Hi from NE England

[carolonabike]

Hi all,

I've been lurking for a few weeks so I've decided to take the plunge and join in.

I was a keen cyclist in my twenties until family got in the way, since then it's just been occasional local outings with some holidays thrown in.

I've had the same bike for 25 years which was made for me by a friend, 531c, Shimano Dura Ace. I've been wanting to update it for a while but it was proving just too impractical and expensive. My workplace recently joined the cycle to work scheme and my LBS recommended a Trek Lexa...... words cannot describe how much I love this bike.

I've started commuting to work a couple of days a week as well as weekend outings, my longest trip has been 45 miles and I'm hoping to organise a work C2C next year, if I can get the lazy so and so's to sign up .

 

[Gerry Attrick]

You are most welcome Carol. Where are you based?

 

[carolonabike]

Thank you, I live in between Sunderland and Newcastle near the coast, a place called Boldon. It's nice. Cycling wise we tend to head to Northumberland, quiet roads, fabulous countryside, very popular with cyclists.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

I lived for eight years in Whitburn, so I know Boldon very well. Excellent cycling to be had.

 

[carolonabike]

It's a very small world.

 

[NormanD]

Welcome carol

We've a few members from Boldon on here and I'm not far off in Heworth, enjoy your stay, we're all insane on here

Norm 

 

[Mark_Robson]

Welcome to the site Carol, I might see you out and about.

 

[carolonabike]

Thanks for the welcome all, I can look quite nice on occasions with a bit of effort but I'm not very good at doing what I'm told.

I was born and bred in West Boldon, went to the little C of E school on the hill, now I live in East Boldon, happy days.

The weathers looking good for the weekend, we're thinking of heading from Ponteland, past Scot's Gap, Rothbury then on to Alston, this will be my longest run yet.

 

[rodgy-dodge]

welcome to CC Carolonabike from another North Eastener I'm Teesside way so a little further south to yourself. A great forum for help and information and just mad banter enjoy

 

[addictfreak]

Hi Carol

Another Boldon lad here, im on the new estate next to Boldon Comprehensive. Say hi if you see me around, I will be on a Black/white focus road bike during the winter months or maybe on a scott MTB.

Warmer and drier weather you will find me on my White Scott roadie

 

[carolonabike]

Hello Rodgy dodge, and thanks for the welcome. I'm already getting plenty of helpful advice on a proposed coast to coast trip next year.

Addictfreak, Hi. I went to school at Boldon Comp where your house now is . I have to say the houses look a lot nicer than the old school buildings which had already seen better days when I left erm.... some years ago.

I have just bought myself a Trek Lexa and I have to say I love it so, so much. Previously I was riding a bike built for me 25 years ago which I swore I would never change, but times move on and it got to the stage where it just wasn't economically viable to upgrade. My Lexa is a specific women's frame and feels really comfortable. One of the thing I like most is that the drops are shallower which means for the first time I can brake, change gear while still having my hands on the drops..... and all at the same time, brilliant!

I'll look out for you and give me a wave if you see me. There's not that many female cyclists around although the other day Mr Carolonabike said to me "you don't look like a girl on a bike from behind" Oh, I said, do I look Like a boy then? "No" he replied "more like a little old man"

 

[PatrickPending]

hello from down south - you'll get useful advice (mostly!) on here, I used to live in the ne nice part of the world just wish I cycled a bit more back then - only had a 10 speed carlton (second hand) and only made it out to seaton sands - missed a load of nice cycle rutes im sure......

 

[carolonabike]

Hi Patrick, lots of nice welcomes, thanks. Where abouts did you live?

 

[PatrickPending]

newcastle - went to uni there - egree and phd - so lived in various suburbs near the town centre - heaton mostly. was great up there.....

 

[DiddlyDodds]

Hello Carol
I am also doing the C2C next year (April) from St Bees to Robinhoods bay and also with work . I do have the advantage of the others being fitness freaks so this being just another challange for them, so i will do a thread when i get back to let you know how it went (2 days 170miles)

Pete