few days now, reading with avid interest the various threads, and so I thought it's only common decency to register and acknowledge the help I've already had -so thanks everyone.
My story is that after some persuasion from my OH I ditched my car in January and have been walking the 3 miles to and from work ever since (though admittedly I sometimes get a bus home). To be honest it wasn't a difficult choice as I was spending a small fortune for the privilege of owning a vehicle that covered less that 500 miles last year.
Whilst walking I see lots of commuting cyclists -and although I really enjoy the walking - the idea of this mode of transport appeals to me, that and the fact that my OH has been a commuter cyclist for a little over 3 years doing on average an 18mile round trip everyday -getting leaner and fitter. There's no doubting the health benefits cycliing has to offer.
So about a week ago I used a rather idle Saturday afternoon to pop into a local bike shop, with the sole intention of exploring my options, with no further commitment. Well, a few hours later I walked out of the shop with a rather nice (well for me anyway) Ridgeback Rapide Speed Open Frame -much to the surprise of my OH.
I've been out on the bike several times now, though just for a few miles (2-3) and mostly along rural roads (I live in Norfolk, so plenty of countryside to choose from). At the moment I just want to get a feel for the bike and build my confidence. I was never one of those, jump on a bike and never fear kinda kids - I fell off too often for that
On Sunday my OH decided I needed to step things up a little and we went on a 9 mile ride -which was very enjoyable. Well, it was most of the time -after I'd negotiated a few mountains!! (okay, small inclines, but mountainous to my poorly legs and total lack of stamina).
I've set myself a target to build up my stamina slowly (am asthmatic and, well, unfit basically) and then aim to cycle to work perhaps two or three times a week. As I say, I do enjoy the walk in as I like to plug myself into my mp3 and let the world drift by -so I want to do both.
What I aim to do is to get out on the weekends and enjoy the freedom, get fit and explore the countryside around me. In addition to that -my OH takes part in the Norwich 50/100 event every year and I'd love to be able to do that in 2012....so I've got a target in mind, as far as stamina and fitness goals go -time will tell!
I will continue to work my way through the various threads, so as to avoid asking something that's been 'asked to death'. But if I do happen to touch on something that *yawn* has been done over and over... feel free to point that out (I don't offend easily).
Well that's me introduced and I look forward to getting to know some of you -or simply being part of this community.
Suse
I've been lurking on your forum for a few days now, reading with avid interest the various threads, and so I thought it's only common decency to register and acknowledge the help I've already had -so thanks everyone.
My story is that after some persuasion from my OH I ditched my car in January and have been walking the 3 miles to and from work ever since (though admittedly I sometimes get a bus home). To be honest it wasn't a difficult choice as I was spending a small fortune for the privilege of owning a vehicle that covered less that 500 miles last year.
Whilst walking I see lots of commuting cyclists -and although I really enjoy the walking - the idea of this mode of transport appeals to me, that and the fact that my OH has been a commuter cyclist for a little over 3 years doing on average an 18mile round trip everyday -getting leaner and fitter. There's no doubting the health benefits cycliing has to offer.
So about a week ago I used a rather idle Saturday afternoon to pop into a local bike shop, with the sole intention of exploring my options, with no further commitment. Well, a few hours later I walked out of the shop with a rather nice (well for me anyway) Ridgeback Rapide Speed Open Frame -much to the surprise of my OH.
I've been out on the bike several times now, though just for a few miles (2-3) and mostly along rural roads (I live in Norfolk, so plenty of countryside to choose from). At the moment I just want to get a feel for the bike and build my confidence. I was never one of those, jump on a bike and never fear kinda kids - I fell off too often for that
On Sunday my OH decided I needed to step things up a little and we went on a 9 mile ride -which was very enjoyable. Well, it was most of the time -after I'd negotiated a few mountains!! (okay, small inclines, but mountainous to my poorly legs and total lack of stamina).
I've set myself a target to build up my stamina slowly (am asthmatic and, well, unfit basically) and then aim to cycle to work perhaps two or three times a week. As I say, I do enjoy the walk in as I like to plug myself into my mp3 and let the world drift by -so I want to do both.
What I aim to do is to get out on the weekends and enjoy the freedom, get fit and explore the countryside around me. In addition to that -my OH takes part in the Norwich 50/100 event every year and I'd love to be able to do that in 2012....so I've got a target in mind, as far as stamina and fitness goals go -time will tell!
I will continue to work my way through the various threads, so as to avoid asking something that's been 'asked to death'. But if I do happen to touch on something that *yawn* has been done over and over... feel free to point that out (I don't offend easily).
Well that's me introduced and I look forward to getting to know some of you -or simply being part of this community.
Suse
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